Most Port A weekends come with a crowd. This one comes with sawdust, a skiff taking shape in a park tent, and people who stop to tell you how a boat was built. The Wooden Boat Festival, November 6-8, 2026 at Roberts Point Park, is a gentle, local-feeling weekend, and it’s worth seeing.
The Wooden Boat Festival: A Small Weekend With a Big Heart
The festival honors a heritage that goes back to 1915, when the Farley brothers started building some of the first production fishing boats in the country right here in Port Aransas. The festival itself began in 2014, and today the Farley tradition is kept alive by volunteers at Farley Boat Works.
If you’ve ever seen an old wooden skiff and wondered who made it, this is where you get to meet the people who still do.
Who the festival is ideal for
The Wooden Boat Festival is ideal for families with curious kids, grandparents who love a good boat story, couples looking for a slower weekend, and anyone who wants a break from the beach crowd. It’s a fairly compact event in Roberts Point Park, easy to walk with no rush.
Plus, you can’t beat the waterfront view from Roberts Point Park.
Want more ideas for kid-friendly activities around town in the Fall? Check out my guide to Family-Friendly Things to Do in Port Aransas.
What to not miss at the Wooden Boat Festival
Saturday is the best day to go. The Family Boat Build runs 9 am – 3 pm, and the Coastal Market, food trucks, a bounce house and the boat display are open 10 am – 4 pm, with awards at 3:30 pm.
On Sunday, the Port Aransas Farmers Market joins in the fun from 10 am – 2 pm at the Fred Rhodes Memorial Pavilion in Roberts Point Park, and the best moment is the Blessing of the Fleet and Champagne Launch on the waterfront.
The weather in the Fall can be unpredictable, so if it rains or is too windy for your family, check out my list of 30+ Ways to Enjoy Port Aransas on a Rainy Day.
Where to eat nearby
FINS Grill & Icehouse and Virginia’s On The Bay are both close for a sit-down seafood dinner, Grumble’s is also nearby and suits a casual crowd, while Coach’s Island Grill is an easy, inexpensive lunch. Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn is the dressy option, and Desserted Island Ice Cream is the reward for good behavior. Haha!
Want a list of restaurants I recommend by vibe? Grab my free list of the Best Restaurants in Port Aransas (Local Favorites + Dining Guide).
Where to stay for the Wooden Boat Festival
Hotel Lydia is about a three-minute walk to the park, and Captain’s Quarters Inn is about five. Alister Square Inn is a 14-minute walk if you want to stretch your legs.
Curious about more rental options nearby? Check out my list of Port Aransas Hotels: Where to Stay near Old Town, Beachfront & More.
After the festival closes
Roberts Point Park is lovely at dusk, long after the vendors leave, and the sunsets from there are truly amazing. Walk out on the free pier, climb the Keeler Observation Tower for ship-channel views, and watch for dolphins in the ships’ wakes. The pier is also a popular sunset photo spot.
The ridiculously-fun Roberts Point Park Playground is there if the kids still have energy and I’ve got a great list of family-friendly activities around town for the weekend.
Shops worth a stroll
In the Old Town area, Tippy Toes and Saltwater Gypsies are in The Shops at Old Town, a short ride or walk away.
The Port Aransas Art Center on N. Alister Street is a good stop, and it hosts the First Friday Art Walk on Nov 6, 5:30-7:30 pm. If you’re interested in more local events, be sure to check my Port Aransas Annual Events Calendar.
If you need ideas for what to pack for a fall trip to Port Aransas, you may want to read my guide to What to Pack for Port Aransas in Fall + Winter: Cold Fronts, Wind + Layers and grab my free printable Fall Beach Packing List.
TIP: If you're planning your beach trip to Port A soon, check current availability on VRBO or Expedia here. Popular dates like Spring Break, Summer weekends, SandFest and holidays book up fast, so don't wait to secure your rental ASAP.
Here’s the Wooden Boat Festival details
- What: The Wooden Boat Festival
- When: Nov 6-8; Saturday and Sunday are the main public days
- Where: Roberts Point Park, 301 J C Boulevard
- Don’t miss: Family Boat Build, Sunday 2 p.m. launch
- Eat: FINS Grill & Icehouse, Virginia’s On The Bay, Grumble’s or Coach’s Island Grill
- Stay: Hotel Lydia, Captain’s Quarters Inn