October 25th-27th In Historic Downtown Galveston:

Galveston Island’s 38th Annual Island Oktoberfest

This year’s festival kicks off Friday evening, October 25th from 5-10pm, and continues Saturday, October 26th from 11am-10pm. 

Galveston’s premier fall festival, the 38th Annual Island Oktoberfest, expands to include for the first time ever, a special Sunday morning German Polka Church service to be held outside under the big tent! The service will begin at 10am, and the 38th annual Island Oktoberfest will then conclude at 12 noon, following a Fellowship hour after the church service.

This fun, family weekend will feature continuous live entertainment on two stages, an expanded menu of authentic German food and libations, Cake Wheel, shopping for fine arts, crafts, and gifts in the historic 1860 Lyceum, a lively auction, more fun contests, beer and wine events, and fun, family children’s activities plus much more.

Island Oktoberfest will be held on the grounds of and streets adjacent to First Lutheran Church, 24th and Winnie in historic downtown Galveston. Admission is free.  

German costumes encouraged. This year, festival-goers can look forward to more of everything … that is German!

Island Oktoberfest, hosted by First Evangelical Lutheran Church and co-sponsored by Del Papa Distributing Company, will open Friday evening with themed Bier Garten venues – featuring a variety of both German and domestic brews and a variety of German-style wines. Again this year, Oktoberfest will feature special beer and wine tasting events -paired with a delightful array of appetizers. 

In addition to great music and dancing, there will be superb food including smoked sausage, bratwurst, knockwurst, and ‘Wurstabendessen’- a sausage dinner comprised of German-style and Polish-style Wurst with all the traditional German side dishes. This special German Dinner will be available both Friday evening and on Saturday. 

For a sweet finale, homemade Helmut’s strudel (freshly baked on site) will be offered, in addition to a variety of tempting homemade desserts  – specially prepared by congregation members from recipes handed down from generation to generation, and additional popular festival treats!

The historic and beautifully renovated circa 1860 Lyceum will again be open Friday evening and from 11am  on Saturday, with vendors showcasing exceptional hand-crafted arts, crafts, and gift items for those festival-goers eager to get a head start on holiday shopping. Because Oktoberfest continues to be one of the vendors’ most enjoyable and popular venues, regular attendees can look forward to shopping at their long-time favorite booths – each featuring holiday and other special gift items.

Proceeds from Island Oktoberfest will benefit First Lutheran’s community outreach programs –including FeedGalveston and Fanfare! Lutheran  Music Academy. For more information, visit galvestonoktoberfest.com, call (409)762-8477, or follow the event on Facebook at Island Oktoberfest.

Galveston Bookshop will host a book signing with Ervin Mendlovitz and his two books focusing on Galveston’s 1900 storm, a novel and a collected oral history.

“GalveStorm 1900: A Story of Twin Flames” is set in Galveston, Texas. This is the story of Uri Petrokov, a Russian immigrant, and Genevieve Parker, a beautiful, independent- thinking young Texas woman who is far ahead of her time. As successful as Uri has been partnering with his brother Peter in the print business and thus living the American Dream, he remains unfulfilled nonetheless until the day Genevieve walks into the shop.

The struggles the young couple must endure to be together, including prejudices in the community and within Genevieve’s own family, test the limits of their love. Meanwhile, another storm is brewing, quite literally. On a Saturday in 1900, Galveston is taken by complete surprise when a hurricane unexpectedly devastates the port city, nearly sweeping it from the face of the Earth. The resulting cataclysm changes the young couple’s lives forever.

“The Voices of the Descendants: Stories From the 1900 Galveston Storm” is a compilation of stories primarily told by the descendants of those who experienced the 1900 storm, many never before presented publicly. B&W photos from private family collections are included.

Ervin Mendlovitz, OD, lives in San Antonio where he has a private optometry practice. His own experiences as a minority in Texas helped inform the narrative in this story of immigration, love, and natural disaster.

