Texas SandFest
Texas SandFest is the biggest native-sand sculpture competition in the country — three days every April on the Port Aransas beach, with master sculptors from around the world building monumental pieces a few feet from the surf. It's one of the best weekends of the year on Mustang Island.
If you're searching for Texas SandFest, you're probably planning a spring trip and want to know dates, what's actually at the festival, parking, and where to stay so you're not commuting in. This guide covers all of that and how to book a Cinnamon Shore home for SandFest weekend (which sells out fast).
What Texas SandFest is
Texas SandFest brings master sand sculptors from around the world to the Port Aransas beach for a three-day competition. Sculptors work in roped-off plots over the festival weekend, building monumental pieces — sometimes 10 to 20 feet tall — using only native Mustang Island sand and water. Spectators walk the line of plots, watch the work in progress, and vote in people's-choice categories.
Around the sculpting plots, the festival adds a vendor row (food, drink, art, beach gear), a kids' zone with smaller sand activities, live music, and amateur and family-team sand-sculpting contests so non-pros can dig in too.
When it happens
Texas SandFest is held annually on a weekend in late April. Exact dates change yearly — check the official Texas SandFest website (or our /events page during the year of your trip) for the current weekend. The festival typically runs Friday through Sunday, with sculptors working the full weekend and judging on Sunday.
Spring weather on Mustang Island is generally mild — 70s by day, 60s at night, with the typical Gulf breeze. Pack a light layer for evening walking, sun protection for the day, and comfortable shoes.
Parking and getting in
SandFest takes place at signed Port Aransas beach access points; parking is on the beach itself (with a Port Aransas beach parking permit — $12/year or $1 daily, sold at most local gas stations and the beach gates). Expect to walk 5–15 minutes from your parking spot to the sculpting plots in peak hours.
The town also runs trolley shuttles between downtown Port Aransas and the festival grounds during peak hours — easier than fighting for a beachside parking spot. Cinnamon Shore guests have it easiest: the festival is a short drive (or golf-cart roll) from the community.
With kids
Kids 12 and under typically enter free (confirm on the official site). The kids' zone includes hands-on sand activities and family-team competitions. Bring a beach wagon for water, snacks, sun gear, and a change of clothes for the inevitable sand-coverage.
Pace the day — the sculpting plots span a long beach line and walking everything is a real workout for younger kids. Plan a midday break back at the rental.
Where to stay for SandFest
Cinnamon Shore is the closest planned-community option to the festival — a short drive from the beach access points. Vacation-rental inventory tightens dramatically for SandFest weekend, especially for 3-bedroom-and-larger homes that fit family teams. Book 4–6 months out for the best selection.
Beached Inn (3 BR, sleeps 10, private elevator) is a popular SandFest base for two-family groups. Check availability on the home page.
Frequently asked questions
When is Texas SandFest 2026?
Texas SandFest is held annually on a weekend in late April. The exact 2026 dates are published on the official Texas SandFest website — search 'Texas SandFest dates' for the current confirmed weekend, since festival organizers occasionally shift by one weekend year to year.
Where does Texas SandFest happen?
On the Port Aransas beach, at the signed Port Aransas beach access points on Mustang Island. The exact beach corridor is announced each year on the festival site. Cinnamon Shore is a short drive south of the festival grounds.
How much does it cost to attend Texas SandFest?
A day pass or weekend pass is required for adults; pricing is typically $10–$25 depending on day and ticket type, with kids 12 and under usually free. Check the official site for current ticket prices. Beach parking requires the standard Port Aransas beach permit ($12/year or $1/day).
Is Texas SandFest worth it for kids?
Yes — kids 12 and under typically attend free, and the festival includes a dedicated kids' zone with hands-on sand activities and family-team competitions. Pace the day with breaks; the sculpting plots cover a long stretch of beach and the walking adds up for younger kids.
Where should we park for SandFest?
Beach parking at the festival's signed beach access points (Port Aransas beach parking permit required — $12/year or $1/day). Trolley shuttles also run from downtown Port Aransas during peak hours, which can be easier than driving in. Cinnamon Shore guests can drive or golf-cart over in minutes.
Where is the best place to stay for Texas SandFest?
Planned-community houses at Cinnamon Shore are the closest option that gives you a short drive to the festival plus a beachfront pool, walkable village, and family-friendly setup. Inventory tightens 4–6 months in advance for SandFest weekend — book early. Beached Inn (3 BR, sleeps 10) is a common SandFest base.
Stay at Beached Inn at Cinnamon Shore
3-bedroom luxury vacation rental in Cinnamon Shore, Port Aransas — pool, boardwalk to the beach, walk to the village.
Check availability →