Carmel's Great Sandcastle Contest Turns 63
There are plenty of reasons to spend a September morning on Carmel Beach, but once a year, the sand becomes the canvas for one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s most beloved traditions: the Great Sandcastle Contest. On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the 63rd Annual Great Sandcastle Contest returns to Carmel Beach for a morning of creativity, friendly competition, and some surprisingly elaborate works of art made entirely from sand. This year’s theme is particularly fitting as Carmel celebrates an important milestone - “It Never Gets Old: Carmel at 110,” honoring the 110th birthday of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
When & Where
The contest takes place on Carmel Beach between 10th and 12th Avenues, just below Scenic Road.
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Building begins: 7:00 a.m.
- Judging begins: 12:00 p.m.
- Awards: Approximately 1:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Registration: Day-of registration on the beach; no advance registration is required
The contest is open to everyone, from first-time builders and families to experienced sand sculptors.
A Tradition More Than Six Decades in the Making
The Sandcastle Contest has deep roots in Carmel. The first official contest was held in 1962, making this year’s event the 63rd annual celebration. The idea grew out of Carmel’s long-standing appreciation for art, creativity, community—and, of course, its spectacular beach. What began as a simple community event has become one of Carmel’s most charming annual traditions. Each year, teams transform ordinary beach sand into elaborate castles, animals, architectural creations and imaginative sculptures. And there’s an important Carmel twist - you don't have to be an expert to participate. The contest welcomes builders of all ages and skill levels, keeping the atmosphere playful rather than overly competitive.
Yes, You Can Bribe the Judges
Perhaps the most delightfully Carmel detail of all? Judges can be bribed. Not with money, of course. The contest has a long-running tradition of “non-monetary bribery,” with competitors offering judges everything from food and wine to other creative indulgences. In 2017, one team took the tradition seriously. Their sand sculpture, “Humpback Homies,” was a whale—and their bribe included lobster gazpacho, filet mignon skewers, fresh fruit and chocolates filled with alcoholic drinks. They even brought out a second tray of salami and homegrown heirloom tomatoes. It earned them the Best Bribe award. It is difficult to imagine a more Carmel combination: sand sculptures, ocean views, architecture and a little culinary persuasion.
The Awards Are Almost as Fun as the Sculptures
The coveted Golden Shovel is awarded for best overall entry, but that's only part of the fun. Other categories have included Sour Grapes, Best Theme, Best Traditional and Best Kids, giving teams plenty of ways to take home bragging rights. And the creativity can be impressive. In past years, contestants have built everything from whales and elaborate castles to mazes, architectural landmarks and whimsical scenes. At the 2024 contest, for example, the Golden Shovel went to “Carmel By Design,” while the Best Traditional award went to a sand sculpture depicting Mission Basilica Carmel.
There Are Rules - But Not Many
The contest keeps things intentionally simple. Builders can use shovels, rakes and buckets, but the finished sculpture can only incorporate items found on the beach. Power tools, paints and artificial coloring aren't part of the equation. In other words, everything starts with the same basic ingredient: Carmel Beach sand. What participants do with it is where the creativity comes in.
A Celebration of Carmel, Past and Present
This year's theme, “It Never Gets Old - Carmel at 110,” makes the 2026 contest especially meaningful. Carmel-by-the-Sea was incorporated 110 years ago, and the Sandcastle Contest offers a wonderfully playful way to celebrate the city's history. Rather than looking at Carmel's past through a museum display or history book, participants get to reinterpret it right on the beach—one bucket of sand at a time. It also feels fitting that a city so closely associated with art and architecture would have an annual competition where the entire beach becomes an open-air sculpture garden for a few hours.
Make a Morning of It
Whether you're competing or simply watching, the Sandcastle Contest is a wonderful excuse to spend a September morning on Carmel Beach. Arrive early to watch teams begin building, grab a coffee, walk the shoreline and see the sculptures take shape throughout the morning. Then return around noon to see which creations catch the judges' attention. And perhaps the best part? When the contest is over, the beach returns to what it has always been—a beautiful place to walk, play, relax and enjoy the Monterey Peninsula coastline. So bring the family, bring your imagination—and if you're entering the contest, perhaps bring something delicious for the judges. After all, in Carmel, even a little “bribery” is part of the tradition.
