Media Room

Texas SandFest 2027 Media Hub

 

Thank you for your interest in Texas SandFest 2027. We welcome media coverage that helps showcase the world-class artistry, community impact, and coastal spirit of Port Aransas, Texas.​

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To ensure a safe and well-organized experience for media, sculptors, volunteers, and guests, all media personnel interested in covering the event must submit the official Media Credentials & Interview Application (Unified Application). ​

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Next Steps for Media

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1. Review Our Guidelines

Please review the 2027 Media Participation & General Guidelines before applying. These cover site access, safety requirements, equipment rules, photography policies, and more.

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2027 Media Participation General Guidelines

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2. Resource(s) - Available to All Media

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2027 Media Backgrounder

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3. High-Resolution Media Assets - Approved Media Only

Full high-resolution photos, 2027 “Enchanted Shores” branding assets, B-roll video clips, and transparent logo files are available exclusively to credentialed/approved media. Access will be provided after your application is reviewed and approved.

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4. Submit Your Application 

Use the unified application below to request media credentials and coordinate interviews.
The 2027 Unified Media Credentials Application will open by November 2026.
Deadline: March 22, 2027
Application Notes:

• Pre-Event: Credentials are not required for general site access, but the application is required for pre-event interviews.

• During the Event (April 16–18, 2027): The application is required for on-site access and interviews.

• Early submission is strongly encouraged.

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The 2027 unified application will open by November 2026

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Media Contact

Contact:  Media Team
Email:  media@texassandfest.org
Phone:  361-267-2474

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Media FAQ's​

Q1: What are the dates, hours, and theme for Texas SandFest 2027?

A: The landmark 30th Anniversary festival runs April 16–18, 2027, from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily on the beach in Port Aransas, Texas. The official 2027 theme is “Enchanted Shores: 30 Years of Bringing Legends to Life,” celebrating coastal folklore, mythical sea legends, and three decades of artistic and philanthropic impact. The public Flag Raising Ceremony takes place on Wednesday, April 14, at 6:00 PM.  

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Q2: What makes Texas SandFest unique compared to other coastal events?

A: Texas SandFest is the largest native sand sculpture competition in the United States and an elite stop for world-renowned International Master Sculptors. It is a massive economic engine, generating more than $20 million annually for the local economy while drawing approximately 100,000 visitors to Port Aransas during the month of April.  

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Q3: Where do the proceeds from the event go, and what is the historical impact?

A: Texas SandFest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the proceeds from the event are dedicated entirely to supporting local charities, scholarships, and the long-term sustainability of the festival. In 2026, SandFest distributed a record-breaking $380,000 back to the community ($259,500 dedicated to student scholarships and education, and $120,500 to charities like the VFW, EMS, and food pantries). Since 2012, Texas SandFest has proudly contributed more than $3.7 million to the Port Aransas area.  

 

Q4: What is the scale of the festival infrastructure?

A: Transforming a wide stretch of open beach into a functioning festival grounds takes just over two weeks of intense logistical coordination. The footprint spans 1.5 million square feet (including 1 million sq ft for guest parking), features 35 tents covering 22,000 sq ft, and requires moving 275,000 cubic feet of sand for site preparation. The iconic "Logo Mountain" alone uses over 2 million pounds of sand.  

 

Q5: How does the festival enforce environmental sustainability on the beach?

A: SandFest actively works to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem through key conservation initiatives:

• Waste Diversion: Diverting over 20,500 cans, 4,000 plastic bottles, and 1,460 lbs of cardboard in a single weekend.  

• Clean Energy: Utilizing 5 solar-powered light towers to cut fuel consumption by 18%, with a long-term goal of transitioning to 100% solar operational lighting.  

• Plastic & Waste Reduction: Preventing single-use plastic via high-capacity water stations for staff/volunteers and partnering with food vendors who use 100% biodegradable service ware.  

 

Q6: Is media required to have credentials to cover the event, and how do I apply?

A: Yes. All media personnel must submit the official online Unified Media Credentials & Interview Application. Credentials are required for on-site gate access, designated media areas, and scheduled interviews. Approved applicants will be notified by email within 10 days of submission. Please note that no credentials will be issued on-site and media credentials will not be issued to anyone under the age of 21.

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Q7: What are the application deadlines for the 2027 festival?

A: The unified media application opens by November 2026, and the firm deadline for submission is March 22, 2027. Early applications are strongly encouraged to ensure timely processing and scheduling.

 

Q8: Can media visit the site prior to the official opening or interview the sculptors?

A: Yes. Media Preview Days run April 7–13 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM), weather permitting, for general photography and B-roll without an appointment. Direct interaction and interviews with sculptors, performers, volunteers, contractors, or staff require prior approval and must be specifically requested through your media application.

 

Q9: Are drones allowed on festival grounds?

A: No. Drones are strictly prohibited on festival grounds and in all surrounding airspace under any circumstances. Texas SandFest utilizes a single, authorized Official Drone Pilot for all event aerial footage. Credentialed media can request access to this official aerial B-roll.

 

Q10: How do I request high-resolution photos, B-roll, or contact the media team?

A: Public branding assets are available in the Downloadable Resources section of this Media Hub. Full high-resolution event photos, 2027 "Enchanted Shores" branding assets, and aerial B-roll are shared via a secure Google Drive link exclusively with approved, credentialed media.