From Seawall Strolls to Sausage and Song: Galveston Gears Up for Island Oktoberfest

Galveston Island, with its 32 miles of sandy beaches and historic coastal charm, is once again becoming one of the most popular beach destinations in Texas. This fall, in downtown Galveston, Island Oktoberfest will take place, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy both the beach and German culture.

From its inception in 1839 to its later nickname as the "Wall Street of the Southwest," Galveston remains a vibrant Gulf Coast vacation spot, just 50 miles southeast of Houston. The Galveston Island Guide calls the 10.4-mile-long Seawall the world's largest continuous sidewalk, which is open all year for joggers, cyclists, and beachgoers. The city's beaches have something for every type of traveler.

People with kids often visit Stewart Beach because it features calm waves, lifeguards, and kid-friendly amenities such as volleyball courts and snack stands. For parties, East Beach is the place to be on the island. It has live concerts, festivals, and a sandcastle battle every year. The East Beach Cantina is a favorite summer spot because it serves and lets people bring their own alcohol. The East End Lagoon Nature Preserve is close by and a quiet place for boaters and birdwatchers to go.

People seeking peace can visit Galveston's West End Pocket Parks, which feature quiet waters and stunning views along the shore. You can camp, fish, and hike at the nearby Coastal Heritage Preserve and Galveston Island State Park. At the farthest western tip of the island, San Luis Pass is still a popular spot for photographers and anglers. It allows cars to drive to the beach, but swimmers should stay on the Gulf side, where there are no lifeguards or facilities.

Before making the hour-long drive to Galveston, travelers can fly into one of Houston's airports, either William P. Hobby Airport for Southwest Airlines flights or George W. Bush Intercontinental Airport for most other major carriers. Scholes International Airport handles both business and personal trips. The island itself has places to stay for all budgets, from the historic Grand Galvez to the family-run Gaido's Seaside Inn.

This month, downtown will also look different for Island Oktoberfest, a tradition put on by First Lutheran Church and Del Papa Distributing Company. The event is free and fun for the whole family. It takes place at 24th and Winnie Streets from October 24th to 25th and features live music, polka dancing, and traditional German cuisine, including bratwurst, smoked sausage, and the famous "Wurstabendessen" dinner.

The Lyceum of Galveston Island is open on Friday and Saturday nights and features handcrafted gifts and holiday decorations for festivalgoers to view. Donations support local outreach groups, such as Fanfare! Lutheran Music Academy and FeedGalveston.

For a weekend that combines island spirit with old-world celebration, organizers encourage people to arrive early for the keg tapping and to dress in traditional German attire.