Each year, Port Aransas becomes the home of the most extraordinary sandcastles in all the state. We are proudly the location of Texas Sandfest, the largest sand sculpture competition in the country. For three days, our town is bustling with talented sculptors and hundreds of visitors from around the world, enjoying food, music, arts and crafts, kid’s activities, and, of course, stunning sandy sculptures.
Life in Paradise cordially welcomes you and yours to our beautiful island community for this acclaimed local family event in April. Our Port Aransas vacation rentals will place you in the most ideal locations near Port Aransas Beach. As a trusted name in high-quality Port Aransas, we want to ensure you and your family have the best experience, rain or shine, at this year’s Texas Fest. Keep reading for more details on all you can expect at Texas Sandfest 2022!
Texas Sandfest Returns for 2022
There’s only one place you’ll see a massive sea turtle and stunning angel sculpture, all made out of sand: Port Aransas’ Sandfest, which returns for another exciting year in 2022! From April 8–10, rain or shine, this flagship festival will be the talk of the town, attracting sculptors and spectators from all over. You’ll want to make a whole trip out of this wonderful Texas tradition.
Texas Sandfest is the largest native-sand sculpture competition in the U.S. What started off as a small local competition in 1997 has grown into an internationally recognized event! As you can imagine, it’s an immensely popular event, so you should start booking your stay and golf carts now. To help make your planning stress-free, let’s dive into the festivities more.
Brief Schedule of Events
You don’t want to miss these jam-packed three days of live music, food and shopping, family-friendly attractions, and fantastic sand creations. A flag-rising ceremony and introduction of the sand sculptors will take place at 6 p.m. on April 6. It’s all open to the public. Gates and vendors open every day at 9 a.m. See below for a brief breakdown of top events. You can find a more detailed schedule here.
Friday, April 8
Lesson Mountain: kids of all ages can learn how to construct their own sand masterpiece
Music Performances: Crucial Riddim, Sierra Lane, Kash’D Out
Amateur Sculptors: check-in begins
Saturday, April 9
Adult & Teen Amateur Contests
Gubby & Youth Contests
Music Performances: Ty Dietz, David Beck’s Tejano Weekend, Mike and the Moonpies
Amateur Contests Awards Announced: on Music Stage
Sunday, April 10
Music Performances: Western Express, Drive All Day, SHINYRIBS
Golf Cart Raffle
Master & Semi-Pro Awards Announced: on Music Stage
Sand sculpture building will take place all throughout the weekend! You and yours will want to attend every day, strolling on the beach to admire these progressive works of art. Sandfest is all about getting the full experience, so when you’re not looking at masterful works of sand art, try some local cuisine or purchase a few trinkets from vendors.
Sandfest Tickets (Age 13 to Adults: $20 || Ages 6 to 12: $5 || Ages 5 & Under: FREE)
Don’t wait until the day of to buy tickets. Sandfest tickets can be purchased online! Gates prices are the same as the above-listed prices but are cash only. Tickets/wristbands are good for all three days of SandFest. There are no one-day tickets.
Stay near the beach during Texas Sandfest 2022 with Life in Paradise Vacation Rentals. We even offer amazing golf cart rentals, allowing you to easily cruise to the beach during the festival. Book your vacation rental with us online today!