Events in Port Aransas and Mustang Island

There are a few things you can always count on in Port Aransas: sand between your toes, the roar of the Gulf, and a drink in your hand. Although you can visit Port Aransas at any time of the year, the city’s annual events are worth timing your trip for. Below are a few of the annual events in Port Aransas and Mustang Island to help you do so. For information on other recurring events, visit Port Aransas’ events calendar.

January

Restaurant Week
Take a culinary tour through the thriving food culture of Port Aransas. With restaurants all over the island offering prix-fixe menu options, you’re sure to find the perfect place to satisfy any craving. Restaurant Week showcases the inventiveness of local chefs and the up-and-coming epicure hot spots.

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February

Whooping Crane Festival
Every winter, majestic Whooping Cranes migrate to the Texas Gulf Coast's coastal waters to escape the north's biting cold. Their arrival is celebrated by the four-day Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, where you can venture out on guided field trips and nature tours, attend workshops and lectures, browse nature-related booths at a trade show, and more.

March

Margarita Madness
The island town of Port Aransas is filled with purveyors serving up delicious margaritas loved by locals and visitors alike. Join in on Margarita Madness—a monthlong celebration of coastal margaritas. Come on down and get ready to get salty in Port A!

April

Texas SandFest
The largest native sand-sculpting competition in the U.S. also brings the excitement of live music, shopping, and some of the region’s most delicious carnival food. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill sand castles. These sculptures, which range in themes and designs, are draw-dropping impressive and often stand well above the heads of attendees.

June

Deep Sea Roundup
When it first launched in 1932, the Deep Sea Roundup was known as the Tarpon Roundup. Today, it is one of the oldest and largest family fishing tournaments in the world. Divisions include offshore, bay surf, fly-fishing, and juniors.

July

Annual Fireworks Show
What’s better than a fireworks show? How about watching a fireworks show under swaying palm trees in warm Gulf breezes? Head to Port Aransas and experience the Fourth of July on a whole new level.

Billfish Pachanga
Calling all deep-sea fishing enthusiasts! Billfish Pachanga sees some of the country’s best fishermen in the waters of the Fishing Capital of Texas. All participants are invited to attend a private concert where the winners are named. Not participating this year? Watching dozens of beautiful boats take off into the Gulf at the tournament’s shotgun start is an experience in itself.

August

Texas Legends Billfish Tournament
Texas Legends Billfish Tournaments honors the legacies of all anglers past, present, and future. Participating boats can leave from any Texas port, but the weigh-in for this huge annual tournament happens at Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf.

September

Texas Women’s Angler Tournament
Also known as TWAT, this woman-only, family-run fishing tournament has raised funds for Women's Shelter of South Texas, The Purple Door, since the tournament was founded in the 80s. Join over four hundred women anglers at this tournament for a good cause.

October

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Trade in falling leaves for swaying palm trees and escape to the coast for a month filled with exciting events, live music, and of course, miles and miles of wide-open beaches.

Harvest Moon Regatta
The Harvest Moon Regatta takes sailors from Galveston’s Pleasure Pier to the Port Aransas jetties in the longest point-to-point regatta in U.S. coastal waters. Great views can be had from South Jetty, Robert's Point Park, and several other areas.

Port A Live Music Weekend
Experience Port A’s live music scene with events happening throughout this island town. The weekend kicks off with one of Jimmy Buffet’s premier opening cover bands, the Landsharks, at Palm Plaza in Palmilla Beach. Then, you can enjoy music artists’ performances all weekend long at your favorite Port A restaurant or bar. There’s no better place to kick back and enjoy live tunes!

Wooden Boat Festival
The Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival is an annual three-day, family-friendly event featuring handcrafted kayaks, paddleboards, skiffs, sailing boats, and historic Farley boats. Bring the whole family out, and be sure to swing by Farley Boat Works to learn more about how these Port Aransas classics are made by hand.

November

Holiday Shop Around
Browse great offers at dozens of Port A’s finest shops and boutiques in this annual shopping event. Kickstart your holiday shopping and do it island-style!

December

Lighted Boat Parade
Ring in the Christmas season at Dennis Dreyer Municipal Harbor, where you’ll catch a lighted boat parade followed by refreshments and the arrival of Santa on a U.S. Coast Guard vessel.

Sand Santa
Leave those long lines to see Mall Santa behind and take the family to the Texas coast to visit a larger-than-life sand sculpture of Santa Claus. This amazing sculpture is just a preview of the amazing sandcastles and sculptures you can see during Texas Sandfest.