There is no shortage of things to do at GAST! From large festivals to smaller more intimate social groups; we have a little something for everyone. The Society also participates in many other activities in and around Tulsa. No matter the time of year, the weather, or the trends, there is always something happening at GAST. Below is a listing of our member only activities, as well as a small blurb about each.
If you are a member and you would like to know the dates, costs, etc. for any of our member only activities, you can call the GAST Office, reach out to the committee chair or liason, check Der GAST Platz on Facebook for a recent post, or check your monthly Echo publication!
Parties
Our members enjoy several parties throughout the year. Parties are generally themed, include a meal, have raffles, and often entertainment.
Fasching
GAST members Fat Tuesday celebration with costumes, skits, music, food, and beads. In Germany Fasching is a part of the Karneval season.
Christmas Party
GAST members end of the year party to celebrate the Christmas season. It is often a dedication to our Christkindlmarkt volunteers.
Anniversary Party
GAST members celebrate the founding of the organization and all the years that have come since. Like a birthday its all about the fun and food!
Lumpenball
Almost the opposite of Fasching, this party celebrates the end of the Karneval season. It is customary to dress down.
Spring Picnic
GAST members early summer fun. There is often barbeque and games. A time of fun and food, like so many things, this party isn't one to miss!
Ice Cream Social
GAST members delve into sweetness as the great hall is temporarily turned into an ice cream parlor with all the fixings and an assortment of flavors. Held in one of the hottest months its a sweet treat for all!
Oktoberfest Party
GAST members celebrate a successful Oktoberfest and the volunteers who participated in Tulsa Oktoberfest for the Society. It's a time of yummy food, appreciation, friendship, and of course beer!
Children's Parties
The May Queen hosts two children's events each year at GAST. One in April around the time of Easter and one in December before Christmas. Both events include activities and enrichment for children of all ages.
Social Activities at the Event Center
In addition to parties, members also enjoy many social activities at the center. Some are great for practicing German, others include snacks or a meal, and some are all about beer and conversation.
Weinkeller Abend
GAST members come together for a pot luck style dinner in the lower level. A new addition to this evening is games in the great hall. Monthly activity.
German Movie Night
Unique German movies are shown once a month for members. Movies as announced. Shown at GAST.
Konversationsrunde
A discussion group that meets once a month and converses in German and English throughout the night.
Stammtisch
A meeting of the minds of GAST in the lower level. This laid back gathering is accompanied with beer and fellowship. Monthly activity.
Social Activities in Tulsa
Some of our social gatherings take us around town for dynamic fun!
GAST's newest activity group. Our members gather once a month to walk and hike local trails while enjoying the scenery and great company.
Public Events & Activities
Festivals
Our cultural festivals hosted at the event center for the community.
Germanfest
GAST's spring celebration festival; held the first weekend of May. Food, beer, entertainment, and fun activates for those of all ages. The great hall is decorated in black, red, and yellow with long tables to accommodate all who stop by. Downstairs and outside are children's activities and more seating.
GAST's winter market; held the first weekend of December. Each year the event center is decorated in Christmas splendor, filled with the aroma of fresh food and Gluehwein, and chock-full of vendors selling all kinds of notions to fill the gift giving season. There are also children's activities downstairs.
Held on October 6, it is a day to honor the contributions of German immigrants and their descendants to American culture and society. GAST hosts a gathering as near the official date as possible and there is often a German speaker and reception.
The peoples day of mourning. Held mid November. It was originally to commemorate the fallen soldiers of World War I and II as well as the victims of the Nazi regime. Today it is even broader and is a day to commemorate all victims of violence and wars of all nations. Generally, GAST travels to Fort Reno to honor the fallen.
An afternoon of German music. Usually offered in the spring and fall. Performers change with each event. From piano and organ music to operatic arias. Its a wonderful time.
Our band and folk dancers bring German culture to the community.
Folk Dance Group
The GAST folk dancers is comprised of adults and children from the membership. The group travels to various events throughout Oklahoma to perform and represent GAST. They also perform at GAST during Germanfest and at Tulsa's Oktoberfest. Practice is at GAST every Sunday when the group is in session.
Blaskapelle
The Blakapelle is the GAST's band. Comprised of members who love creating music and having a good time, there is never a shortage of fellowship. The Blaskapelle travels to perform and represent GAST at various events throughout Oklahoma. Practice is at GAST every Tuesday when the group is in session.
Special Events
Garage Sale
The GAST annual Garage Sale is a fundraiser for the Arts Association. Every spring it is hosted at the GAST Event Center. Donations are given by the community and all are invited. Things that remain are donated to another local charity after its over.