This weekend, Galveston’s East Beach will come alive with creativity as the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosts its much-loved annual sandcastle festival and competition.
From professional architects to enthusiastic amateurs, teams will compete to design the most impressive sand creations in a fun-filled event that mixes art, architecture, and community spirit.
The Golden Bucket Competition
The highlight of the weekend is the Golden Bucket contest, where 20 professional teams will compete on Saturday, followed by an all-level competition on Sunday. Winners take home themed prizes: a golden bucket for first place, a silver shovel for second, and a bronze shovel for third.
Along with the Golden Bucket, participants can also compete in other categories such as:
Theme-Based Sandcastles
Best Team Sign
Best Team T-Shirt
Most Sustainable Team (presented by 811 Call or Click Before You Dig)
Focus on Clean and Green Practices
This year, organizers are placing extra importance on protecting the beach. Recycling and trash rules will be strictly enforced, with clear bins for landfill and recyclable waste. Each team is responsible for properly sorting and disposing of their materials. Contestants who fail to follow the rules face a $100 fine.
Erick Cross from AIA Houston explained that keeping the site clean is essential: “We’re in Galveston, and it’s a public beach. We want to respect the island’s cleanliness rules.”
To further promote sustainability, the festival has introduced the Most Sustainable Team award. Teams can earn extra points for eco-friendly practices such as maintaining a clean workspace and avoiding polluting tools.
Building for Fun and a Cause
Rusty Bienvenue, CEO of AIA Houston, shared that the goal is not just fun but also responsibility: “We’ve had contestants use fossil fuel generators before — and that’s not okay. We want this competition to inspire creativity without harming the environment.”
Beyond the fun, the festival also raises funds for AIA Houston’s programs, supporting community projects and architectural initiatives.
Admission Details
The event is family-friendly and open to all. Admission prices are:
$25 for attendees ages 13 and up
Free entry for children 12 and under
Galveston’s sandcastle festival is more than just a weekend of fun — it’s a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and sustainability. With impressive sand sculptures, eco-friendly practices, and community spirit at its core, this event brings people together while reminding everyone of the importance of caring for the environment.
Whether you’re competing, cheering, or just enjoying the sandy artistry, East Beach promises a weekend to remember.
