What began as a small local competition in 1997 has grown into an internationally recognized three-day family event, Texas SandFest, that draws renowned sand sculptors and tens of thousands of visitors from around the world each year to Port Aransas.
You’ll want to plan a trip and stay awhile for this flagship festival, which runs April 19–21 this year. Attendees stroll through the festival enjoying mind-blowing sand sculptures, bopping their heads to live music, and getting a taste of the coast from local food vendors. Adults can stop for a drink at the beer garden before letting their kids learn from the pros at “Lesson Mountain,” or stroll through vendors for arts and crafts, apparel, jewelry, furniture, souvenirs, and more.
The Masters’ Gallery is where the competition sculptures are created. Magnificent works of art, created over three days out of literal tons of sand, can be found within this area. Sculptors work as solos or as teams of two, and most begin planning their sculpture weeks, even months, before the event to determine the use of forms and what tools are needed. Other sculptors let the sand speak to them and create their art from the inspiration of the moment. Regardless of the method, watching and interacting with these artists over the course of the festival as they coax beauty from a pile of sand will take your breath away.
Presale ticket sales have closed. Tickets will be available at the gate upon arrival.
