Thunder on the Gulf is all about the speedboats but honestly, there’s so much more happening on the sand. When we went last year, I expected loud engines and big crowds, but I didn’t expect to stumble into what felt like a beachside craft party.
Picture music coming from every direction, kids chasing bubbles through the salty air, and food trucks parked right on the sand. And right in the middle of it all? Booths full of hands-on crafts. I’ve got five kids, and not once did I hear the dreaded “I’m bored.” That alone makes it a win in my book.
What Is “Fun Craft” at Thunder on the Gulf?
If this is your first time hearing about the Fun Craft side of Thunder on the Gulf, picture this: your kid has glitter on their forehead, a painted seashell drying in your beach tote, and there’s kettle corn in your hand. That’s how your day goes, and honestly, it’s fantastic.
It’s not just looking at crafts, it’s doing them. From painting and beading to tie-dye and driftwood decor, there’s a hands-on booth every few feet. Each one is a tribute to the Gulf Coast, with driftwood, sand, and sea glass. You’ll also see local artists at work.
You’ll love it if you enjoy the idea of making something yourself, trying something new, or simply soaking in the relaxed energy.
Crafts Worth Trying (And Why You Should)
There are some crafts that you should try at least once in a while:
Handmade Jewelry
This one surprised me. My daughters loved it, and even my little guy made a shark tooth anklet he now calls his “battle chain.” There were bowls of shells, twine, beads, and little faux starfish. Just watch the hot glue, my youngest almost grabbed it like it was a toy, and that gave us all a moment of panic.
Coastal Paintings
We gave watercolor a shot, and let’s just say it has a mind of its own. My oldest made a sunset that looked like a postcard. A pelican who somehow reminded me of a haunted bird. The mess is fun. Tell the children not to blow paint onto dry surfaces. You can trust me.
Driftwood Decor
Simple but beautiful. To make these little pieces, we used driftwood, rope, shells, and glue. I started with a star, but the end result looked more like an ocean creature in distress. My youngest created a driftwood-based mobile, which she named “Ocean Chaos.” That’s an accurate description of the day.
Ocean-Scented Candles
We made our own candles with soy wax, adding scents such as sea breeze, driftwood, and coconut. We cracked one jar when we poured the wax too hot. Let it cool down a little before pouring. They still smelled great, and we use them at home.
Seashell Crafts
We used glue to attach shells to magnets and frames. We love the way my son’s turned out, even though it was lopsided. Slowly apply the glue. Craft glue is better for smaller hands than hot glue, which can damage delicate shells.
Tie-Dye Shirts
This booth was near the food trucks. We got everything from them: t-shirts, dye bottles, and gloves to Ziplocs. My son created a spiral that was cool; I made a heart, but got an odd blob. It was still worn proudly. The sun-scented clothes dried on the balcony of our hotel.
Beach Collage Art
We made collages using magazine clippings and beach photos. Shells were also added. My son made his look like a pirate map. It was chaotic, but creative and surprisingly relaxing.
Rock Painting
Grab some stones that are smooth, paint, and clear coat. My daughter created a cute turtle. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next. Otherwise, you will get smears.
Sea Glass Jewelry
This one is a little trickier. You should use a thin wire and be careful of sharp edges. The necklace I made was too chunky. I changed it to lighter pieces with finer wire, and it looked much better.
Wood & Resin Art
This one will require patience and a mask. The resin doesn’t like moist wood, so be sure to dry it out. The first time I made coasters, they didn’t turn out well. My neighbor is a craft pro and made an amazing shell table. Follow the instructions and go slowly.
Thunderonthegulf.com: Shop Local
You can find many treasures in the stores that you cannot buy. My dining table is now centered around the wooden bowl that I purchased. By buying local art, you’re helping an artist to follow their passion.
The Whole Family Will Enjoy These Workshops
More than just booths. There are workshops for every age group, including mini pottery, face-painting, sand art, and treasure hunts. My favorite class was pottery. It’s strangely relaxing to shape clay. Wear clothes that you don’t care if they get dirty. Face painting is very popular with children. Get there early, as lines can be long in the afternoon.
Visitor Tips
You can enjoy the festival and not be overwhelmed by it. We found these tips helpful:
- Weekends are more crowded, while weekdays tend to be quieter.
- Comfortable shoes will allow you to walk longer than you expect.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a small bag for your craft.
- Some booths do not accept cards.
- Follow their social media for the latest updates and buy your tickets online. Before buying any online tickets, don’t miss ttweakairline discount code from traveltweaks for saving big money and making your journey affordable.
Culture + Vibes
Thunder on the Gulf isn’t just crafts and boats, it’s packed with music and local culture too. You’ll hear everything from country to blues as you stroll along the beach.
Conclusion
Thunder on the Gulf is a place to remember. We left with more than just stories and shared laughter. If you go, don’t skip the food trucks (the shrimp po’boys were chef’s kiss), bring your sense of humor (because your art probably won’t turn out perfect), and make room in your bag for the crafts your kids will insist on keeping forever.
And most of all, just soak it all in. The glitter, the breeze, the music, the messy fingers, it’s what makes Thunder on the Gulf unforgettable.
