Catalina Island’s celebration of Oktoberfest happens each year at the Catalina Island Museum.
No need to travel to Germany, the upcoming First Fridays at the Museum event offers a bit of Bavarian culture in the heart of Avalon on Friday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m.
This family friendly event features an authentic Bavarian polka rock band, the traditional singing of the “Schnitzelbank”—both the German and Catalina Island versions, free giveaways, an Oktoberfest-themed art project for the kids, and for the adults: German beer, of course.
Brats with all the toppings and a couple of sides will be available for purchase by the Seaport Bistro. In the true spirit of Oktoberfest, guests are encouraged to don their best dirndls and lederhosen and B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Stein).
Back by popular demand, the evening will feature a performance by the lively Hammerstein Musik Bavaria Band.
You may recognize this band from a recent Wienerschnitzel commercial and appearances at the Krampus Ball in Torrance and in German Town during Chill at Queen Mary in Long Beach.
This three-piece global get-down machine entertains with a variety of music from traditional polka to tango to operetta to the occasional well-placed classic rock song.
If we are lucky, there may even be some yodeling. One thing is for certain, they will definitely get everyone into the spirit of Oktoberfest with lots of audience participation.
The museum’s galleries, digital theater and Museum Store are open each month during First Fridays at the Museum. This month’s event will offer one of the last opportunities to enjoy the “Houdini: Terror on the Magic Isle” exhibition before it closes on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 5 p.m. Escape artist Harry Houdini delved into the magic of moviemaking toward the end of his career.
This unique exhibition focuses on the 1920 adventure film “Terror Island” in which he starred.
Ephemera and movie props from the film made on Catalina Island, nicknamed The Magic Isle, are on display. The exhibition also highlights a real-life occurrence in Catalina’s waters that placed Houdini in a precarious situation that ended in mystery.
So, practice this German toast to cheer and good times: “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” and make plans to join in the fun of Oktoberfest at the Catalina Island Museum.
The museum will re-open for this event at 6 p.m. The Hammerstein Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The art project is included.
German and domestic beer, wine, soda and water will be available for purchase. Bring your own beer stein to properly enjoy the German beer.
The Seaport Bistro will sell brats and other food items throughout the evening.
No outside food or drink allowed.
Tickets are $15 for museum members, $20 for non-members and $5 for children (ages 3-15). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the museum, online via CatalinaMuseum.org/calendar, or by phone at 310-510-2414. Visit CatalinaMuseum.org for more information.
The Catalina Island Museum offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world, and the finest in silent, documentary and international film.
Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The new Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Avenue.
For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414 or at its website: CatalinaMuseum.org.
