The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
June 19-21st, 2026
Founded in 1964, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was created to help heal and reunite the community after the Good Friday Earthquake triggered a tsunami that washed out the Elk Creek Bridge. In the wake of the disaster, four local residents created the Sandcastle Contest to lift community spirits and encourage visitors to return to the area. Now recognized as the first and oldest sandcastle contest in Oregon, the Contest draws thousands of tourists to Cannon Beach each year.
Mark your calendar! The Sandcastle Contest takes place on Saturday, June 20, 2026.t It's set to be a full weekend of fun and festivities. Be sure to join us on Saturday to see the incredible creations up close. The evening tide will sweep the sandcastles away, and they will not be available for viewing on Sunday. The Contest takes place rain or shine, so be prepared for coastal weather.
The contest will be held on the beach off of the "Presidential" streets, west of Ocean Avenue near Madison Street. Spectators may access the contest area from the north, south, or east.
Planning ahead? Our next Sandcastle Contest is scheduled for June 12, 2027
Registration for Building, the Singing Sands 5k Fun Run, and Volunteering is NOW OPEN!
2026 Sandcastle Contest Schedule
Fri. Jun 19
10AM-5PM | Contestant Packet n’ Pail Pickup at the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
10AM-5PM | Live Sandcastle Demonstration with Bill Rose on the beach off 2nd St.
5-7:30PM | Sandcastle Kick Off Celebration at Steidel Community Hall
Sat. June 20
8:30am | Beach opens for parking
9:00am | Sandcastle Contest Building begins
2:00pm | Final Judging
3:00pm | All cars must be off the beach
7:00-10pm | Bonfire, S'mores & Music, Free admission and located on the beach at the West end of 2nd St.
Sun. June 21
8am| Registration and check in for Signing Sands 5k Fun Run opens on the beach at the Tolovana Wayside beach entrance.
9am | Singing Sands 5K Fun Run begins
