SPOTLIGHT
At Ctrl + Create, youth voice isn’t a buzzword, it’s the foundation.
This Galveston-based creative community is reimagining what youth programs can look like by putting teens at the center of every experience. From co-designing workshops to leading events and building real-world portfolios, young people aren’t just participants, they’re collaborators, creators, and leaders.
Under the guidance of Executive Director Cora Moore, Ctrl + Create operates with a deep commitment to listening first. Cora takes immense pride in a mission rooted in trust, healing, and authenticity. She believes young people already have the answers, they just need spaces where they’re heard, supported, and empowered to take the mic.
Each session blends creativity, leadership development, and mental wellness. Grounding tools, affirmations, and a “toolbox for care” are woven into the experience, ensuring that healing isn’t an add-on, it’s essential. Adult allies, including local artists and mentors, are intentionally trained to listen before they mentor, reinforcing a culture of respect and shared growth.
Ctrl + Create operates in schools and partner sites across Galveston, with programs developed alongside Texas A&M University Youth Rising Lab. Their work is deeply community-powered, bringing together local artists, schools, and neighbors to ensure opportunities stay rooted right here at home.
At its core, Ctrl + Create stands for healing-centered practices, youth-led impact, and community collaboration. And through Cora Moore’s leadership, that vision continues to grow, proving that when young people are trusted to lead, the entire community rises with them.
409 DAY
LET'S EAT PAPA'S PIZZA with
A Galveston favorite for classic comfort food, Papa’s Pizza is the kind of spot you can count on for bold flavors and a laid-back island feel. Known for their always-satisfying classic pepperoni pizza and craveworthy hot honey wings that hit with the perfect balance of sweet and heat, it’s an easy choice for lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite. Located right on the Seawall at 4400 Seawall Blvd., they’re open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday and Monday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, making it a reliable stop no matter the day.
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• Birthdays
• Holidays
• Special Occasions And More
Hidden Gem
1946 Mezzanine
Found along Post Office Street, 1946 Mezzanine offers a warm, character-filled setting for events that feel personal and thoughtfully curated. The space carries a timeless downtown feel with character you can’t replicate, warm textures, elevated views, and an intimate atmosphere that makes every gathering feel intentional. Ideal for private celebrations, weddings, creative events, and small-scale receptions, this venue offers a balance of charm and flexibility in the heart of the city. If you’re looking for a space that feels both historic and personal, this hidden gem delivers.
Cinco de Mayo
Each May, Galveston Island joins cities across the United States in celebrating Cinco de Mayo. A day that commemorates Mexico’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While the holiday’s roots come from Mexican military history, in the U.S. and places like Galveston it has evolved into a cultural celebration of Mexican and Mexican‑American heritage with festive music, food, and community spirit.
A Day of Festivities Downtown
In recent years, Galveston has hosted an annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the Old Galveston County Courthouse on 21st Street. This all‑day, family‑friendly celebration features live music from regional and local artists, folklórico dance performances, face painting, traditional Mexican foods like tacos and churros, and vendors selling crafts and jewelry. Proceeds often benefit local organizations, such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) scholarship program, which supports the educational aspirations of young Latin Americans in the community.
Locals also recall earlier festivities that included jalapeño eating contests, strolling mariachis, community dancing, and entertainment with Hispanic music downtown during Cinco de Mayo weekends in the early 2000s.
in Galveston Culture, Community & Celebration
What the Holiday Means Locally
While Cinco de Mayo is often associated in the U.S. with parties and parades, its deeper significance lies in celebrating heritage, resilience, and the contributions of Mexican culture to American life. In a coastal town like Galveston with its long mix of cultural influences, maritime history, and diverse community, the holiday has become another way to come together, celebrate music and food, and honor shared cultural roots.
Photo Courtesy Of: LULAC Council 151 and Youth Council 12
ElizabEth Rabago hill Owner
of Visionary Beauty
Elizabeth Rabago Hill, owner of Visionary Besuty Studios, is a nail artist driven by passion, precision, and purpose. What began as a creative outlet quickly evolved into a refined craft rooted in collaboration, education, and intention. Known for her elevated, long-lasting sets, Elizabeth blends creativity with technical expertise to bring her clients’ visions to life, always with nail health, detail, and confidence at the forefront. Inspired by color, everyday moments, and the creative process itself, her work is elegant, timeless, and a true reflection of loving the journey just as much as the final result.
Studio
Photo Courtesy Of: Alexajanelles Photography
CREATIVE MIND
Q. What initially inspired you to become a nail technician, and how has your creative style evolved since you first started?