Galveston Art League Gala puts the FUN in FUNdraising

by Mary Vinnedge
            You can put your best fun forward at the Galveston Art League Gala being held 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in the San Luis Hotel in Galveston.

            The league’s fifth annual gala is themed The Nature of Art/The Art of Nature, and guests can wear cocktail attire or something related to the theme. One accomplished painter and longtime Art League member will flutter into the event in a butterfly costume; a non-artist who’s a league member has pledged wear a sea turtle T-shirt and coordinating bow tie with a sporty jacket.

            The Galveston Art League’s fundraiser galas – always laid-back parties with fine food and open bar – will honor these conservation groups and their programs:

• Turtles About Town (a Turtle Island Restoration Network program).
• The Seawall Interpretive Trail (an Artist Boat project).
• FeatherFest/PhotoFest/FledglingFest (annual initiatives of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council).

            These three nonprofits raise awareness about environmental issues and threats to wildlife, and they act to preserve habitat as well as native plants, birds, mammals, and other animals. The organizations incorporate art into their programs while teaching about conservation and raising awareness of best practices.   

            The gala has two overriding purposes: It will serve as a show of support for those causes and as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Galveston Art League, which is operated solely by volunteers and has never had a salaried staff member. The league was founded more than 105 years ago to promote art in the greater Galveston County area. To that end, GAL holds competitions for artists, it hosts art workshops and even free activities for kids and adults, and it raises the profile of artists with its gallery exhibits that change monthly.

            The gala’s fast-paced fun will be helmed by emcee TJ Aulds, founder of i45NOW, an online digital TV news outlet covering the Galveston Bay/Clear Lake region.

            One event highlight will be the raffle of a wheelbarrow loaded with wine, liquor, and snacks; the supplies are ideal for a garden party, picnic, etc. Dozens of auctions – live and silent – provide an excellent way to expand your art collection, purchase holiday gifts, or snag products, gift cards, and services donated by area merchants. For instance, on the block are Kendra Scott jewelry, a tarot card reading, and 3-D art and paintings by high-profile regional artists such as Leroy LeFlore, Paul Tankersley, and Lee Johnson. (To contribute an auction item or to become a gala sponsor, please email gallery2117@gmail.com.)

            Great conversation – plus the chance to make new friends and catch up with old ones – will flow all night along with wine or other beverage of your choice. Sparky’s Jazz Express, a band, will play live during the event.

            To purchase tickets, please visit www.GalvestonArtLeague.com or go in person to the Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. in Galveston. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays and during ArtWalk. (Be sure to buy raffle tickets while you’re there – you don’t have to attend the gala to win the raffle, by the way. Raffle tickets are $10 each, three for $25.)

            Questions? Email gallery2117@gmail.com or call 409-938-1671. I’ll see you at the GAL gala!

Every Thursday 3-6pm and Sunday 9am-12 noon (note new summer hours), Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is held at The Bryan Museum Gardens, located at 1315 21st St. Come to the beautiful Conservatory and botanical gardens to relax and enjoy time and conversation with friends, family, and museum staff while shopping for locally grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products, plus live music, yoga, massage, crafting and Kids Corner! 

The Thursday market features all of the perks that you’ve come to expect at the market plus the added charms of the Bryan Museum’s “Wine at the Bryan” weekly event. The Sunday market also features wonderful goods and the charm of Bryan’s courtyard. It is always free to browse and most events are FREE to participate. 

At every market, there will be:

• Live music
• A chance to learn more about The Bryan Museum
• FREE recycling with Keepin’ It Green: Every week, they accept your clean, rinsed recyclable plastics, glass, aluminum and paper/cardboard. KIG comes to pick it up every week aftermarket.
• Family-friendly activities sponsored by partners like Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park, Galveston Island Humane Society, etc.

GOFM is always “BYOC” – bring your own cup. They have eliminated single-use cups for the free Sunday morning coffee station and Thursday water station. Support the initiative by cleaning out your cupboards and donating unwanted mugs to market for others to use.

