Festival & Dance Notes
ACH DU LIEBER! IT’S A GERMAN SWAP MEET
Krause’s Cafe + Biergarten has found a creative way for you to get your gear for Wurstfest! It’s a German Swap Meet set for Wed., Oct. 23. Need dirndl, lederhosen, steins, jaeger hut (hunting caps) or costumes for the Oktoberfest season? Have extra dirndl or lederhosen laying around?
Bring your dirndl, lederhosen, jaeger hut, overcoats, costumes, or steins to Krause’s! Set up your items in the pavilion biergarten as early as 4 pm. While the San Antonio Dutchmen play from 6 to 9 pm, browse the selection. This is a free event, and as with all of our German Polka Wednesdays, very family friendly! This is a great opportunity to buy, trade, or sell with others in our community. Just in time to grab your Wurstfest gear!
The fun lasts all October long with a great lineup of music and cool events. The All Mixed Up Variety Band will play on the 2nd; Chubby Knuckle Choir on the 4th; Comal Community Band on the 9th; Grateful Geezers on the 10th; Slim Bawb on the 11th; Gary P. Nunn on the 15th; Off the Grid on the 16th; Michael Milligan & Texiana Bluez on the 17th; Ysenia McNett on the 18th; Men’s Round Up – Joe White on the 22nd; San Antonio Dutchmen and Swap Meet on the 23rd; Health Fair on the Oct. 24th; Soul Sessions on the 25th; All Mixed Up Variety Band on the 30th; and The Craze on the 31st. See ad, p. 6-7.
SCHROEDER HALL OCTOBER
Schroeder Dance Hall, the second oldest dance hall in Texas, has got a cornucopia of great music lined up! On Fri., Oct. 4, Tommy Elskes will be live in the saloon; on Fri., Oct 11, Jade Marie Patek will be on the outdoor stage. Take a break on the 19th and 26 as Schroeder is the scene of wedding receptions. Then kick into high gear for a Polka Party and Dance with the Czechaholics on Sun., Oct. 27. Mark your calendars for Sat., Nov. 2 for the legend, Charley Pride! On Nov. 9th, Donny Edwards & Fever will present “An Authentic Heart & Soul Tribute to The King. This will be a Warriors Weekend event. See ad, p. 23.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BIER IN ROUND TOP
Members of Rifle Hall in Round Top invite you to the 8th Annual OktoBierFest on Sat., Oct. 26. The Schützenkönig John Wantland has the honor of tapping the first keg. John was crowned könig at Schützenfest in September, winning the annual shooting contest. OctoBierFest will be held from 11 am-8 pm, and the traditional Fassanstich (keg tapping) for the 8th annual fest will be held at 12 noon sharp in the covered pavilion!
The authentic German menu features bratwurst, Kassler-style pork chops, German potatoes, and sauerkraut. This year’s music lineup will feature the Auf Geht’s German showband from Houston, Enzian Buam, Alpine Yodelers from Frelsubrg, and Round Top Brass Band. See ad, p. 4.
HILL COUNTRY ROAD TRIP TO BESTFEST
The Knights of Columbus in Fredericksburg invite you and your family to the 10th Annual BestFest at Marktplatz on Sat., Oct. 19. After enjoying the fall foliage drive, you will be able to enjoy a family-friendly celebration of German favorites – beer, sausage, and polka music!
The gates open at 11 am, and with the $10 admission fee, you can dance all day AND eat all the sausage, sauerkraut, and German potatoes that you can handle.
For your working-off-dinner music, local group Dutch Treat will play from 11 am-1 pm, and Fritz Hodde & The Fabulous Six from Hutto, Texas will play from 1:30-5:30 pm. In the evening, enjoy music by Weldon Henson from Austin will take the stage from 7-11 pm.
BestFest is sponsored by Fredkericksburg KC Council 9765. Proceeds benefit the council’s charitable giving in the community. See ad, p. 11.
BEST LITTLE PIG GIG IN TEXAS
Elgin, the Sausage Capital of Texas outdoes itself once again with the 32nd Annual Hogeye Festival, Oct. 24-26, celebrating in a small town with a huge appetite for family fun and a tremendous spirit for honoring pigs. Take the Hogeye Stroll from 5 to 9 pm on Thursday with the Hogalicious Dessert Contest, the Pearls Before Swine Art Show, store specials, refreshments, and live music.