A. It started off as a creative outlet; I wanted Pinterest nails but was turned down at regular salons because the designs were too intricate. It quickly became something I was passionate about learning; I found purpose. Over time, my style has evolved from experimenting with trends to intentional and elevated sets, developing a more refined process to ensure my clients feel confident and put together. I focus on creating exactly what my clients have in mind, blending creativity with precision, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Q. When a client comes in with a specific idea or inspiration, how do you bring their vision to life while still incorporating your own artistic style?
A. I always start with a consultation, taking the time to understand not just what they want visually, but what their expectations are and even what medium is appropriate for their lifestyle. It becomes a collaboration. My goal is to bring my clients’ vision to life, while educating them to ensure their overall nail health. The signature touch is the knowledge I’ve acquired to guarantee my clients’ final result last 2 weeks or more.
Q. Where do you typically find inspiration when creating new nail designs?
A. At the moment I’m especially inspired by color combinations, but inspiration can truly come from anything that piques my interest. Social media is a huge part of any creatives job today, seeing others work and drawing inspiration, and turning it into your own creation. It’s important for me to keep an open mind and draw inspiration from even the very ordinary as well to keep my work well rounded and feeling elegant, timeless, fresh and original.
Q. Can you share a nail set that was especially challenging or rewarding to create, and what made it memorable?
A. One of the most memorable sets I created pushed my creativity and technique. It involved intricate detailed drawings, specific product layering, and handmade 3D art. It required a lot of patience and precision. What made it so rewarding was seeing the result come together exactly as envisioned and of course my client’s reaction. Nail sets like these really push you to understand the products you invest in to work with. You are coming up with a plan to not only execute the design but how to execute it in the correct product order so that the finished results look sleek and almost effortless. These sets remind me why I love what I do, because I truly fell in love with the process, the journey if you will and the excitement on my clients’ face is the destination.
Q. What is one of the most unique or unexpected requests a client has ever asked for on their nails?
A. I had a client request a press on set for a concert, not unexpected but the reference photo she sent me was. She showed me Nailz by Dev (IYKYK) hand painted Bone Thugs N Harmony portrait set. I was shocked, I could draw almost anything, but I do not do portraits. With that being said I am not one to give up or quit either. It was a challenge and I was up for it. There were a lot of trials and errors, especially with sizing, but I was able to create and print out decals. With those decals I was able to achieve exactly what my client had envisioned perfectly.
Galveston's Epicurean
Epicurean 2026
An evening of flavor, flair, and the Gulf air.
Congratulations to Mortar Galveston Entrepreneurship Academy
Photo Credit: Island Swag Group Chat
May EVENTS
Hackathon High! High School Pitching Event
Friday, May 15th | 11:45AM - 1:45 PM | MarMo Plaza | 2121 Market St.
Come out and show love to our future leaders! Hosted by Vision Galveston, the Ball High School Hackathon 2026 gives student teams the chance to pitch their ideas, sharpen their skills, and compete for scholarship funding. Supporting this event means investing directly in our youth.
Back Garden Tour
Saturday, May 16th | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Harris Gardens | 2302 Broadway St.
Clean Galveston’s Back Garden Tour is a one-day, rain-or-shine, self-guided experience showcasing private gardens and outdoor sanctuaries across Galveston Island. From whimsical to refined, each stop highlights how islanders transform their outdoor spaces into personal retreats. Tickets are $20 per person.
Scan this QR Code to purchase a ticket!
Asian & Pacific American Heritage Day at GOFM
Sunday, May 17th | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 3304 Market St.
APAMSA (University of Texas Medical Branch) invites the community to celebrate Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month with an engaging cultural experience, hosted by Groundswell/Galveston's Own Farmers Market. Enjoy interactive activities like origami, Chinese lucky knot tying, Vietnamese Bau Cua, and a variety of Asian-inspired baked goods. Students will also share information on local health screening resources serving Asian communities in the Houston and Galveston areas.
Opening of Moody Gardens
In 1986, Moody Gardens opened to the public. Originally developed as a horticultural therapy project, it grew into one of Galveston’s most recognizable attractions, known for its glass pyramids.
In May 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Galveston reopened its beaches in phases after temporary closures and restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus.
Texas began easing statewide restrictions in late April and May 2020, and coastal communities like Galveston adjusted local rules accordingly. The reopening received significant statewide attention because:
• Galveston relies heavily on tourism revenue.
• Officials had to balance economic pressure with public health concerns.
• There were debates over crowd control, mask guidance, and enforcement capacity.
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