FAQ's | Texas Sandfest

Frequently asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions about Texas SandFest! Note: These FAQ responses are subject to change.

General

How do I become a volunteer?

Please follow this link to sign up and learn more about volunteering at Texas SandFest.

Are there kid activities?

Yes, most of which occur at the South entrance in the Kids' Corner. This includes Lesson Mountain, face painting, fun games and more!

Are there any nearby hotels or accommodations?

There are plenty of great places to stay in Port Aranas! Check out the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce's website to plan your stay! Click Here

Do you have a list of local restaurants?

Definitely! Check out the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce's list of restaurants here.

When is Texas SandFest 2025?

April 25 - 27, 2025

How does the golf cart raffle work?

All information about the golf cart raffle can be found here. The raffle is capped at 600 tickets at a price of $50 each. Tickets can be purchased online or at the festival if there are still tickets available. You do not need to be present to win. The winner will receive a 1099 for the value of the golf cart.

Traffic, Parking & Transportation

Where is Texas SandFest located?

On the beach between markers 13 and 17. North gate entrance is at Marker 13 and South gate entrance is located at Marker 17.

Can we park our RV at Texas SandFest?

Yes and no. Yes, but only outside the bollards and you must park perpendicular (head in or back in only) and for a maximum of 3 nights. Learn more about City of Port Aransas RV parking regulations here. There will be no RV parking inside the bollards except for a few key personnel and vendors. RV and trailer parking is not permitted in any SandFest parking lots.

SandFest is not responsible for RV's or vehicles stuck in the sand. SandFest is not responsible for any damage or loss.

Will traffic be one way on the beach?

Yes, it generally becomes one way (southbound) each day of the event (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from about 9:00 AM to about 8:00 PM from Ave G to Access Road 1A. Traffic will be in both directions North of Ave G and South of Access Road 1.

Will I need a beach parking permit if I park in the Texas SandFest parking lot?

Yes, you will need a parking permit anywhere you park on the beach. Find more information on parking permits, including where you can purchase them here.

Can we drive our personal golf carts inside the event?

No, only Texas SandFest official golf carts are permitted inside the event.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

Yes, there is a lot of walking involved. The length of the event is over 1/2 mile long and you an expect to walk the length a couple times.

Will there be a golf cart shuttle to take me to and from my car?

Yes, there are free golf cart shuttles for all SandFest parking lots that are located inside the bollards as well as the Gracie's Way parking lot. Generally, the shuttle drivers will drop you off in the vicinity of your vehicle. Please note that the shuttles' top priority is picking up and dropping off those with disabilities, injuries and the elderly.

What street(s) are closed or have limited access?

Sandcastle Drive is closed to through traffic for the duration of the event.

Can I park my trailer, RV or other oversized vehicle inside the general Texas SandFest parking lots on the beach?

No, none of the above are permitted to park in Texas SandFest public parking lots. You may park them outside the bollards, as permitted by the City.

Can I park my trailer, RV or other oversized vehicle inside the remote Texas SandFest parking lots?

Yes, but no overnight parking will be allowed. Please be aware that the parking lot at Gracie's Way is grassy and RV parking will be at your own risk.

What hours do the golf cart parking shuttles operate?

8:45 AM until 7:45 PM sharp each day of the event.

Is there a cost for the RTA Shuttle (Bus) service during Texas SandFest ?

Yes and No. There is no cost to ride the prescribed SandFest route during the event, which stops at Roberts Point park, the Port Aransas Community Park and the end of Sandcatle Drive at the beach. All other RTA buses charge their normal fare, which can be found here.

Are bicycles and E-Bikes allowed in the event?

No, but there are bike racks available just outside the North and South entrance gates. Texas SandFest is not responsible for damaged or stolen items.

What days and hours does the RTA SandFest shuttle bus run?

The RTA SandFest shuttles runs from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day of the event. The last pick-up each day will be at 8:00 AM sharp at the end of Sandcastle Drive.

Is there a cost to park?

No. Texas SandFest does not charge to park. The city does require a $12 parking permit, good for the calendar year. There is no charge to park at the three remote parking lots.

Where are the remote parking lots located?

Gracie's Way is just off Access Road 1A, Roberts Point Park is located at 301 J.C. Barr Blvd., and the Port Aransas Community Park is located at 700 Clark Parkway.

Is overnight parking allowed in the remote parking lots ?

No, no overnight parking is allowed in any Texas SandFest parking lots.

Where is bus parking?

All bus parking will be in the remote parking lot at Gracie's Way. This includes tour buses, school buses and charter buses.

Can I park my RV on the beach outside Texas SandFest?

