Galveston Monthly - Exploring Your Island Paradise

This Month

Strand Ghosts

One of the most popular features about Galveston this time of year is that its ghosts seem to outnumber the living. As the former business district of the island, The Strand has been affected by many things over the years including the 1900 Storm, Yellow Fever, Spanish Flu, and a Civil War Battle. Apparently, the spirits from some of those events are hesitant to leave.

Gustav Heye Home

The state of disrepair of the Gustave Heye House at the corner of Thirteenth Street and Postoffice in the East End Historic District often leads passersby to believe that it has been abandoned, but that is not so. Though this unique home is obviously in need of repairs, it originally anchored a district of homes owned by German families and was a source of great pride for its original owner.

Staghorns & Bird's Nests

Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “fearn” meaning “wing,” ferns are sometimes called “wings of comfort.” These typically flowerless plants have feathery fronds divided into leaflets where a vascular system transports water and nutrients while reproduction is sustained through the release of spores from the bottom sides of the fronds themselves. F

Galveston Ghost Tales

Galveston author Denise Sandoval knows there are people who will read her book and think she might have a screw loose. She does not care. She knows what she knows, and she owns what she has seen and the experiences she has had.

Grave Beneath the Playground

Children laugh and play on the grounds of Adoue Park, unaware that beneath their feet lie the crumbling remains of the young man who wrote the Texas Declaration of Independence. Someone they may have read about in history class lies just outside the classroom windows of the Rosenberg School.

It’s Time to OPA! Galveston Island Greek Festival October 9-10

Celebrate the Mediterranean at the 37th Annual Galveston Island Greek Festival, October 9 and 10, with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church at their annual party held at 1824 Ball Street.

Greek Festival Immerse yourself in Hellenic culture at this lively event where the food is prepared on site by parishioners, mostly who are professional chefs, or incredible cooks in their own right. Fresh ingredients are used in the centuries old recipes much to the delight of all visitors.

The Greek plate consists of pastitsio, meatballs, dolmades, olives, salad, feta cheese, and pita bread for $16. All other items sold ala carte include souvlaki, gyros, dolmades, salad, olives and feta cheese, hummus, tyropita and spanakopita. Ala carte prices range from $2 to $8.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a pastry or two selecting from baklava, kourambiedes, paximadia, koulourakia, and a few new pastries that will debut at the event. All foods and pastries are available to go.

Greek beer choices include FIX and Mythos (based on availability), and American favorite Budweiser, served ice cold, are sure to win favor of those attending the Greek Festival. An assortment of Greek wines, available by the glass or bottle, have been paired to compliment the event cuisine.

Returning by popular demand is live Bouzouki by Dimitri Karageorgo, who will perform throughout both days, along with traditional Greek dancers. Church tours will be led by Father Stelios Sitaras.

Imported merchandise and food products from Greece will be available for purchase in the community center vendor booths. An inside and outside event, the festival is rain or shine.

There is no admission to attend the festival, however, a $4 donation is appreciated. All event proceeds benefit the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Food and drink tickets are sold in $2 increments. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

Greek Festival hours are Saturday, 11am – 7pm and Sunday, noon – 5pm. There’s no party like a Greek party. For more details visit www.galvestongreekfestival.com.

39th Annual Island Oktoberfest October 22-23

The 39th annual Island Oktoberfest returns to historic downtown Galveston beginning Friday, October 22 from 5-10pm, and continues Saturday, October 23 from 11am-10pm. Admission is free. German costumes encouraged.

This fun, family festival will feature a variety of great, continuous live entertainment on two stages headlined by Galveston’s top two entertainment groups: The Midlife Crisis Band on Friday evening and The Line-Up Band on Saturday evening. Additional great entertainment will be provided by The TubaMeisters, Fanfare! Lutheran Music Academy, Jason James Band, Kevin Anthony, and Isaac Klaus Music.

In addition, festival-goers can look forward to an expanded menu of authentic German food and libations, Cake Wheel, shopping for fine arts, crafts and gifts in the historic 1860 Lyceum, more contests, beer and wine events, and family children's activities.

This year the Sunday service on October 24 that begins at 10am in the church sanctuary will include German polka music provided by the famed TubaMeisters. A fellowship hour will follow the service. Everyone is welcome!

The festival, sponsored by First Lutheran Church, will be held on the grounds of and streets adjacent to 24th and Winnie in downtown Galveston. For more information visit www.galvestonoktoberfest.com, call 409.762.8477, or follow the event on Facebook at Island Oktoberfest.

Lone Star Rally Returns to Galveston November 4-7

The legendary Lone Star Rally is rolling into Galveston for another fast and furious four days November 4-7. Galveston Island has been home to the nation’s largest four-day motorcycle event since 2001 and the annual event draws hundreds of thousands of people from around the country. The jam-packed weekend of mostly free, outdoor events begins Thursday, November 4 at noon with live music concerts daily on two stages (noon until midnight) and continues through Sunday night .

Asleep at the Wheel at the Grand

The Grand 1894 Opera House will reopen with a new season on Saturday, November 13 at 8pm when the world-renowned Asleep at the Wheel takes center stage as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary Tour.