The countdown to the beach is officially on!
Tickets for the 2026 Galveston Sandcastle Festival are now available! Join us September 19–20 at East Beach for an unforgettable weekend of incredible sand sculptures, live entertainment, food, family activities, and one of Texas’ favorite coastal traditions.
TICKETS
The American Institute of Architects and La Izquierda Fest partner to enrich the annual AIA Sandcastle Competition with music, vendors, and family-friendly activities at East Beach.
The Galveston Sandcastle Competition, also known as the AIA Sandcastle Competition, features massive and creative sandcastles sculpted by teams of architects, with some engineers and contractors also participating. The festival includes a music festival with local and regional bands, food vendors, and various activities. Tickets are required for entry and provide access to the music, food, and activities.
Insider tips:
Sunday is for locals! Check out the completed castles from the AIA teams, and cheer on your favorite local sandcastle teams from 10am-3pm as the Central Middle School students compete against the Island Grappling Academy in our 2nd annual Local’s Sandcastle Contest.
Park at Stewart Beach to skip the heavy East End traffic and take a shuttle. The shuttles run every 15 minutes to the Fest grounds.
And yes! Dogs are welcome if they stay on leashes and you clean up after them.
