April is an exciting time in Port Aransas, as it marks the annual Texas SandFest that brings more than 30,000 locals and tourists to our beautiful beach town. It’s a weekend filled with talented sculptors, fun events, and good times! Make sure to be there for one of Texas’s biggest events of the year!
Table of Contents
- About Texas SandFest
- 2026 SandFest Details
- Where to Stay
About Texas SandFest
Texas SandFest is one of the largest beach festivals in Texas and 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. 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.
SandFest Supports Great Causes and the Local Community: The best part about Port Aransas’ SandFest? It’s for a great cause! The SandFest celebration raises money for local charities and college scholarships for local students. In 2025, Texas SandFest contributed a total of $464,169 to the Port Aransas community.
2026 Texas Sandfest Details
When is Texas SandFest?
The 2026 Texas SandFest will be held from April 17-19, 2026.
How much does it cost to attend SandFest?
- General admissions for SandFest cost $30.00 (+ fees) for ages 13+ and $5.00 (+ fees) for ages 6-12. General admission wristbands are good for the entirety of the three-day event and will need to be kept on your wrist for re-entry at any point in time during the festival.
- To elevate your SandFest experience, consider purchasing a VIP wristband (good for one day) for $250 (+ fees), which gives you access to free food and beverages (alcohol included), an air-conditioned tent with shade, and private indoor restrooms. If you purchase general admission tickets, set aside money to spend on food, drinks, and vendors.
- Tickets can be purchased online or at the Guest Relations tent at the North & South gates
Where does SandFest take place?
SandFest takes place on Port Aransas beach between Markers 13 and 17. The North gate entrance is Marker 13, and the South gate entrance is Marker 17.
Is SandFest kid-friendly?
Yes, SandFest is super family-friendly. The Kids’ Corner, located at the South Gate, will host several fun activities and events during the three-day event. There will be face painting, sand scu
lpting lessons, interactive educational programs, and more. Kids’ Corner activities and events are included in the admission price.
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”.
Where to Stay During SandFest
With SandFest being such a popular event in Port Aransas, we recommend booking your Port Aransas beachfront vacation rental as soon as possible, as this weekend is in high demand. 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.
