The 60th Annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is an Oregon heritage event.
Masters, amateurs, and juniors compete on Saturday with the weekend filled with other activities.
Details for the 2024 event are coming together. For up-to-date details, click here.
It’s the Summer of Sandcastles in Cannon Beach.
The 57th annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest will be a virtual competition this year, as a COVID-safe alternative.
Gather you crew, and build a sandcastle sometime before September 6th. Then, submit a photo or short video of your build to enter to content.
Follow this Facebook sight for inspiration and more details about this year’s event and see what the competition has thrown down already.
Team Vermont, pictured here, submitted their entry in July.
Awe-inspiring creations that will go out with the tide
Cannon Beach kicks off summer with its traditional Sandcastle Contest.
It’s the oldest competition of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. It is also the most popular event in this wonderfully charming Oregon Coastal town.
Dozens of teams of professional sand sculpture artists, amateur groups and families construct remarkable creations in the sand during the event.
The Master’s division teams compete for cash prizes. They will construct large, elaborate creations often utilizing construction forms similar to those used for pouring concrete. resulting in monumental-size displays.
The sand sculpture contest on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend. The weekend activities kick off with the Sandcastle Parade on Friday. On Saturday evening, beach lovers gather for a beach bonfire with live music. Sunday morning starts with the Singing Sands 5K fun run and walk.
In 2014, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department. It is just one of 11 events statewide to achieve such a designation. An Oregon Heritage Tradition is an event with a broad public appeal, with at least 50 years of continuous operation, and that contributes to the identity of the state.
Make lodging reservations early for this popular weekend. Hotels typically sell out rooms in advance. Day-trippers should plan on arriving early.
The Sandcastle Contest is the only day of the year when the beach is used for parking to accommodate the large crowds. Cars must be off the beach by early evening to avoid issues with the incoming tide.
For information on how to participate, contact the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623.