Every Sunday (10am): Yoga Classes – These classes are led by local yoga teachers. All classes are free to attend.

October 27th & 31st: Halloween Shenanigans – On October 27th, bring the kids (or the kid in you) to be a part of the spooktacular costume parade through the market, get your face painted by the fabulous Mel Black, pet Princess Tulip the Market Bunny, and vote for the best dressed vendor!

Every Thursday 3-6pm and Sunday 9am-1pm, Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is held at The Bryan Museum Gardens, located at 1315 21st St. Come to the beautiful Conservatory and botanical gardens to relax and enjoy time and conversation with friends, family, and museum staff. It is always free to browse and most events are FREE to participate. At the market, there will be:

• Live music
• A chance to learn more about The Bryan Museum
• FREE recycling with Keepin’ It Green: Every week, they accept your clean, rinsed recyclable plastics, glass, aluminum, and paper/cardboard. KIG comes to pick it up every week aftermarket.
• FREE family-friendly activities sponsored by partners like Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park, Galveston Island Humane Society, etc.
• “BYOC” – bring your own cup. They have eliminated single-use cups for the free Sunday morning coffee station and Thursday water station. Support the initiative by cleaning out your cupboards and donating unwanted mugs to market for others to use.
• The Thursday market features the Bryan Museum’s “Wine at the Bryan” weekly. 
• Every Sunday (10am): Yoga Classes – These classes are led by local yoga teachers. All classes are free to attend.

Every Third Thursday (3-6pm): Thirsty Thursdays is held every 3rd Thursday wherein Galveston Island Brewing donates beers first-come, first-serve to market customers! You can shop, sip and stroll the market while exploring the museum grounds and buying local foods.

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market operates 2 markets every week, Thursdays & Sundays. 

Join us this Sunday and every Sunday!
9am-12pm (June-September)

9am-1pm (October-May)

at The Bryan Museum – Galveston (1315 21st St)
year-round

*There is always live music and activities/information offered by one of our many Community Partners, whether it’s Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife, Galveston Sports Massage, facepainting or beyond…

*Products typically available include: kombucha, fresh bread, hand-roasted coffee, teas/salves/tinctures, olive oil, baked goods, salsa, jams, fresh eggs & meats and fresh produce. All GOFM markets utilize only LOCAL vendors selling foods they grow or make themselves, which means at certain times of year we have very little produce because our local farmers have very little harvest (ie if it has rained a great deal, or the middle of summer, immediately after several days of freeze, etc.)

October 27th & 31st: Halloween Shenanigans – On October 27th, bring the kids (or the kid in you) to be a part of the spooktacular costume parade through the market, get your face painted by the fabulous Mel Black, pet Princess Tulip the Market Bunny, and vote for the best dressed vendor!

Stop by dressed in a gourd-geous costume and receive a free GOFM sticker at the GOFM Info Booth plus, enjoy The Bryan Museum’s Trunk or Treat in the parking lot.

Every Thursday 3-6pm and Sunday 9am-1pm, Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is held at The Bryan Museum Gardens, located at 1315 21st St. Come to the beautiful Conservatory and botanical gardens to relax and enjoy time and conversation with friends, family, and museum staff. It is always free to browse and most events are FREE to participate. At the market, there will be:

• Live music
• A chance to learn more about The Bryan Museum
• FREE recycling with Keepin’ It Green: Every week, they accept your clean, rinsed recyclable plastics, glass, aluminum, and paper/cardboard. KIG comes to pick it up every week aftermarket.
• FREE family-friendly activities sponsored by partners like Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park, Galveston Island Humane Society, etc.
• “BYOC” – bring your own cup. They have eliminated single-use cups for the free Sunday morning coffee station and Thursday water station. Support the initiative by cleaning out your cupboards and donating unwanted mugs to market for others to use.
• The Thursday market features the Bryan Museum’s “Wine at the Bryan” weekly. 
• Every Sunday (10am): Yoga Classes – These classes are led by local yoga teachers. All classes are free to attend.

