Fall In To Galveston

School is almost back in session, and that means fall is just around the corner. Whether you’re planning on only visiting Galveston Island for the day or you plan to make it your weekend getaway, there’s a list of fun and exiting things to do.

  SEPTEMBER
To help kick off the month of September, and this fall in Galveston, is one popular event that can’t be missed! Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, or don’t know the difference between a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Grigio, get ready to uncork some of the finest wine during this year’s Galveston Uncorked! For the 4th year, the Historic Downtown Strand Partnership and the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees proudly present this event formerly known as the Downtown Wine and Food Celebration. From Thursday September 7th through September 9th experience unique wines, delicious cuisine, and a chance to rediscover Galveston’s Historic Downtown District!

September 7th – 9th
Galveston Uncorked
Historic Downtown District
For more information: 409-771-7778

Next, take a stroll along Postoffice Street and catch a glimpse of some of the finest art created by Galveston’s very own. On the evening of Saturday, September 30th, during ArtWalk, commercial galleries, non-profit spaces, retail stores, and restaurants will stay open late and open their doors to viewers. This is your chance to view art unique to island and enjoy complimentary refreshments along the way. ArtWalk takes place throughout the year, but each time, you’ll have a different experience. For more details, a list of dates, and a complete list of participants, visit the Galveston Art Center’s website at www.galvestonartscenter.org.

September 30th
ArtWalk
Historic Downtown District
6:00pm – 10:00pm
For more information: galvestonartscenter.org; 409-763-2403

OCTOBER
As we head deeper into fall, and into October, Galveston welcomes everyone to enjoy the beach, the ambiance of Downtown Galveston, the many attractions on the island, and a chance to rediscover several popular events that take every year.

Once a year, Galveston opens its doors to some of the finest lofts imaginable for the public to see. On October 7th and 8th the Galveston Historic Downtown Partnership will present the 9th Annual Downtown Lofts Tour. Take a peek at 19th century commercial buildings that have been restored and renovated into private residences. These lofts can only be viewed by the public once a year, and this is your chance.

October 7th – 8th 9th
Annual Downtown Lofts Tour
Historic Downtown District
12:00pm – 6:00pm
For more information: 409-763-7080

Also taking place the same weekend is as the lofts tour is Art in the Park. This ongoing event has been a success so far and continues to grow! On the first Saturday of every month, and including Saturday, October 7th, dozens of artists will set their masterpieces out for all to see at Sangerfest Park (23rd and Strand). This event is free to the public and whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, it is a great chance to see some unique artwork by local Galvestonians. For a list of upcoming dates visit www.simplyartgallery.com.

October 7th
Art in the Park
Sangerfest Park (23rd Street and Strand)
10:00am – 6:00pm
For more information: www.simplyartgallery.com.

Next, immerse yourself into the Greek culture in a very entertaining way during Galveston Island’s Annual Greek Festival. Presented by the Galveston Greek Community this festival includes everything from traditional Greek dancing; to gyros and souvlakia; to arts and crafts not usually found in the U.S. The event lasts from October 13th – 15th and is something that’s worth checking out!

October 13th – 15th
Greek Festival
Greek Orthodox Church (19th Street and Ball)
Friday: 5:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am-10:00pm
Sunday: Noon-7:00pm
For more information: 409-762-7591

Another festival taking place in October that can’t be missed is Galveston’s Annual Jazz Festival.  From October 19th – 21st enjoy three days of non-stop jazz and blues from some of the best regional artists around!

October 19th – 21st
Jazz Festival
Thursday – Balinese Room (7:00pm – 10:00pm)
Friday – Sangerfest Park (6:00pm – 10:30pm)
Saturday – Sangerfest Park (12:00pm – 10:30pm)

One of the things Galveston is known for besides its entertainment venues is its fabulous and unique taste in art. Before Oktoberfest comes ARToberFEST! On October 21st and 22nd take a walk down Postoffice Street in Downtown Galveston. ARToberFEST 2007 features more than 100 artists, not to mention food, fun, music, and art in a laid back, yet beautiful historic setting. For more details on this premier art event, visit www.artoberfest.com.

October 21st – 22nd
ARToberFEST
Postoffice Street and 21st and 23rd
Saturday: 10:00pm – 6:00pm;
Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
For more information: www.artoberfest.com

Next we go from ARToberFEST to Oktoberfest. On Saturday October 28th, Galveston’s First Evangelical Lutheran Church will present this family fun event at the First Lutheran Church (24th and Winnie) near downtown. Enjoy delicious German cuisine including pork loin, sauerkraut, red cabbage, and of course German potato salad, along with fun and nonstop entertainment! Visit www.1st.lutheran.com for more information.

October 28th
Oktoberfest
First Lutheran Church (24th and Winnie)
11:00am – 7:00pm
For more information: 409-762-8477

NOVEMBER
During the first week of November, hundreds of thousands of people will descend on to Galveston Island for an event that is gaining popularity quickly. From November 2nd through November 5th Galveston Island will host the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally. Last year, the event drew more than 250,000 bikers, and this year it’s expected to be even bigger! That’s why in 2007 you’ll find more activities, more bands, more entertainment, more vendors, more exhibitors, and of course, more bikers. This event has gotten so big here on the island that they have expanded it from the Downtown District to the Seawall! That’s right; about 6 blocks of the Seawall will be closed off for additional exhibitors and vendors. For more information visit www.lonestarrally.com.

November 2nd – 5th
Lone Star Motorcycle Rally
Historic Downtown District and Seawall (21st Street – 25th Street)
For more information: www.lonestarrally.com; 281-597-8800

The following Saturday, November 11th is Veteran’s Day. To help honor those who have served our country over the years is a program at Seawolf Park. We hope you will join us on the 11th for the 3rd Annual Save a Ship Program and Veteran’s Day Salute. The program will be complete with guest speakers, a fly over, lifesaving rescues, and entertainment as well as Jr. ROTC members and representatives from each branch of the armed services.

November 11th
3rd Annual Save a Ship Program and Veteran’s Day Salute
Seawolf Park 11:00am – 3:00pm
For more information: www.galveston.com; 1-888-GAL-ISLE

The following day, Sunday, November 12th, the Lone Star Flight Museum will present an award winning collection of warbirds during the 16th Annual Texas Aviation Hall of Fame Fly Day. On Fly Day these warbirds will make their final flights of the year over Galveston’s International Airport. Fly Day is an informal flying event that allows the public to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of historic aircraft used more than 60 years ago during World War II. For more information visit the Lone Star Flight Museum website at www.lsfm.org.

November 12th
16th Annual Texas Aviation Hall of Fame Fly Day
Lone Star Flight Museum (2002 Terminal Drive)
9:00am – 5:00pm
For more information: www.lsfm.org; 1-888-FLIGHT-8

For more information on these events and other things taking place on Galveston Island, visit www.galveston.com, or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE. 

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