Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest June 8th

It takes place just a short walk up the beach from Tolovana Inn. There, you can admire elaborate sand sculptures created by masters, amateurs, families, and friends.

The 55th Annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest happens on Saturday, June 8th.

Recognized as an Oregon Heritage Festival, the annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle contest remains a favorite North Coast event.

Feeling inspired? Gather a group and be among the first 100 teams to register. Or just come to watch–and learn.

Contest rules are simple.  No design themes are mandated.  Therefore, entries typically feature creative and colorful commentary on current events.

Teams are provided a plot of sand within a designated viewing area. With buckets and shovels, each team gets to work creating.  Sand may not be added or removed. Only natural materials found on the beach such as sticks, shells, rocks or seaweed may be added for ornamentation.

The competition features a Master’s division for those who have competed and won at other recognized sandcastle building events.

Construction takes all afternoon. Judging follows at 5:30 PM.  After that, Mother Nature steps in and all that inspiration will soon be gone with the tide.

But the fun will continue with live music on the beach at 7 PM, followed by a beach bonfire at 8 PM.  Sunday morning features the Singing Sands 5K Fun Run. Check-in starts at 8 AM. The race beings at 9 AM.

In 2014, the Sandcastle Contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition. The designation comes from the  Oregon Parks & Recreation Department. An Oregon Heritage Tradition is defined as an event with broad public appeal, with at least 50 years of continuous operation and that contributes to the identity of the state.  

Only 11 Oregon events have earned the designation.