Help us keep our beaches clean and pristine!

The Beautify the Bucket Art Contest occurs each Spring, prior to the World Ocean Day Festival, and allows participants to take an active role in beautifying Galveston Beaches and improving stewardship behaviors. Individuals and groups of all ages can participate in beautifying a bucket.

2026 Competition Timeline

  • Bucket Pick-Up begins Monday, March 9th
  • Registration closes Friday, May 1st (or until stock is depleted)
  • Bucket Drop-off begins Monday, May 4th
  • All Buckets must be returned by Wednesday, May 27th
    Artist Boat will be closed Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day
  • Judging takes place Saturday, June 6th
  • Winners announced Saturday, June 6th at 4:00 pm

Artist Boat’s Beautify the Bucket Art Competition
Judging & Award Announcements take place during the
Artist Boat World Ocean Day Festival at
R.A. Apffel Beach Park (East Beach) in Galveston, Texas.

Themes:

  • Ocean & Bay Organisms
  • Marine & Aquatic Debris
  • Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
  • Galveston Beach & Bay Recreational Activities
  • Houston Ship Channel

After the competition, the barrels will be added to Galveston’s Beaches where they will be enjoyed by visitors and encourage proper disposal of trash to reduce marine debris. The number of buckets are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Trash barrels remain the property of our partner, the Park Board of Trustees of Galveston Island.

Educational Video