Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival 2026: Plan Your Perfect Weekend

Port Aransas is known for its beaches and fishing, but it is also a town with deep boat-building roots. Each November, the Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival celebrates that history with three days of handmade boats, local food, and family fun. In 2026, the festival runs Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8.

This guide covers what the festival is, what you can see and do, and how to plan your visit.

The Story Behind the Festival

The festival began in 2014, but the story behind it is much older. In 1915, the Farley brothers began building some of the first fishing boats made for sale in the US, right here in Port Aransas. Their boats became a big part of the town's identity.

Farley Boat Works closed in 1975. In 2011, the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association reopened Farley Boat Works, trained volunteers, and restarted boat building on the island.

Dates and Location

• Dates: November 6-8, 2026
• Place: Roberts Point Park, 301 J C Boulevard, Port Aransas, TX 78373

2026 Schedule

Friday, Nov. 6

• 8 a.m.: Move in and set up for display boats
• 9 a.m.: The Family Boat Build begins.
• 5 to 7 p.m.: VIP mixer for sponsors, donors, members, and boat show participants.

Saturday, Nov. 7

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Family Boat Build continues.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Coastal Market, food trucks, kids' activities, and wooden boats on display.
• 3:30 p.m.: Awards.

Sunday, Nov. 8

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Port Aransas Farmers Market and Family Boat Build.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Wooden boats on display, food trucks, and kids' activities.
• 2 p.m.: Blessing of the Fleet and Champagne Launch on the waterfront.
• 3 p.m.: Gates close, followed by event breakdown and removal.

Check the official festival website before you go, as schedules can change.

What to See and Do

The Family Boat Build

This is the main event. Three to four families each build their own wooden boat starting Friday morning and continue working on their boats throughout the weekend. On Sunday afternoon, the completed boats are launched on the water as the crowd cheers. Watching the Family Boat Build gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process, from the first pieces of wood to the exciting launch of the finished boats.

The Wooden Boat Show

Handcrafted kayaks, paddleboards, skiffs, and sailboats fill the park, along with historic Farley boats. Boat owners can enter their boats in the show. Registration is free, but the boat must be made of wood. You can walk around, look closely at the details, and chat with the builders about how they made each one.

The Coastal Market

Local artists, craft sellers, and boat-kit vendors set up along the park. It is a good place to look for handmade gifts or to find out how you could build a small boat yourself.

Food Trucks and Kids' Activities

The food trucks make it easy to stay all day. Kids have their own activities, so the festival works well for families. You can also try rowing a boat in the harbor, which is a fun way to get on the water.

Port Aransas Farmers Market

On Sunday, the Port Aransas Farmers Market joins the festival. Local farmers and artisans will be there, so you can shop for fresh, local goods while you enjoy the boats.

Blessing of the Fleet and Champagne Launch

The weekend ends on Sunday afternoon with a warm, traditional ceremony on the waterfront. The Blessing of the Fleet is followed by the Champagne Launch, a fitting finish to three days of boat building.

Tips for Visiting

• Go early on Saturday. The market and food trucks are busiest around midday.
• Dress for the weather. Most of the festival is outdoors, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot around the park and the boat displays.
• Bring the kids. The activities are made for them, and watching the boat build is a great learning moment.
• Plan where to stay early. Festival weekend is popular in Port Aransas, and the best places book up fast.

Where to Stay for the Weekend

If you're staying for the entire weekend, condos in Port Aransas can give families and groups more room to settle in after a day at the festival. A full kitchen, separate sleeping areas, and in-unit laundry can also be useful for a longer coastal stay. For travelers who want to combine the festival with beach time, beachfront condos on Mustang Island put you steps from the sand.

More to Enjoy in Port Aransas

Since you will be in town, add a few extra stops to your trip:

• Spend a morning on the beach.
• Walk out on Horace Caldwell Pier.
• Try fresh local seafood.
• Take a family cruise on the water.

Make It a Weekend to Remember

The Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival is a friendly way to enjoy the Texas coast in the fall. You can watch a boat come to life, meet local builders, shop for handmade goods, and share a meal by the water, all in one weekend. Mark Nov. 6-8 on your calendar, and get ready for a relaxed, memorable coastal weekend.