Registration Now Open! Get Tickets Here

 

Early registration: September 2 - October 31, 2025

Open Registration: November 1, 2025 - April 12, 2026

Registration Deadline: April 12, 2026, 11:59 PM​​

NOTE: Registration will close early if all plots are filled before the deadline date. 

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About the Amateur Competition

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2026 Registration Fees 

Guppy (3-7 years) - $20 ($10 early registration)

• Youth Solo (8-12 years) - $20 ($10 early registration) 

• Youth Team (8-12 years) - $40 ($35 early registration)

• Teen Solo (13-17 years) - $35 

• Teen Team (13-17 years) $75

• Family (up to 6 members, limited to 2 Adults) - $75

• Adult Solo 1 Day - $60 ($35 early registration)

• Adult Team 1 Day - $125 ($100 early registration)

• 2 Day Open Solo - $75 ($60 early registration)

• 2 Day Open Team - $150 ($125 early registration)

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About the Amateur Competition 

Competition Hours

1 Day Amateur Competition: Saturday, April 18, 2026

2 Day Open Competition: Friday & Saturday, April 17-18, 2026

• Guppies & Youth: Saturday 9:00AM - Noon

• Teen & Adult: Saturday 8:30AM - 4:30 PM

• 2 Day Open Solo & Teams

  • Friday Noon - 5:30PM​

  • Saturday 8:30 AM - 4:30PM

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​​Check-In 

You will receive your packets and wristbands at check-in.

Early Check-In:

Friday, April 17, 2026, 10:00AM - 6:30PM (South entrance at SandFest)

Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30AM - 8:20AM (South entrance to SandFest)

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Plots 

The number of competition plots are limited to the size of the amateur area. Registration will end when the competition area is full or the deadline date. 

• Guppy: 5'x5'

• Youth: 5'x5'

• Teen & Adult Solo: 8'x8'

• Teen & Adult Teams: 12'x12'

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Water will be provided on a limited basis through tankards and troughs in the event area. Contestants are encouraged to bring barrels and buckets to gather water from these sources, as needed. 

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Allowed/ Not Allowed 

• Family, Teen and Adult category competitors will be permitted to bring in chairs and tents to set up in a designated area next to their plots.

• Youth and Guppy category competitors are permitted to bring chairs and small shade items, such as umbrellas, to set up in the general parent sitting area.

• All competitors will be provided a Cooler Pass. Competitors may bring snacks, food and beverages in their coolers. 

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Rules

• All participants must check in prior to the contest time. 

• All work must be done within your designated plot. 

• Only sand from within designated plot may be used. 

• Decorative materials may be used, but all non-biodegradable items must be removed immediately after judging. 

• Nothing may be added to the sand except water (no paint, flour, sugar, cement, clay or adhesives, etc.)

• Only registered participants are allowed inside plots. 

• No power tools may be used inside the plots. 

• Holes must be filled. Trash and equipment must be removed before the judging. 

• All forms must be removed after the contest is over. There will be a $200 clean-up fee assessed for non-removal. 

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Judging 

Judging is based on: 

• Originality and imagination 

• Degree of technical difficulty

• Artistic merit

• Decisions of the judges are final

 

Awards 

Winners will be announced at 5:30PM Saturday in the Entertainment Tent. Time is subject to change. Guppy & Youth competitors will have awards announced 15 minutes after competition in the Guppy & Youth area. 

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Weather

Texas SandFest is an outdoor event, located physically on the beach, and will happen rain or shine. There will be no refunds given because of inclement weather. 

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Questions? 

Contact the Texas SandFest Amateur Coordinator at amateur@texassandfest.org