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Annual Galveston sandcastle competition begins Saturday | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 18:20 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Galveston’s Biggest Beach Art Event Is Set to Launch this Saturday

The long‑awaited Galveston Sandcastle Competition will open its doors on Saturday, September 15, kicking off a weekend of creativity, community spirit, and the unmistakable scent of saltwater and sand.

For over two decades, the Gulf Coast’s most vibrant sand‑sculpting contest has drawn artists, families, and beachgoers from all corners of Texas and beyond. This year, the event is poised to take on even more energy, featuring a brand‑new theme, an expanded lineup of judges, and a slate of local sponsors eager to support the arts. Whether you’re a seasoned sand‑sculptor or simply a curious onlooker, the competition promises something for everyone.

When and Where

The official opening ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, at Galveston’s iconic Seawall Park. From the moment the first shovel is poised in the dunes, the grounds will transform into a bustling art studio. The event will run through the late afternoon, with a closing banquet slated for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The full program—including live music, craft stations for kids, and a local food truck fair—can be found on the competition’s official website, linked in the article’s sidebar.

A New Theme, A New Challenge

This year’s competition adopts the theme “Tides of Imagination.” Organizers say the prompt encourages participants to explore the fluidity of water, the mystery of the ocean’s depths, and the ever‑changing shoreline. “We want to celebrate the power and beauty of the sea while also highlighting how it inspires human creativity,” says festival director Maria Lopez, who has led the event for the past four years.

The theme will play out across four main categories:

1. Best Overall Design – The most visually striking and technically sound sand sculpture.
2. Most Creative Use of Materials – Entries that incorporate unconventional elements (e.g., recycled bottles, seaweed, or locally sourced shells).
3. Best Use of Color – Scorches that display mastery of sand pigments and natural hues.
4. Community Award – Recognizing the efforts of local school groups, youth clubs, and community art centers.

Each category will feature both professional artists and community participants, ensuring a diverse mix of styles and skill levels.

The Judges

The panel this year consists of respected figures from the Texas arts scene. Chief among them is former state artist laureate, Elena Reyes, whose own beach‑inspired works have graced museum walls across the state. She will sit alongside local journalist, Kevin Tran, and sculptor, Malik “Mack” Johnson, who has won the competition twice in his career. The judges will be available throughout the day for meet‑and‑greet sessions, offering visitors a chance to discuss techniques and inspirations.

Sponsorships and Community Support

Galveston’s Sandcastle Competition would not be possible without its generous sponsors. This year, the event is proudly supported by:

• Texas State Bank – Providing the $2,000 in prize money for the overall winner.
• Gulf Coast Community Foundation – Funding the Community Award and sponsoring the Kids’ Creative Corner.
• Local Hotels – Offering discounted stays to participants and their families.
• Sea Breeze Surf Co. – Donating sand‑shovel sets and providing safety gear for volunteers.

In addition to monetary support, sponsors have helped facilitate the event’s sustainability efforts. “We’re committed to keeping the beach clean and preserving the natural environment that inspires us,” says Lopez. A portion of the proceeds from the event’s merchandise sales will go toward beach conservation programs.

How to Get Involved

Participants who wish to compete must register online before the deadline of August 31. The entry fee, $50 per team, covers sand permits, judges’ time, and a commemorative plaque. Teams may consist of up to four individuals and can submit a portfolio of prior works if desired. The competition’s website also offers a “Volunteer” section for those interested in helping with setup, safety patrols, or the Kids’ Zone.

For those who can’t participate but still want to be part of the spectacle, the event offers several “visitor” tickets. These include a 12‑hour pass that grants access to all art displays, live music, and a “Behind the Sand” behind‑the‑scenes tour. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on-site at the main entrance.

A Legacy of Community Art

The Galveston Sandcastle Competition first opened its gates in 2003. Since then, it has grown from a modest regional gathering to a statewide showcase of creativity. According to Lopez, the event has sparked the interest of more than 3,000 children in the Gulf Coast region over the past decade, many of whom continue to pursue art careers. “The competition is more than a contest; it’s a community celebration,” she notes.

The event will also be broadcast by Houston Public Media’s local channel, providing a live stream for viewers who cannot attend in person. Additionally, the competition’s official social media accounts will feature “Day‑in‑the‑Life” stories and a highlight reel posted each evening.

A Look Ahead

While the sand will inevitably recede with the tide, the impact of the Galveston Sandcastle Competition remains enduring. Each year, the event builds new bridges between artists, locals, and visitors, creating a vibrant tapestry of shared creativity. Whether you’re watching a majestic mermaid rise from the dunes or learning how to sculpt a sea‑foam castle with your kids, the event invites you to experience the joy of art that’s as fleeting as the tide and as powerful as the ocean.

For more details, follow the links provided in the Houston Public Media article and in the official competition website. Come this Saturday, bring your curiosity, your enthusiasm, and, if you’re up for it, a shovel. The beach is waiting.