October is one of my favorite months in Galveston. The hottest days are behind us, the summer crowds have thinned, and September storms have washed in new treasures for anyone willing to search. 

 October also brings the International Sea Bean Symposium and Beachcombing Fair. The two-day event, held October 30-31 at 4102-B Main Street (Carbide Park) in La Marque, spent its first 20 years in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where many Texans traveled to attend. 

 In 2016, organizers began alternating the Symposium between Florida and Texas. This year marks its 31st year - and the fifth time it’s been hosted in Texas. 

 After four years in Galveston, the Symposium is moving to the mainland, giving people who don’t often visit the Island a chance to see what washes up here. Great finds aren’t limited to Florida; they’re discovered right here in our own backyard. 

 The Symposium began in 1995, founded by Cathie Catz, an avid beachcomber, writer, and artist from Melbourne, Florida. Affectionately known as “The Sea Bean Lady,” Cathie inspired countless people through her love of nature and beachcombing. 

 After her passing in 2001, a group of friends continued the Symposium in her honor. Today, it brings beachcombers together to compare finds from shores around the world and to meet others who share the same passion. 

 Cathie authored several books, including The Little Book of Sea Beans, a pocket guide for identifying sea beans, along with her self-illustrated books on Florida beaches, waterways, and nature. 

 The Symposium will showcase displays from local beachcombers, highlighting decades of finds - sea beans, seashells, sea glass, shark teeth, fossils, fishing tackle, unusual objects, sea pigs, creepy dolls, messages in bottles, and more. 

 Visitors can also see some of the world’s largest and rarest sea beans, owned by a Jamaica Beach beachcomber, and watch demonstrations on how sea beans are polished. Presentations throughout the weekend will teach attendees how, where, and when to find sea beans and other shoreline treasures. 

 Jace Tunnell, Associate Director of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, will give a remote presentation from Corpus Christi. 

 Known for his engaging “Beachcombing with Jace” videos and his popular “Weird Things I Found on the Beach” series, he brings a fun, scientific perspective to coastal finds. His work documenting unusual marine debris and natural curiosities has become a favorite resource for beachcombers across the Gulf Coast. 

 The Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research will also share information about sea turtle conservation and explain how locals can become trained volunteers to help protect our endangered sea turtles. 

 T-shirts will be available for purchase, and the raffle will include Cathie Catz books and donated items such as additional books, a sea bean polishing tumbler, a rope rug and basket, a carving by local tree carver Jim Phillips, and other handmade beach-themed pieces. 

 Everyone is encouraged to enter their oddest beach find in the Mike Burnett Memorial “Oddest Beach Find of 2026” contest. You can bring the item to the event for judging, or - if it’s too big or too stinky - bring photos instead. 

 Entries can be anything that made you laugh, left you scratching your head, or had you wondering how it ended up on our shores. The winner will receive a glass trophy with their name etched on it. 

 Sea pigs will also be part of the fun. If you’ve found one of the plastic piggy bank “sea pigs,” bring it to the Symposium and you might win the “Prettiest Pig” contest. The winner will receive prizes and a certificate recognizing their achievement. 

 The Sea Bean Symposium is a place to learn about the wonders of the beach, discover ways to become a volunteer to help keep our shoreline beautiful, and support efforts that protect marine life. 

 It’s also a chance to make new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy a weekend surrounded by people who share a passion for beachcombing. There truly is something for everyone. 

 For more information, including schedules, updates, and background on sea beans, visit the official website of the International Sea Bean Symposium - seabean.com.