Sandcastle Contest
Cannon Beach will host its 56th annual Sandcastle Contest Saturday, June 13, 2020, 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 Saturday night beach bonfire with live music and a 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 for additional information, contact the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623.
Save the Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020
2020 Schedule of events
Friday, June 12th
10 AM-5 PM | Packets n' Pail Pickup at the Cannon Beach Visitor Information Center
12 PM | Team registration closes
Saturday, June 13th
TBA | American Legion Pancake Feed
10:00 AM | Sandcastle Contest begins
3:30 PM | Final Judging and Awards Presentation
5:00 PM | Cars must be off the beach
7:00 PM | Live Music on the beach at 2nd Street from the Bruce Thomas Smith Band
8:00 PM | Bonfire on the Beach with S'mores on the beach at 2nd Street
Sunday, June 14th
9 AM | Singing Sands 5k Fun Run & Walk on the beach at 2nd Street. Pre-registration recommended. Check in and final registration at 8am.
