Three-day festival features mind-blowing sand art, live music, local food, shopping, and family fun.

PORT ARANSAS, Texas — The countdown is on for Texas SandFest, the largest beach sand sculpture competition in the U.S., set for April 17-19, 2026. 

The festival raises money for local nonprofits and scholarships while bringing visitors to the Port Aransas coast for three days of sand, music, food, and family fun.

Texas SandFest’s website states sculptor registration deadline is April 12, allowing teams and solo artists to compete in the “Master’s Gallery,” where massive works of art are created over tons of sand. 

Organizers say competitors plan their sculptures for weeks or months in advance, designing forms and tools for their masterpieces.

Live entertainment highlights include the Josh Abbott Band, set to perform on April 19, which will add to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. To see the full list of performers, click here.

Attendees can enjoy local food, arts and crafts, apparel, jewelry, and furniture vendors, as well as the beer garden for adults and interactive “Lesson Mountain” activities for children.

The event will be held at Mile Markers 13 and 17. The festival is located on the shore near 403 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373.

To purchase tickets for the weekend event, click here.

For 2026, Texas SandFest has updated its pet policy: only service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted inside the event area.

Festival organizers encourage visitors to plan and stay a while to experience the full range of events, from spectacular sand sculptures to live music and oceanfront fun.

The event promises to be one of the biggest beach experiences of the year.