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Galveston Sandcastle Festival

Every summer, experience the Galveston Sandcastle Competition at East Beach, where 25+ teams compete for the prestigious Golden Bucket Award!

The Galveston Sandcastle Festival is a two-day beach event in Galveston, Texas, featuring one of the largest amateur sandcastle competitions in the world.

Also known as the AIA Sandcastle Competition, this annual event brings together more than 25 teams to transform East Beach into a showcase of towering sand sculptures created using only sand and water. Visitors can watch the teams in action, admire incredible sandcastle designs, and enjoy live music, local food trucks, art vendors, a kid zone, and hands-on lessons with professional sandcastle builders. Discover how to watch the competition, explore the sculptures, and experience one of Galveston’s most creative summer traditions.

Hosted in partnership with AIA Houston and La Izquierda Fest.

Date(s): TBD September 2027
Location: East Beach, Galveston, TX

Galveston Sandcastle Festival

Admission

Tickets prices include free parking.

Single day tickets are $25 for general admission
$10 for children 12 and under
Children 5 and under are free

Weekend Passes are $40 for general admission
$15 for children 12 and under
Children 5 and under are free

VIP tickets are $100 and include:

  • Access to Air-conditioned restroom trailer
  • Lounge seating and shade for the concerts
  • 2 free drinks and access to the only cocktail bar on-site
  • Special VIP access line upon arrival (skip the wait!)

Cash and credit cards both accepted

What to Expect

  • Dozens of large-scale sand sculptures
  • Live performances by local musicians
    • Brandon Mcdermott Band
    • Camera Cult
    • Son Bayou
    • Galvezton
    • Charlie Perez
    • Dem Roots Music
    • Juan Mendez
    • Tyson Webb
    • Oje Band
    • Britney Doyal
    • Midnight Heron
    • Collective Dreams
    • Blue Heron Yacht Club
  • Food trucks, drinks, and local vendors
  • Interactive kids’ zone and free sandcastle lessons
  • Paid cabana rentals near the event area
  • Coastal views and a lively beach setting
  • SUNDAY; 11AM - Beachside Bloody Mary Battle. Vote for the best in town!

Entertainment Schedule

Saturday Music Schedule

  • 10AM Britney Doyal
  • 11:30AM Charlie Perez Trio
  • 1PM Brandon McDermott Band
  • 3:30PM Camera Cult
  • 4:20PM Juan Mendez
  • 5PM GALVEZTON
  • 6:30PM Collective Dreams
  • 8:30PM Cassette Tape

Sunday Music Schedule

  • 10AM Midnight Herron
  • 11:30AM Oje All-Star Band
  • 1PM Son Bayou
  • 3PM Tyson Webb
  • 5PM The ultimate Selena Experience
  • 7PM DEM

All Weekend

  • Blue Herron Yacht Club

Getting There

  1. East Beach is located at the far eastern end of Galveston Island.
  2. Drive east on Seawall Blvd past Stewart Beach.
  3. Turn onto Boddeker Rd. and follow signs to East Beach

Accessibility

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.

Know Before You Go

  • Bring sunscreen, water, and beach chairs
  • Sculptures are best viewed Saturday afternoon and early Sunday
  • Please do not touch the sandcastles

Is the event dog friendly?

We love our furry friends! If you decided to bring you dog, please make sure they remain on a leash.

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