Every summer in Galveston, experience 25+ teams competing to win the prestigious Golden Bucket Award.
The Galveston Sandcastle Festival is a two-day beach event featuring one of the largest amateur sandcastle competitions in the world. More than 25 teams transform the sand into towering sculptures using only sand and water. The festival also includes live music, local food trucks, art vendors, a kid zone, and hands-on lessons with professional sandcastle builders.
Hosted in partnership with AIA Houston and La Izquierda Fest.
Date(s): Sept 19-20, 2026
Location: East Beach, Galveston, TX
The Galveston Sandcastle Festival is a two-day beach event featuring one of the largest amateur sandcastle competitions in the world plus live music, local food trucks, art vendors, a kid zone, and hands-on lessons with professional sandcastle builders.
Hosted in partnership with the American Institute of Architects and La Izquierda Fest.
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SATURDAY ONLY: Skip the lines and ride the shuttle from Stewart Beach just 2 miles away from all the fun!
Stewart Beach shuttle offers a shaded waiting area, access to an air-conditioned gift shop, and two continuous shuttles running every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM, ensuring a breezy arrival and departure experience for all.
Free beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis. Ask at the gate upon arrival. Staff will meet you on the east side of the pavilion to assist. Chairs glide on sand and float in water but require someone to push them.
We love our furry friends! If you decided to bring you dog, please make sure they remain on a leash.