On Friday, from 8 pm to midnight enjoy the free Hogeye Street Dance with Kenny Orts and No Chance Band on Depot Street. Then continue the love for the hog on Saturday from 10 am until 6 pm. The free festival features live music and entertainment on two stages, starring The Monty Thomas Family, Gypsy Drifter Band, David Lewis, Fenix Theory, Sowpremes, Nathan Colt Young, Max Zimmet & Hot Pickin' 57s, Peterson Brothers, Possums in the Fridge, and Rian C Band.
What sets this festival apart from so many others is the combination of humor and history. The day begins with the Elgin Sowpremes, our infamous singing group, riding in on “hogs” (Harleys) to serenade the crowd with porky tunes. It sets the stage for a day filled with pig puns, eating sausage on a stick with an appreciation of the real deal, admiring and acquiring handmade arts and crafts, and enjoying the great tunes by local musicians. See ad, p. 29.
HAVE SOME SKELE-FUN IN AUSTIN
The SIXTH First Annual POLKAPOCALYPSE! will be upon us on Sun., Oct. 27. Yes: It's the first because it's "The Polkapocalypse" so the clock starts over every time. Four awesome polka bands, including Brave Combo, will rock the huaraches off your lederhosen with a crazy mix of Tejano, Czech, German, Polish, Honky Tonk, and Norteño beatz! This year, an addition: A COSTUME CONTEST! Come dressed as the Chicken Dance Chicken, a Lederhosen-clad zombie, a Día de los Muertos Catrina or whatever suits your fancy! Best costume wins good karma and a Polka Prize!! The audience judges.
POLKAPOCALYPSE! is produced by the Elisabet Ney Museum and Texas Folklife, with support from Texas Commission on the Arts . The Elisabet Ney Museum is a part of The Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Museums and Cultural Programs Division. Texas Folklife receives funding from The Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin, among others. See ad, p. 29.
CZECHFEST & TELSTARS
SPJST Lodge 88 invites you to celebrate Czech heritage on Sat., Oct. 19, from 11 am-6 pm. Enjoy the muzika provided by the SPJST Orchestra & Czech Chorus and have fun dancing to the Classic Rock music of Adrian’s Fault from 2-6 pm. Food trucks will be on hand, plus sausage, kraut, and bread will be served in the ballroom starting at 4 pm. It’s a great day to be Czech or Czech for a day as you enjoy the polka, kolaches, beer, and games. But wait! There’s more! Later that evening, The Telstars will take the stage to play your favorite classic country and rock tunes, plus there’s always a polka set! Advance tickets for Telstars are $15 online and $20 at the door. See ad, p. 15.
REAP SOME FUN IN NEEDVILLE
Harvest Park in Needville comes alive the third Saturday in October every year as thousands of people take part in the fun and entertainment of the annual Harvest Festival. The 36th festival is set for Oct. 18-19. Tons of stuff to do and see – face painting, food and craft vendors, car show, and an expanded barbecue cook-off. The park will also feature a live auction and a special Kidz Zone.
Don't miss the annual Queen contest, Little Mr. & Miss contest, talent show. Entertainment this year will feature DJ music, Sony the Bird Man & David Gish Magic Act, and the Needville High School Sapphires Dance Team. Raffles will be held for a 4x4 John Deere Gator and 48-inch John Deere zero-turn lawnmower.
The Needville Harvest Festival, Inc. (NHF, Inc.) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. All proceeds benefit the development of Harvest Park and Community Center. Proceeds also help other community projects and fund scholarships for Needville High School graduates. To date, more than $25,000 in scholarships have been awarded to deserving students. See ad, p. 29.
IT’S ALL DOBRE IN BRAZORIA
The Knights of Columbus at West Brazos Hall invite you its first Czech dance on Sat., Oct. 12, to celebrate the Oktoberfest season and raise funds for the knights’ good work in the community. Doors open at 5:30 pm and you can dance to music by The Czechaholics from 7-11 pm. The band celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2017 and continue to be one of the most sought-after polka bands. It's hard to stay seated when this group is on stage playing polka, waltz, and country tunes.
Tables of six are available in advance for $150. Single tickets at the door will be $20 each. The bar will be open with beer and sodas. You can bring your own snacks, wine, and liquor. See ad, p. 17.
PRAISE FALL Y’ALL IN ANHALT
While farmers today don’t make the annual fall harvest a community celebration, one venue continues the tradition. If the walls of Anhalt Hall could talk, you no doubt would get an interesting history lesson about the Germans who settled this area between New Braunfels and Boerne in the late 1800s. You can take pride in knowing that you are continuing the fall harvest tradition on Sat., Oct. 19, and making your own history during the hall’s 144th Oktoberfest.
