If you love boats, local history, or just discovering the unique traditions that make Port Aransas special, put the Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival on your fall Bucket List!
Held November 6–8, 2026, this three-day, family-friendly festival celebrates the island’s long history of wooden boat building with handcrafted kayaks, paddleboards, skiffs, sailing boats, and historic Farley boats.
And this isn’t just a boat show. You’ll find wooden boats on display, a Coastal Market, food trucks, kids’ activities, the Family Boat Build, the Port Aransas Farmers Market, and a Sunday Blessing of the Fleet and Champagne Launch.
Best of all, much of the festival is free to enjoy.
⚓ A Port Aransas Tradition
The Wooden Boat Festival began in 2014 as a way to showcase the craftsmanship and heritage of wooden boat building in Port Aransas.
That history goes back much further.
The Farley brothers began building boats in Port Aransas in 1915, creating some of the earliest production fishing boats in the United States. Farley Boat Works eventually closed its doors in 1975, but the tradition was brought back to life when the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association purchased the Farleys’ last location in 2011.
Today, Farley Boat Works continues to carry on that tradition through volunteers, boat builders, and hands-on community projects.
The festival celebrates that history while also showcasing wooden boats built by individuals and builders from around the country.
🛶 The Family Boat Build
One of the most unique parts of the Wooden Boat Festival is the Family Boat Build.
Each year, families or groups of friends get the opportunity to work together to build a boat during the festival. In 2026, they’ll be building a 14-foot skiff designed by Farley Boat Works.
The skiff is designed to be rowed and can also accommodate a small electric or very small gas-powered motor.
Participants work together throughout the festival before launching their completed boats Sunday afternoon.
Breakfast tacos and coffee are provided each morning, making it a pretty memorable way to spend a weekend working together and learning a little Port Aransas boat-building history along the way.
Interested in participating? Contact Ashley at Farley Boat Works for information and registration.
🌊 Wooden Boats on Display
Throughout the weekend, Roberts Point Park becomes a showcase for wooden boat craftsmanship.
You’ll be able to see handcrafted boats up close, talk with builders, and learn about the techniques and traditions behind these beautiful vessels.
It’s a great event for boat enthusiasts, but you don’t have to know anything about boats to appreciate the craftsmanship.
🛍️ Coastal Market, Food & Family Fun
Saturday brings even more to the festival grounds with the Coastal Market, food trucks, and kids’ activities running from 10 AM to 4 PM.
It’s a great opportunity to wander around the park, check out the boats, grab something to eat, and let the kids enjoy the activities.
🌾 Port Aransas Farmers Market
The Port Aransas Farmers Market will also join the festival on Sunday, November 8.
The market brings together regenerative farmers, agricultural producers, and local artisans, creating a fun combination of food, local products, boats, and Port Aransas history.
If you’re already heading to Roberts Point Park for the Wooden Boat Festival, Sunday is a great excuse to make a morning of it.
🥂 Don’t Miss the Blessing of the Fleet
One of the most beautiful moments of the weekend takes place Sunday afternoon.
At 2 PM, the festival will hold its traditional Blessing of the Fleet and Champagne Launch along the waterfront.
It’s a special way to wrap up a weekend celebrating the boats, the people who build them, and Port Aransas’ deep connection to the water.
📅 2026 Wooden Boat Festival Schedule
Friday, November 6
8 AM — Display boats move-in and setup 9 AM — Family Boat Build begins 5–7 PM — VIP Mixer for sponsors, donors, members, and boat show participants
Saturday, November 7
8–10 AM — Coastal Market vendors and food truck setup 9 AM–3 PM — Family Boat Build 10 AM–4 PM — Coastal Market, food trucks & kids’ activities 10 AM–4 PM — Wooden boats on display 3:30 PM — Awards
Sunday, November 8
10 AM–2 PM — Port Aransas Farmers Market 10 AM–2 PM — Family Boat Build 10 AM–3 PM — Wooden boats on display 10 AM–3 PM — Food trucks & kids’ activities 2 PM — Blessing of the Fleet & Champagne Launch 3 PM — Gates close and festival breakdown
📍 Where Is the Wooden Boat Festival?
Roberts Point Park
301 JC Boulevard
Port Aransas, Texas 78373
With the boats, market, food, kids’ activities, and waterfront all in one place, Roberts Point Park is the perfect setting for a weekend celebrating Port Aransas’ maritime heritage.
🐟 Explore More Port Aransas Boat History
If the Wooden Boat Festival gets you interested in the history behind these boats, make some time to visit Farley Boat Works while you’re in town.
You can see Tina, the only complete Farley hull built in the 1940s, along with the ongoing construction of the Gulf Scow Schooner Lydia Ann. You’ll also find antique shipbuilding tools, ship binnacles, outboard motors, The Starfish — an antique Farley boat undergoing restoration — and new boats being built.
It’s a fascinating look at a piece of Port Aransas history that you might otherwise drive right past.
🌴 Add the Wooden Boat Festival to Your Port A Bucket List
The Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival is one of those events that feels uniquely Port A.
It’s about boats, but it’s also about history, craftsmanship, community, families, and keeping an old island tradition alive.
Come see the boats, grab something from the market, let the kids get involved, and stick around Sunday for the Blessing of the Fleet.
November 6–8, 2026 — we’ll see you at Roberts Point Park!
Map of Port Aransas
Port Aransas has a plethora of history and nature areas to explore. Offering nature trails, bird watching, allegator/dolphin/sea turtle sightings and more. Did you know know Franklin D Roosevelt has a signed Tarpon scale in Port Aransas? Or that we have a remnants of a WWII Gun Mounts? Check out our map for a self-guided tours through Port Aransas be sure to include a stop at the Port Aransas History Museum.
Always something fun happening Port Aransas:
Be sure to check out our calendar of events to stay posted on the fun things to do with kids in Port Aransas! Port A Bucket List Calendar
Other Things to Do in Port Aransas
So many things to do in Port Aransas
Beyond Dolphin Watching: This is a great guide on where to connect with nature in Port Aransas. Lots of information on Fishing charters, birdwatching, and nature trails. Did you know we have a resident alligator named Boots?
Culinary Delights: Local eateries serving fresh seafood and coastal cuisine a guide to Port Aransas restaurants. Did you know most places will cook your fishing catch?
Events and Festivals: Always something going on from live music, art shows, and festivals. Check out our calendar and plan your Port Aransas Escape. Did you know Port Aransas is an official live music city of Texas?
Ultimate Port A Bucket List: A downloadable things-to-do-and-see checklist for an immersive Port Aransas experiences!
Where to Eat in Port Aransas: Full guide on where to eat in Port Aransas, From family friendly, pet friendly, breakfast places and the best fish tacos.