Every Third Thursday (3-6pm): Thirsty Thursdays is held every 3rd Thursday wherein Galveston Island Brewing donates beers first-come, first-serve to market customers! You can shop, sip and stroll the market while exploring the museum grounds and buying local foods.

Every Thursday 3-6pm and Sunday 9am-12 noon (note new summer hours), Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is held at The Bryan Museum Gardens, located at 1315 21st St. Come to the beautiful Conservatory and botanical gardens to relax and enjoy time and conversation with friends, family, and museum staff while shopping for locally grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products, plus live music, yoga, massage, crafting and Kids Corner! 

The Thursday market features all of the perks that you’ve come to expect at the market plus the added charms of the Bryan Museum’s “Wine at the Bryan” weekly event. The Sunday market also features wonderful goods and the charm of Bryan’s courtyard. It is always free to browse and most events are FREE to participate. 

At every market, there will be:

• Live music
• A chance to learn more about The Bryan Museum
• FREE recycling with Keepin’ It Green: Every week, they accept your clean, rinsed recyclable plastics, glass, aluminum and paper/cardboard. KIG comes to pick it up every week aftermarket.
• Family-friendly activities sponsored by partners like Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park, Galveston Island Humane Society, etc.

GOFM is always “BYOC” – bring your own cup. They have eliminated single-use cups for the free Sunday morning coffee station and Thursday water station. Support the initiative by cleaning out your cupboards and donating unwanted mugs to market for others to use.

Every Sunday (10am): Yoga Classes – These classes are led by local yoga teachers. All classes are free to attend.

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market operates 2 markets every week, Thursdays & Sundays. 

Join us this Sunday and every Sunday!
9am-12pm (June-September)

9am-1pm (October-May)

at The Bryan Museum – Galveston (1315 21st St)
year-round

*There is always live music and activities/information offered by one of our many Community Partners, whether it’s Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife, Galveston Sports Massage, facepainting or beyond…

*Products typically available include: kombucha, fresh bread, hand-roasted coffee, teas/salves/tinctures, olive oil, baked goods, salsa, jams, fresh eggs & meats and fresh produce. All GOFM markets utilize only LOCAL vendors selling foods they grow or make themselves, which means at certain times of year we have very little produce because our local farmers have very little harvest (ie if it has rained a great deal, or the middle of summer, immediately after several days of freeze, etc.)

November 8th (5-7pm): Healthy Cuisine – Students will take home new recipes, eat a menu of delicious dishes & share a laid-back time with food-loving folks. Tickets are $5 and available at galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com/cooking-classes/. Adults only. This class will be held at Galveston College Culinary Academy Kitchen (4015 Avenue Q, the culinary lab is located close to the corner of 41st and Avenue R.)

Every Thursday 3-6pm and Sunday 9am-1pm, Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is held at The Bryan Museum Gardens, located at 1315 21st St. Come to the beautiful Conservatory and botanical gardens to relax and enjoy time and conversation with friends, family, and museum staff. It is always free to browse and most events are FREE to participate. At the market, there will be:

• Live music
• A chance to learn more about The Bryan Museum
• FREE recycling with Keepin’ It Green: Every week, they accept your clean, rinsed recyclable plastics, glass, aluminum, and paper/cardboard. KIG comes to pick it up every week aftermarket.
• FREE family-friendly activities sponsored by partners like Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park, Galveston Island Humane Society, etc.
• “BYOC” – bring your own cup. They have eliminated single-use cups for the free Sunday morning coffee station and Thursday water station. Support the initiative by cleaning out your cupboards and donating unwanted mugs to market for others to use.
• The Thursday market features the Bryan Museum’s “Wine at the Bryan” weekly. 
• Every Sunday (10am): Yoga Classes – These classes are led by local yoga teachers. All classes are free to attend.

Every Third Thursday (3-6pm): Thirsty Thursdays is held every 3rd Thursday wherein Galveston Island Brewing donates beers first-come, first-serve to market customers! You can shop, sip and stroll the market while exploring the museum grounds and buying local foods.