What You Need to Know About Texas SandFest

April 17–19, 2026

Are you ready to hit the beach for the most anticipated festival of the year, Texas SandFest? You’re not alone! You’ll be one of many who come for the sculptures, then stay for the vibrant live music, funky vendor shops, fun festival food, and riveting conversation with artists! Whether this is your first Texas SandFest or your 20th, here is the nitty-gritty, need-to-know logistical information to help your weekend go as smoothly as possible.

Don’t have tickets yet? You can purchase your tickets at the event! Tickets will be available for purchase early at the Guest Relations tent from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, or you can purchase tickets anytime throughout the festival at either the North or South entrance. Cash only.

Important Safety Update

Service Animals Only Policy for Texas SandFest 2026

• What qualifies as a Service Animal? Under the ADA, a Service Animal is a dog (any breed) or miniature horse that performs work or tasks directly related to a person’s disability. 
• What does NOT qualify? Emotional support animals, therapy animals, comfort animals, companion animals, and pets do not qualify as Service Animals under the ADA and will not be admitted.
• Service Animal Handler Responsibilities:
  • The Service Animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the Service Animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
  • The animal must be housebroken and well-behaved.
  • The handler is fully responsible for the animal’s care, cleanup, and any damages caused.

Traffic Patterns:

First, it is important to understand that the beach road is often restricted to one-way traffic heading southbound from Avenue G to Access Road 1-A. This starts at about 8 a.m. and remains this way until about 8 p.m. on each day of the event.

So, whether you are coming in from the south via 361 North, or coming across the ferry landing to Port Aransas, you should definitely map out where you wish to access the festival. During peak times, you can expect the main beach access points to be backed up with slow-moving traffic.

Offsite Parking Options:

During SandFest, the Regional Transportation Authority will provide FREE bus shuttle transportation from the following locations to the beach at the end of Access Road 1-A:

• Roberts Point Park (near the ferry landing)—All three days of the event from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Free Parking)
• Port Aransas Community Park (700 Clark Parkway)—All three days of the event from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Free Parking)

The shuttle will drop off SandFest attendees at the end of Beach Access Road 1-A, which is just a couple of hundred feet to the South Entrance of the festival at Marker 17. A free golf cart shuttle will also be available to transport guests to the North entrance and back. The last golf cart shuttle is at 7:30 p.m.

Golf Cart Shuttle from Gracie’s Way Parking Lot

If you want to get a little closer, head to Gracie’s Way near Access Road 1A.

• Free parking

• Free golf cart shuttle to the south entrance

• Runs the same hours as the main shuttle (9 AM – 8 PM) 

This is a great middle-ground option if you want quicker access without navigating beach traffic.

Accessibility: Beach Wheelchairs

A limited number of beach wheelchairs are available for free use to help guests navigate the sand. These are non-motorized and require someone in your group to push them.

Key Details

• Usage time: 1 hour and 45 minutes per reservation/use.

• Weight capacity: 250 pounds (maximum; includes occupant and any items carried).

• Reservation: Highly recommended to guarantee availability. Only one reservation per person is allowed for the entire event. Attempts to bypass the system may result in cancellation.

• How to reserve: Use the Reserve Now link at the bottom of this page.

• Without reservation: Check availability at the Guest Relations Tent (North gate entrance, near beach marker 12.5). No guarantees without a reservation.

Pickup and Requirements

• Pick up at the Guest Relations Tent (North gate entrance, near beach marker 12.5).

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your reserved time. Late arrival will not extend your usage period.

• Required at pickup:

  • $20 cash deposit (fully refunded upon on-time return with no damage).

  • A current driver's license from someone in your group (held as collateral and returned upon drop-off).

  • Completed and signed beach wheelchair usage agreement.

Important Notes

• Texas SandFest provides beach wheelchairs similar to standard all-terrain models with large wheels for sand (example pictured below).

• We are not responsible for injury, damage, or loss related to use. Users assume responsibility for safe operation.

• Return the wheelchair to the guest relations tent at the north gate, on time and in good condition, to receive your deposit and license back.

Book Now

In Case of Emergency:

Texas SandFest will have an EMS unit on the grounds, and there will be a first aid tent clearly marked and close to the middle of the grounds.

If you are bringing kiddos with you, be sure to read these helpful reminders on what to do in case you get separated.

Flynn reminds you to…

• Write your phone number on your child’s wristband.
• Take a photo of your child in the clothes they are wearing that day to simplify search efforts in case of separation.
• If your child is lost, report immediately to a volunteer and head to the first aid tent by the North entrance.

Have any more questions while you’re at Texas SandFest?

Search for a volunteer wearing a yellow vest that says, “May I help you?” These volunteers are equipped with all the information and resources you could ask for!