AIA Sandcastle Festival

Every summer in Galveston, experience over 60 teams competing to win the prestigious Golden Bucket Award.

The AIA Houston & La Izquierda Galveston Sandcastle Festival is a fundraising event for AIA Houston and ArCH Foundation as well as one of the top five revenue-generating events for the City of Galveston.

Date(s): Sept 13-14, 2025

Event Details

About Galveston Sandcastle Festival

Galveston Sandcastle Festival is a music, food and family festival hosted on East Beach in Galveston, TX, centered around the AIA Houston Sandcastle Competition.

Expect a fun, family friendly atmosphere and an amazing Sandcastle competition showcasing local music, food, art and small businesses from Galveston and the Houston area .

Look Back on Galveston Sandcastle Festival 2024

What to Expect

Day 1
Competition Day

Competitors are hitting the sand and building for five intense hours as they fight to maintain the structural integrity of their sculptures. The competition is considered one of the world’s largest amateur sandcastle competitions and draws thousands of spectators to watch teams vie for the coveted Golden Bucket Award. Plus, attendees can partake in free sandcastle-building lessons from a professional sandcastle builder!

Learn More
Day 2
Bonus Viewing Day

By popular demand, the Galveston Park Board is working to help teams maintain the event's sandcastles overnight for beachgoers to take in these architectural marvels (with smaller crowds). There are also free sandcastle building lessons in conjunction with this viewing at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM.

Learn More
Galveston Sandcastle Festival
East Beach Cantina & Rentals

Rent a cabana from East Beach Cantina and Rentals during the Galveston Sandcastle Festival for a relaxing, shaded spot right by the action. Enjoy prime beachfront seating with all-day access to food, drinks, and the perfect view of incredible sand sculptures.

Learn More

Directions: Galveston Causeway to East Beach

East Beach is located at the very far eastern tip of the Island on Boddecker Drive. To get there, take Seawall Boulevard past Stewart Beach two miles until it dead ends. Then hang a right on Boddecker and follow the beach road all the way down.

What's Next on Island Time?

May 2 to May 3
La Izquierda Surf and Music Festival
Where surf meets sound—and local culture takes center stage More than just a weekend of great music and waves, La Izquierda…
Learn More
May 2
Dj Roo at Hotel Lucine
We’re kicking it during La Izquierda Weekend on the rooftop with a late-night set from Houston legend DJ Baby Roo. Join…
Learn More
May 3 to May 4
Galveston Historic Homes Tour
Step inside the historic homes that withstood the Great Storm of 1900 during Galveston’s beloved Historic Homes Tour. Held over two…
Learn More
May 3
East End Lagoon Nature Outing
Join the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council staff and volunteers for a guided nature walk through the East End Lagoon. Explore…
Learn More
May 3
Watercolor Collage Workshop with Cheryl Evans
Join artist Cheryl Evans for a hands-on Water Collage workshop: Let’s Mix It Up and Glue It Down. Discover creative techniques…
Learn More
May 3
The Galveston Metaphysical & Healing Fair
Check out the Galveston Metaphysical & Healing Fair by Mysticatz Productions, LLC for an amazing healing and mystical market experience! There…
Learn More
May 3
Basement To Attic Tours of the 1892 Bishop's Palace
Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement…
Learn More
May 3
6th Annual Flamingo Fest Parade and Pub Crawl
It’s time to paint the town pink! Join the 6th Annual Flamingo Fest Golf Cart Parade & Pub Crawl, hosted by…
Learn More
May 3
Galveston Island Cinco De Mayo Fiesta
¡Viva Cinco de Mayo! Get ready to fiesta at the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Celebration — a day full of culture…
Learn More
May 3
Mint Juleps at Menard | Kentucky Derby Watch Party
Join us at the historic 1838 Menard House for a Kentucky Derby Watch Party! Sip on classic mint juleps, enjoy a…
Learn More
May 3
Strand Summer Series: Movie Nights
Strand Movie Nights return in 2025 to Galveston Historical Foundation's Hendley Green Park! You’ll experience movies at dusk with free admission…
Learn More
May 3
Michael Feinstein In Because of You My Tribute to Tony Bennett Featuring The Carnegie Hall Ensemble
Michael Feinstein brings to life Big Band Celebrations and the Tony Bennett legacy. Supported by the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, Feinstein pays…
Learn More