CLEAR LAKE SHORES — Galveston Bay Brewing wrapped up its three-day Watermelon Fest on Sunday, drawing steady crowds for a weekend of seasonal drinks, live music, family activities, and local vendor shopping.

Held May 23–25, the event celebrated the release of Watermelon Wheat, a fruit-infused wheat beer, which was served alongside watermelon margaritas, seltzers, sodas, fresh watermelon slices, and treats.

“This isn’t just a brewery—we’re also a restaurant,” said Skyler Forshage, owner of Galveston Bay Brewing. “The food has to be as good as the beer. We also serve seltzers and liquor, and it’s family friendly.”

The festival also featured live music performances, which provided a backdrop for the brewery’s extended Sunset Market Days, operating Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local vendors sold a range of products, including handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and sweets like homemade candies. Children and families enjoyed face painting, a bounce house, and a full-size water slide, all adding to the event’s festive environment.

“When we do events like this, it engrains us into the community,” said Rudy Hernandez, Beverage Manager. “We want to support local businesses and vendors, just like with Amber Carlson, who runs our night market.”

Staff said the positive energy of the event stood out just as much as the beverages.

“It’s just the environment, the guests, the beer on top of that,” said Bethany Paz Sauceda, a waitress at the brewery. “I was never a beer girly, but now it’s like a candy store for beer.”

Organizers reported a strong turnout across all three days and indicated that similar events are already being discussed for the future, such as Oktoberfest.