Seaside SandFest This Weekend: Grand, Impressive Creations Out of Oregon Coast Sand

Published 09/08/25 at 5:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) - A new kind of beach party and a different sort of sand sculpture festival: the north Oregon coast is going to get rather interesting this week.

The Seaside SandFest returns to transform the shoreline into a gallery of towering sand creations as it hosts its 4th annual Sand Sculpture Contest and Lesson Beach, September 11 - 14, 2025. Held directly on the sand in front of the Broadway Turnaround, the multi-day event draws both seasoned sculptors and curious beachgoers to Oregon’s only Masters’ Solo Sand Sculpture competition.

This year’s lineup includes artists from eight U.S. states and two countries, each bringing their own flair to the high-impact solo sculpting format. The Advanced Amateur division will feature five competitors - serious sand artists who are still working toward master status. Organizers estimate last year’s contest drew more than 5,000 spectators over the four-day span.

It will not be a sandcastle contest where the public can take part, but rather a gigantic art exhibition of unique constructs by real masters in the field. Five seriously professional master sand sculptors build large-scale and intricate examples of their craft.

“What makes it different?,” said organizer and sculptor Bert Adams. “Well, this is a 3-day solo event for Master sand sculptors. Most other contests in the area are team contest, and only 5 - 6 hours.”

He said the quality of the creations and the artistry involved take the Oregon coast pastime to whole other levels.

Alongside the competition, SandFest offers hands-on opportunities for visitors to try their own hand at sculpting. Two full-time instructors will lead free sandcastle-building lessons at Lesson Beach, a popular feature that saw over 400 participants last year. Whether you're a first-timer or a budding sculptor, the program is designed to help you build the castle of your dreams.

These will be sand art – not necessarily sand castles. Wild, fanciful things will take over the beach at Seaside. Animals, landscapes, collages or faces – that's still up in the air. No one knows what will be created is yet, and that will be much of the surprises and thus the attractions here.

Adams did say Seaside SandFest will feature the sculptors making their sponsors' logos at times.

Saturday night brings a change of pace with “S’moreFest,” a beach party featuring acoustic music, fire pits, nighttime photography, and plenty of marshmallow-toasting. The event encourages families and photographers alike to enjoy the sculptures under the stars. It will be a unique opportunity for astrophotographers who frequent the Oregon coast.

Seaside SandFest is supported in part by a grant from the Tourism Advisory Committee, funded through local room tax revenue. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras and curiosity for a weekend of creativity, community, and coastal charm.

Keep an eye on the Seaside SandFest Facebook for more details

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