GALVESTON, Texas – Galveston’s East Beach transformed into an open-air art gallery over the weekend as giant sand sculptures filled the shoreline during the annual Galveston Sandcastle Festival.
From detailed buildings and iconic characters to a crowd-favorite Buc-ee’s Beaver, sand was turned into art by skilled architects and engineers — all in just a few hours.
25+ Teams Compete in Creative Coastal Showdown
More than 25 teams — including local architecture firms, engineering companies, and university students — brought their best buckets, shovels, and creative minds to the competition. Held over two days, the event was a mix of serious craftsmanship and family-friendly fun, attracting thousands of beachgoers.
Participants had only five hours to carve their masterpieces using nothing but sand and water, competing for top honors in various categories.
Organized With a Purpose
The festival is hosted by AIA Houston in collaboration with La Izquierda Fest, merging design and culture with a laid-back beach experience. It’s more than just a competition — it’s an annual celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit along the Gulf Coast.
Judging Criteria: More Than Just Looks
Each team’s sculpture was judged on:
Originality of concept
Artistic execution
Technical difficulty
Carving technique
Use of the site
The results? Towering sand temples, clever pop-culture references, and scenes that wowed visitors of all ages.
Fun for All Ages
While teams worked their magic, spectators had plenty to do:
Free sandcastle building lessons from professionals
A kids’ zone with interactive activities
Live music to keep the energy high
Food trucks and vendor booths offering local treats and souvenirs
Families spent the day enjoying the sun, sea breeze, and hands-on activities, making it a perfect weekend outing.
Sculptures on Display Through Sunday
Even after the winners were announced, the sand sculptures stayed standing through Sunday evening, allowing beachgoers to stroll past the stunning displays and snap photos of the temporary masterpieces.
The Galveston Sandcastle Festival isn’t just about sand — it’s about celebrating talent, teamwork, and the Gulf Coast’s vibrant community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, this creative coastal competition continues to impress, year after year.
