April 25–27, 2025

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 will be your first Texas SandFest or your 20th, here is some of the nitty-gritty, need-to-know logistical info that will 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.

Texas SandFest

One of the largest master sand sculpting contests in the United States hits the beach in Port Aransas for this annual event. Master sculptors from around the globe compete for three days, transforming tons of sand into beautiful pieces of art while spectators watch and are amazed at their talent…

Texas SandFest

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 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

There is a free parking lot on Gracie’s Way (off of Beach Road 1-A) with a free Golf Cart Shuttle from Gracie’s Way to the South entrance of SandFest (Fri, Sat & Sun, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.). You can then walk to the South entrance of SandFest.

 

Accessibility:

At this year’s Texas SandFest, there will not be golf carts to shuttle people within the grounds. If you or one of your companions would like to reserve a beach wheelchair, you may do so by emailing volunteer@texassandfest.org.

Please note the following: Reserved wheelchairs can be picked up at the Guest Relations Tent located at the north gate entrance near beach marker 9.5. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your reserved time. The following will be required when picking up the beach wheelchair:

  1. A $20 cash deposit, which will be refunded when the beach wheelchair is returned on time and with no damage.
  2. A current driver's license from someone in your group, which will be held as collateral and returned once the beach wheelchair is dropped off.
  3. Complete and sign a beach wheelchair usage agreement.

Please note, if you are LATE picking up your beach wheelchair your time with the wheelchair will NOT be extended.

A young girl is pushed on the beach in a large-wheeled wheelchair

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.

Animation drawing of a small blue and orange turtle with one flipper up in a wave.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!