This time of year, kids building sandcastles are everywhere on Galveston beaches, it's Rockwellesque charm turned up to 11, right? Well, the 23rd Annual American Institute of Architects-Houston Sandcastle Competition isn't kid stuff. This event, one of the largest of its kind in the world, is serious business. More than 80 teams comprised of local architects, designers, engineers and contractors, many of whom have spent months in preparation, will compete on Galveston's East Beach for the coveted Golden Bucket award. If you think we're exaggerating the castles' complexity, consider that this year, in an effort to be greener, the AIA has banned generators. (Come on, when's the last time you fired up a gas-powered juice maker to build a damn sandcastle?) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1923 Boddeker Drive in Galveston. For information, call 713-520-0155 or visit www.aiasandcastle.com. Free.
Sat., June 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 2009