Sandcastle Contest
Cannon Beach will host its 55th annual Sandcastle Contest Saturday, June 8, 2019, the oldest competition of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and the most popular event in Cannon Beach. Dozens of teams of professional sand sculpture artists, amateur groups and families will construct remarkable creations in the sand during the event. The Masters division teams compete for cash prizes and construct large, elaborate creations often utilizing construction forms similar to those used for pouring concrete in order to accomplish their monumental size. Although the contest on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend, visitors will find plenty of other activities to keep them busy.
Weekend activities include a Friday night parade, Saturday night beach bonfire with live music and Sunday morning 5K fun run and walk. Scheduled judging times vary depending on the tide, which will also determine how long the sculptures last.
In 2014, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, making it one of just 11 events statewide to achieve such a designation. An Oregon Heritage Tradition is an event with 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 as hotels typically sell out all 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. To register your team or watch an Oregon Field Guide video about the Sandcastle Contest, see the helpful links below. For additional information contact the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623.
