Hi, Friends!

SandFest is an internationally recognized three-day family event that draws sculptors and thousands of visitors from around the world each year to Port Aransas, Texas.  Texas Sandfest is the largest Native-Sand Sculpture Competition in the United States. The 1^st annual Texas SandFest was organized by the Art Center for the Islands (now the Port Aransas Art Center) in 1997, which was under the direction of Sharon Schafer. Since 1997, Texas SandFest has been an annual event bringing tens of thousands of visitors globally.

For visitors, below I have listed a few of the most frequently asked questions:

Schedule:

Texas SandFest will be held April 26-28.

• Friday, April 26, 2019 (9AM-7PM)
  • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Masters’ Gallery open
  • 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Vendors open
  • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Lesson Mountain open
  • 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Beer Garden open
  • Noon – 2 p.m. — Raeanne & The Ride (Music Tent)
  • 2:30– 4:30 p.m. —Debra Watson & the Smokin’ Aces (Music Tent)
  • 3:00 – 6:30 p.m. — Amateur check-in (North Entrance, Volunteer Check-in Tent)
  • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. — Two Tons of Steel (Music Tent)
• Saturday, April 27, 2019 (8AM-7PM)
  • 7:30– 8:30 a.m. — Contest Check-In (South Entrance)
  • 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Adult & Teen Amateur contests
  • 9:00 a.m. – Noon — Guppy & Youth Amateur contests
  • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Masters’ Gallery open
  • 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Vendors open
  • 10:00– 11:30 a.m. — Rich Lockhart (Music Tent)
  • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Lesson Mountain open
  • 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Beer Garden open
  • Noon – 2:00 p.m. — Bonnie Lang (Music Tent)
  • 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. — Christian Sparks & the Beatnik Bandits (Music Tent)
  • 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. — Amateur Contest Winners announced (Music Tent)
  • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. — Jagertown (Music Tent)
• Sunday, April 28, 2019 (9AM-6PM)
  • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Masters’ Gallery open
  • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Vendors open
  • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Lesson Mountain open
  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — David Russell & Port City Blues (Music Tent)
  • Noon – 6:00 p.m. — Beer Garden open
  • 1:30 – 3: 30 p.m. — James Buffaloe & the Heard (Music Tent)
  • 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Golf Cart Raffle Drawing, Master & Semi-Pro Awards Announced (Music Tent)
  • 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Passing Strangers (Music Tent)

Items Allowed:

• Ice Chests & Coolers
• Folding/Lounge Chairs
• Snacks & Drinks for your family
• Dogs
  • Well behaved dogs on leashes are allowed into Texas SandFest. The City of Port Aransas requires that dogs must be on a leash at all times, according to City Code. You must pick up after your pet; bags will be provided by the festival for those who accidently left theirs at home. Be sure to bring water and food to the festival as pets tend to get highly dehydrated quickly on beaches.

Items Prohibited:

• Golf Carts
• Skate Boards
• Bicycles
• Pop-up Tents
• Shelters
• Drones or any other flying devices

* With the exception of motorized disability scooters, the SandFest grounds are open to foot traffic only.

Ticket Information:

Wristbands will be available at the entrance gates during SandFest hours and are good for ALL three days of the festival. Wristbands are not available for purchase in advance.

Prices:

• Ages 13 and Above: $15 (Cash Only)
• Ages 6-12: $5 (Cash Only)
• Ages 5 & Under: FREE

Texas SandFest is a rain or shine event, regardless of mother nature. ATM’s will be provided as most vendors are “cash only.” First Aid will be provided by the city of Port Aransas, with a tent located at the north entrance to SandFest (Sandcastle Drive).

Join us for the 2019 Texas SandFest for a taste of amazing sand sculptures, delicious food, live music, a huge variety of kid’s activities and a large opportunity to shop for items such as, jewelry, arts & crafts, clothing, island themed furniture, souvenirs and so much more.

Talk to you soon, Friends!

-Brandon C.