Break out the lederhosen and bring the whole family, Island Oktoberfest returns to Historic Downtown Galveston October 23 & 24! 
Live music and dancing
Children’s rides, games and activities
The annual Chicken Dance Contest
The Cake Wheel
Arts, crafts and local vendors
Authentic German food and homemade desserts
Costume and stein-holding contests
October 23–24
First Lutheran Church, 24th & WinnieAdmission is free.
German costumes encouraged!
Come hungry and ready to polka! Learn more about Island Oktoberfest 
https://www.visitgalveston.com/…/island-oktoberfest/
Every October, Galveston’s historic district fills with music, food, and festivities during the island’s annual family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration.
Enjoy live German music, traditional food and drinks, local shopping, and kid-friendly activities, all in one lively downtown setting. Come early for the keg tapping, stay for the polka, and don’t forget your festive attire. It’s a fun, fall tradition that brings the community together year after year.
Location and Details
Taking place on the grounds and surrounding streets of First Lutheran Church at 24th and Winnie in downtown Galveston, this annual festival offers free admission. Proceeds support the church’s community programs, including Feed Galveston and Fanfare!
Dress in traditional German attire
Come dressed to impress, as it’s not only entertaining for all but there are prizes to be won, too. The festival’s photographers will be looking out for German costumes in the crowd, and on Saturday, there’ll be a German Costume Contest (free to enter). Lucky winners will receive a $50 gift card in four categories: Best Adult Gentleman, Best Adult Lady, Best Child Boy, and Best Child Girl.
Witness the ceremonial tapping of the keg
On Friday, the tapping of the keg takes place, officially opening Oktoberfest. Not only is the keg full of imported German beer, but the beer gets passed out for free. If wine is more your fancy, this is your kind of Oktoberfest, as there will also be a “Popping of the Cork.”
Savor a multi-course German dinner
Besides festival treats like freshly popped popcorn and warm pretzels, a delicious meal will be waiting for you. Sausage lovers will be in heaven with smoked bratwurst and knockwurst and the hearty wurst abendessen, a typical German sausage dinner paired with traditional side dishes. End the meal on a sweet note with a freshly baked Helga’s strudel, along with other homemade desserts.
Enjoy traditional dance and music
In between all the eating and shopping, kick off your heels to live music on the festival’s two main stages. Back again this year to delight the crowd are The TubaMeisters, the tuba/euphonium quartet. You’ll be delighted to know that they play more than just traditional oompah band music.
Shop for authentic arts, crafts, & gifts
The 1850 Lyceum, the Victorian-style mid-19th century chapel, is also the venue for getting your shopping fix at Oktoberfest. Get to know various vendors and their lovely handcrafted items, and maybe even get a jumpstart on Christmas shopping with unique gifs.
Participate in the Cake Wheel and other games
Try your luck on the Cake Wheel and you may walk away from Oktoberfest with a ton of cake! Pick the right number on the spinning wheel and a cake of your choice is yours to take home. All cakes are handmade by the congregation of First Lutheran Church.
Show your endurance and strength in the Bavarian sport of Masskrugstemmen, in which contestants hold a 1-liter stein of beer in front of them at shoulder level for as long as possible. The rules are strict: no beer spilling, no elbow bending, and arms must be kept parallel to the ground. Come try to beat the world record set in Germany — 20 minutes and 13 seconds!
Compete in the annual Chicken Dance contest
On Saturday, get ready for some laughs with the annual Chicken Dance contest. Pairs create their own dance moves, and the more creative the better. Contestants must be on the dance floor and ready to groove before the music starts. Volunteers from the crowd and event staff will choose semi-finalists. Winners will be judged based on the length/volume of applause delivered by the audience.
For more information visit Galveston’s official Oktoberfest website.
Where is Island Oktoberfest
2415 Winnie St.,Galveston TX 77550
The event covers 2 blocks from 23rd to 25th streets.
How Much is Oktoberfest
Admission is free; food and drinks are available for purchase with prices varying per vendor.
What are the activities available?
There are a variety of activities that take place during Island Oktoberfest:
- Cake Contest
- Cake Wheel
- Entertainment
- Food & Drink Vendors
- Kid Friendly Activities
- Silent Auction
- Steinholding Contest
