Port Aransas hosts the annual Texas Sand Sculpture Festival, also known as Texas SandFest.  The Texas Sand Sculpture Festival is one of the largest beach festivals in Texas and is the largest sand sculpting competition in the country.

Master Sand Sculptors from around the world, as well as many children and amateurs, will put their skills to the test creating the most artistic, imaginative sand sculptures at SandFest in Port Aransas. Book a beachfront vacation condo at Sandpiper for the 2025 Port Aransas SandFest to view the impressive sculptures in person on the beautiful, sun-soaked Port Aransas beach.

 

Sandfest Supports Great Causes and the Local Community

The best part about Port Aransas’ SandFest? It’s for a great cause! The annual SandFest celebration raises money for local charities and college scholarships for local students. In 2020 and 2021, The Texas SandFest awarded the Port Aransas Independent School District over $200,000 for high school seniors and SandFest student volunteers.

Texas Sandfest

How did the Texas Sand Sculpture Festival start?

The Port Aransas Art Center started SandFest in 1997. Originally held during the tourist off-season, SandFest was scheduled at low tide to ensure these soil structures weren’t washed into the gulf. SandFest existed under the non-profit umbrella of Port Aransas Community Theatre until it was established enough to stand on its own.

 

Does SandFest have entertainment?

SandFest doesn’t just offer giant sea turtles, magical dragons, and ornate portraits made of sand, there’s plenty to see and do. The 3-day festival hosts a variety of events right next to the beach, including live musical performances on the SandFest Music Stage. The many SandFest beer tents provide shade from the Texas sun, and local vendors serve a variety of delicious meals, snacks, and treats. You can try your hand at sand sculpting on the SandFest Lesson Mountain and even enter the Amateur Sand Sculpting Contest. Enter the raffle to win amazing prizes like a brand new E-Z-GO Golf Cart.

When is SandFest?

This year’s SandFest will be held between mile markers 13 and 17 at the beach. SandFest 2025 is scheduled for April 25 – 27rain or shine. The Texas Sand Sculpture Festival draws crowds north of 10,000 people each year. Tickets go fast, and accommodations go faster, so book your Port Aransas condo rental soon! To beat the crowd, plan to arrive at the beach in the mornings when foot traffic is light and parking is plentiful.

How are the winning sculptures chosen?

The scale and grandeur of the sand sculptures at SandFest require a healthy dose of imagination, lots of strategic planning, a precise sculpting hand, and a bit of luck. These sand excavators are true artists. According to SandFest’s Master Sculptor Coordinator, Suzanne Altamare, judges evaluate sculptures based on difficulty, execution, creativity, presentation and the “Wow Factor”.

These virtuosic artists’ creations have made Port Aransas, Texas an international vacation destination. Bring your family and friends to Port Aransas Beach to take part in this unforgettable experience. Reserve your Sandpiper condominium and witness the magic for yourself.