Doors open at noon when they begin serving the $10 all-you-can-eat pot roast and sausage meal. Rennie Guenther & The Happy Travelers will play from 12-1 pm followed by the Czech Melody Masters until 6 pm. At 7 pm, Billy Mata and his band take the stage to play their brand of Texas Western Swing until 11 pm. Admission to the hall is $7 until 3 pm. After 3, admission is $15. Advance tickets are available at AnhaltHall.com. See ad, p. 8.
BRING YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST TO WALLIS!
It’s back. The mega 14th Annual Arts & Crafts Show at the American Legion in Wallis will be held Sat., Nov. 2 from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Sun., Nov. 3 from 10 am to 4 pm. You can get an early start on your Christmas shopping list with some unique items. The American Legion Auxiliary knows how to do it up right with hourly door prizes, barbecue sandwiches, hamburgers, desserts, and drinks. All of this shopping fun for $1 admission. See ad, p. 16.
CAJUN SIZZLE IN SAN ANTONIO
The Cajun French Music Association, De Fa Tras chapter in San Antonio, holds a dance at the Hermann Sons Dance Hall the second Saturday of most months from 8-11 pm. Get ready to get your Cajun on Oct. 12 when Bayou Sounds provides the music, cher. See ad, p. 31.
WHAT LUCK! CLOVERLEAF IN NEW BRAUNFELS
The Goodtime Polka & Waltz Club invites you dance the afternoon away on Sun., Oct. 13 with the Cloverleaf Orchestra. The dance club hosts eight dances a year on Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons. Guests are always welcome, and memberships are available. Mark your calendar for the last dance of the year: The Travelers on Dec. 8. See ad, p. 10.
OH MY GOURD! IT’S CHARLES/FAB 4 IN SCHULENBURG
The Swiss Alp Dance Club will host its next dance on Sun., Oct. 13, featuring Charles & the Fab 4 at the KC Hall in Schulenburg. Enjoy polka, waltz, and country music from 3-6:30 pm. The club hosts dances on Sundays during the months of February, April, May, August, October, and December. Guests are always welcome, and memberships are available. Mark your calendar for the December dance on the 8th with the Moonglow Orchestra. See ad, p. 14.
LEAF YOUR WORRIES BEHIND; GO TO ELGIN
SPJST Lodge 18 invites you to polka on with the Fritz Hodde & Fab 6 on Oct. 13 and boot scoot to the swingin’ Glen Collins & The Alibis on Oct. 20. Dances are held on Sundays from 3-7 pm, and the kitchen is open. See ad, p. 13.
YOU’LL FALL FOR HOUSTON VFW LINEUP
Fall into country dancing at Houston VFW #10352 this October. The lineup features Hit-n-Run on the 6th; Country Jim & The Allstars on the 13th; Detour on the 20th; and Bootleg Country on the 27th. The dances are from 2-5:30 pm and admission is only $7, y’all. See ad, p. 31.
UNBOOLIEVABLE LINEUP IN SWEET HOME
You will lift your spirits with this October party menu at Music City! GEEZER will play the rock and doo-wop music we all know and love on the 6th; South Paw has your Saturday night date nights on the 12th and 26; Nathan Colt Young takes the stage on the 20th; and Red Ravens brings the polka party on the 27th! See ad, p. 13.
BOO-TIFUL MUSIC IN FLORESVILLE
Dance, dance, dance at a Halloween contest costume ball presented by the Floresville Opry, plus a delicious dinner of beef tips over mashed potatoes by Werner’s Catering, door prizes, desserts, silent auction and fellowship, Thurs., Oct. 3, at Wilson County Expo and Community Center. Doors open at 5 pm with music from 6 to 9:30 pm. Featured headliners: Bobby Flores and Hayden C. James.
Proceeds benefit the Wilson County Historical Society and the event is sponsored by the Wilson County News and New Haven Assisted Living. Bring your own adult beverages. General admission is $10. Tickets are available at the door. Call Viola Henke at 830-391-1062 to reserve a table that seats eight for $100. Dinner $8.00. Desserts $1.00.
Don’t want to be out on the road late at night? Check out the Opry discounts at the Floresville Hotels. Just present your hotel confirmation number at the Opry ticket table for two free Opry tickets. See ad, p. 14.
ENJOY WHOLE SPIEL IN FLATONIA
Czhilispiel 47 is set for Oct. 25-27. Held in historic downtown Flatonia for decades, all ages have enjoyed the wide array of outstanding music and entertainment, the largest tented biergarten, arts and crafts, food booths, carnival, class reunions, adult and children contests, "grand" parade, loads of food, fun, drinks, and dancing--and this year is guaranteed to be no exception!
