If you’re visiting Galveston in the summer, there’s one event you can’t miss—Okrafest. Known for its wacky hats and vibrant costumes, this fun-filled evening is not just a party, but a fundraiser for Galveston’s Own Farmers Market (GOFM).
Held at the historic Lyceum on Saturday night, the event blends community spirit, food, fashion, and a little green veggie called okra.
A Party Like No Other—With Okra on Top
Okrafest is not your regular charity event. It’s more like Galveston’s own version of the Met Gala, where guests go all out with their costumes—especially hats. Think large, colourful hats you’d see at the Kentucky Derby, but with okra instead of feathers. Real or fake, okra must be part of the look!
Guests don’t just dress up—they get creative. Some wear okra necklaces or carry okra-themed handbags, while others even paint okra on their heads. It’s all about expressing yourself and having fun, all while supporting a good cause.
Why the Focus on Okra?
In Texas, summer isn’t the best time for most vegetables at the farmers market—except for okra. GOFM director Casey McAuliffe explained that visitors often expect to see strawberries and carrots, but in the heat of summer, okra is one of the few crops still thriving. So it became the symbol of the season—and the festival.
From Backyard Bash to Disco Rodeo
Okrafest began over 10 years ago as a small backyard gathering. Today, it’s one of the island’s biggest social events, complete with top-tier food, music, art, and fundraising. The theme for this year? “Disco Rodeo”—a mix of glitzy 70s disco and Texas cowboy vibes.
Tickets are now priced at $125 for general entry and $300 for VIP access, which includes early cocktails, a special okra lapel pin, and a signed poster by Mercedes Pang, who is also GOFM’s director of operations.
Food, Fun, and Fundraising
Every dish and drink at Okrafest is made with love—and local ingredients. GOFM’s farmers and food makers supply the ingredients, while the best chefs and mixologists from the island turn them into delicious bites and beverages. Past menus have even included okra ice cream—yes, it was weird but fun!
Over the years, McAuliffe and her team made Okrafest more polished and professional without losing its joyful, community vibe. They believe fundraising can still be exciting, personal, and full of laughter.
Everyone Loves to Dress Up
One of the best parts of Okrafest is how people show up in their boldest, funniest, and most creative outfits. Hats made to look like okra slices, sparkly jumpsuits, painted heads, and DIY accessories fill the room. People love the excuse to dress up and go all out for the night.
Hats became a trend just three years ago and became so popular that the event even had a hat fashion show—though it had to be stopped due to too many participants. Now, the wild headwear is simply part of the scene.
More Than Just a Party
Though it’s a fun night, Okrafest also serves a serious purpose—it helps raise money and attention for the farmers market. According to McAuliffe, the event also helps the organization build strong community ties and attract future donors or supporters.
A photo and art exhibit showcasing past Okrafests is currently displayed at Proletariat, a coffeehouse and art space in downtown Galveston. It’s proof of how deep Okrafest has planted its roots in the community.
Okrafest has grown from a small summer party into one of Galveston’s most talked-about social events. It’s not just about okra—it’s about community, creativity, and celebrating local food. With its bold fashion, upbeat energy, and strong purpose, Okrafest proves that fundraising doesn’t have to be boring.
Whether it’s a sequinned hat, a weird okra dish, or just dancing under disco lights with friends, everyone leaves with a smile and a deeper connection to Galveston’s vibrant local scene.