The City of Port Aransas determines what areas outside of the event can be used for parking. Parking will not be allowed outside the bollards, but RV parking is permitted on the beach North of Avenue G and South of Access Road 1A.

Accessibility

Are wheelchairs permitted?

Yes, motorized disability scooters and wheelchairs are permitted, as well as strollers and kiddie pull wagons.

Please note that this event is on the beach and the vast majority of disability scooters and wheelchairs are not meant for use in the sand. Texas SandFest will also have beach wheelchairs available, which may be reserved here.

Can I bring folding chairs or a beach umbrella?

Yes, folding chairs are permitted as long as they do not block pedestrian traffic. Beach umbrellas and other shade structures are not permitted.

Are there places to sit and rest in the shade?

Yes, at the main beer tent, the music tent, near Logo Mountain at the North gate and by the Kids' Corner at the South gate.

Are there air conditioned areas?

Available at SandFest

Is WiFi available?

I lost something - is there a Lost & Found?

Lost & Found is located next to the North gate entrance at our Guest Relations tent.

Is there a family restroom or a baby changing station?

Yes. There is a family port-a-potty located just inside the South gate which includes a baby changing station.

Available at SandFest

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed. Please note that the City of Port Aransas requires that dogs must be on a leash at all times (City Code, Chapter 4, Sec. 4-26). You must pick up after your dog (City Code, Chapter 4, Sec 4-9). There will be dog waste bags available. Texas SandFest reserves the right to remove any dog from the festival grounds.
Please be aware that SandFest days are often long and hot, so plan accordingly for your pet and be prepared.

Can I bring a cooler or ice chest?

No. Outside ice chests and coolers are not permitted. Outside alcohol is also not permitted but is available for purchase within the event grounds. You may bring in water, which is also available for purchase.

What about food and/or drinks ?

Though coolers are not permitted, you are welcome to bring food/ drinks with the exception of alcoholic beverages.

Can I bring a drone?

No, drones or other remote flying devices are permitted on festival grounds.

Ticket Information

Where can I purchase tickets for the event?

Tickets are sold online here and are also available for purchase at both entrances of the event.

Tickets will also be available for purchase early at the Guest Relations tent from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday & Thursday, cash only. Tickets will not be available at Guest Relations during the event.

I bought wristbands online, what is the process to get them?

Wristbands purchased online will be available for pickup at the Nort and South gate entrances from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day of the event.

Once at either of the gates, get in the "Will Call" lane
Either have your confirmation email or the first and last name of the person who purchased the wristbands
A volunteer will look you up in the system and get you the correct number of each type of wristband

Are tickets/ wristbands refundable?

There are no refunds or discounts

What does my ticket cover?

No additional tickets are required to access any portion of the event except for the VIP tent. General Admission covers the Master Sculptor competition, Semi-Pro competition, Amateur competition, Kids' Corner, Live Music and Vendors.

Can I leave the event and come back?

Yes. You must keep your wristband on for reentry. The wristband will provide you with a 3-day entry.

Will the event be cancelled if it rains?

Are VIP Tent wristbands available for purchase?

Yes, a limited number are available for purchase here (scroll to the bottom). A $500 VIP ticket purchase is valid for two (2) people for one (1) day only. VIP tickets include access to the VIP tent and VIP parking lot (entrance at Marker 11.5)

A limited number of single-person ($250) VIP tickets will be available for purchase at the following locations:

Guest Relations tent on Wednesday & Thursday, April 23 & 24 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
VIP sales tent in front of the VIP tent during the event

These single tickets will be valid for one day only. VIP tent wristbands will not be sold at the gates.

Are discount tickets available?

Unfortunately, Texas SandFest does not offer any discounts

Sculptors & Sculptures

How is the sand held together?

Sand is held together by compaction and the moisture inside of it. Different size grains fit together a lot like jigsaw puzzle pieces.

Why does the surface of the sculptures not wear down quickly?

The surface of the sculptures is sprayed with a proprietary bonding agent which is biodegradable, child safe and sealife safe.

Does rain damage the sculptures?

Light rain generally does not hurt the sculptures. Moderate rain can begin to erase fine details. Heavy rain can damage parts of the sculpture.

Will wind damage the sculptures?

Wind can damage the sculptures, especially the fine details.

What kind of sand is used?

Only local beach sand is used.

How long do the sculptors in the Masters' Gallery have to sculpt their art?

Sculptors have 31 hours to complete their sculptures.

How many professional sculptors are there worldwide?

There are less than 400 professional sand sculptors worldwide.

How many years does it take to become a Master Sculptor?

It takes roughly 10 years of sand sculpting experience to become a Master Sculptor.

What backgrounds do some of the sculptors have?

Some sand sculptors come from an ice or wood-carving background.