Friday holds no gate admission and gates open at 6 pm with the biergarten, carnival, food booths, arts & crafts open. Get ready for some big-time dancing with Victor Rodriguez, DJ Superman, Cristina Amaro Tribute Show to the Queen of Tejano, and DJ Luna.
Gates on Saturday open at 8 am. Musical entertainment for Saturday evening includes Brandi Behlen, Czechaholics, Bartitch Hippies, Broken Alibi, Logan Samford, and Shane Smith & The Saints.
On Sunday, the Czhilispiel Grand Parade will fire up at noon. More music graces Sunday's stage with D’Vine Testament, Shiner Hobo Band, Los Kolaches, and LC Rocks. See ad p. 16.
LEDERHOSEN & FLIP FLOPS AT ISLAND FEST
Galveston's premier fall festival - the 38th Annual Island Oktoberfest - expands to a 3-day event this year –for the first time ever. This year’s festival kicks off Fri., Oct. 25 from 5-10 pm; continues Sat., Oct. 26 from 11 am - 10 pm, and will be highlighted Sunday morning with a special German Polka Church service – FESTIVAL & DANCE NOTES
outside – under the big tent beginning at 10am, with a special Fellowship to follow.
Enjoy music by Das Ist Lustig, TubaMeisters, Auf Geht’s, and more, plus performances by German dance groups.
Island Oktoberfest will be held on the grounds of and streets adjacent to First Lutheran Church in downtown Galveston. Admission is free. German costumes encouraged. See ad p. 8.
PFUN IN PFLUGERVILLE
The Central Texas Accordion Association invites you to an Accordion PFree-PFor-All in at the Recreation Center in Pflugerville on Tues., Oct. 15. The noon show features music outreach volunteer entertainers followed by a symposium on accordions – acoustic and electric – and how they work. The evening concert at 6:30 pm features Chris Rybak, Mike Middleton, Ricardo Correra, Bob Bisciglia & Friends, Markus Baggio, and Mitch White & Friends. The Pfree-Pfor-All is presented by the City of Pflugerville and Central Texas Accordion Association. See ad, p. 9.
HARVEST FUN AT DOŽINKY
The Wharton County Czech Heritage Society invites you to Dožinky (harvest festival) on Sun., Oct. 13, from 12 to 6 pm at Taiton Community Center in New Taiton. Dance to The Czechaholics from 1-5 pm. Enjoy a performance by the West High School Junior Historians at 12:30 pm. Admission is only $5, 18 years and younger, admitted free. Czech-style food available. See ad, p. 31.
POLKA AT THE OPRY
The Bluebonnet Opry will hold its annual fall polka show on Thurs., Oct. 17, featuring Greg Machac (Texavia, Telstars), Mark Dujka (Dujka Brothers), and Mark Halata (Texavia). They will be joined by the Bluebonnet Opry House Band, one of the best in Texas! The Bluebonnet Opry is held the third Thursday of every month at the Silver Wings Ballroom. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are only $7 and proceeds are donated to HOSPICE. See ad, p. 15.
GO CZECH IN BEXAR COUNTY
The Bexar County Czech Heritage Society invites you its annual Czech/Slovak Heritage Festival from 11:30 am-4 pm on Sun., Oct. 27 at Mikulski Hall in Schertz. Enjoy a Czech beef gulas (goulash) meal for $8, and sausage on a bun with sauerkraut for $5. After dinner, dance to the music of SA Combo. See ad, p. 26.
COUNTRY/POLKA IN WEST
If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate Veterans’ Day, then head to West. The West Columbus Hall is hosting a dance on Sun., Nov. 10 between Roger Kirby & Texas Heartbeat and Jodie Mikula Orchestra from 1-6 pm. This is the fourth year to feature this battle between one of Waco’s best country bands and one of Ennis’ best polka bands. A fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings will be served for $10, except for veterans. Those who served our country, along with their spouses, eat for free! See ad, p. 10.
BE SOCIAL IN CORN HILL
Celebrate all things Czech at the Fall Polka Social at Moravian Hall in Jarrell (Corn Hill) on Sun., Oct. 27. Feast on a pork barbecue plate with the all the trimmings from 11 am-1 PM. Dance to the Jodie Mikula Orchestra from 1-5 pm. Best deal is the dinner/dance combo for $15. See ad, p. 27.