Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
On one of the lowest tides of the year, the wide beach at Cannon Beach becomes something that has to be seen to be believed. The 62nd annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest — a designated Oregon Heritage Tradition — brings professional sculptors, families, and first-time builders together to transform the shoreline into a stunning, temporary open-air gallery on the northern Oregon coast.
This event was born in 1964, born out of community resilience after a tsunami left Cannon Beach isolated. More than 60 years later it remains one of the most visually spectacular and genuinely joyful events on the entire Oregon coast.
Event highlights
The main sandcastle contest takes place Saturday, June 20, with sculptures built throughout the morning and final judging at 2 PM — master professional teams compete right alongside families with shovels and buckets.
A free live sandcastle demonstration by master builder Bill Rose on Friday, June 19, on the beach off 2nd Street — a wonderful preview of what the best builders can achieve.
A festive kickoff celebration at Steidel Community Hall on Friday evening from 5–7:30 PM.
A free bonfire, s'mores, and live music on the beach Saturday night from 7–10 PM.
The Singing Sands 5K Fun Run on Sunday morning for those who want to round out the weekend with activity.
Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park, local galleries, tide pools, and world-class restaurants all within easy reach for a complete coastal weekend.
Accessibility and comfort
Cannon Beach's wide, flat beach provides open viewing of all sculptures throughout the contest day.
An information tent is located on the beach during the contest for questions, maps, and as a meeting point.
First aid services provided by Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District and CERT on the beach throughout contest day.
Port-a-potties available on the beach until 4 PM on contest day.
Accessible beach wheelchairs available for free rental through Cannon Beach City Hall — advance reservation is strongly recommended.
Multiple parking areas throughout Cannon Beach — arriving very early is essential as the town fills quickly.
Parking in Cannon Beach fills extremely quickly on contest weekend. Arriving by 8 AM or earlier is strongly recommended. Nearby Seaside, Manzanita, and Astoria make excellent home bases if local accommodations are full. For contest registration, questions, or accessible beach wheelchair reservations, contact the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at 503-436-2623 or visit cannonbeach.org.
Hours and planning
Friday, June 19: Live demonstration 10 AM–5 PM | Kickoff Celebration 5–7:30 PM Saturday, June 20: Contest begins 8 AM | Final judging 2 PM | Bonfire and music 7–10 PM Sunday, June 21: Singing Sands 5K begins 8 AM All sculptures are washed away by the tide Saturday night — view them before sunset.
Tickets and admission
Spectator admission is completely free — no tickets required. Contest registration for builders is available through the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Friday kickoff and Saturday bonfire are free events. The Singing Sands 5K has a separate registration fee.
Who should attend
Families and children of all ages wanting to experience one of Oregon's most iconic and joyful coastal traditions. Photographers and artists drawn to extraordinary creativity in an extraordinary natural setting. Outdoor adventurers using the contest as the centerpiece of a full Oregon coast weekend. Anyone who has never been to Cannon Beach and needs one perfect reason to finally make the drive.
Sculptures built over hours, washed away by sunset. There's something beautiful about that — and about a community that has been gathering on this beach to celebrate it for over 60 years.
Times and Days Vary! Confirm current event details and builder registration at cannonbeach.org before your visit.
Source: https://www.cannonbeach.org/events-and-festivals/sandcastle-contest/