| Event / Participants | Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest | Event Date | Sep 27, 2026 |
| Event Location | Corona del Mar State Beach | Start Time | Contest schedule: See official event listing. |
| Address | 3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 | Gate / Check-in | Participant check-in occurs before building begins. |
| Phone | (949) 644-3151 | Official Link | Official event details |
The 64th Annual Sandcastle Contest returns to Corona Del Mar State Beach on September 27, 2026, bringing together families, community groups, first-time builders and experienced sand sculptors for a day at the beach.
The 2026 theme is “Cruise the Coast,” encouraging teams to create sand sculptures inspired by the many ways people travel along the coast, from cars and boats to bikes and roller skates.
Presented by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, the long-running event attracts thousands of spectators and participants and also features music, food and kids activities.
Teams can include family, friends, coworkers, church groups or school groups. Participants receive a free T-shirt and also have the chance to win a cash prize.
Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 64th Annual Sandcastle Contest |
| Date | September 27, 2026 |
| Theme | Cruise the Coast |
| Venue | Corona Del Mar State Beach |
| Address | 3100 Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach |
| Presented By | Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce |
| Activities | Sandcastle contest, music, food and kid’s activities |
| Who Can Participate | Families, friends, work, church and school groups |
| Participant Perks | Free T-shirt and chance to win a cash prize |
Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest 2026 Schedule
| Date | Event / Show | Time | Venue |
| Sunday, September 27, 2026, | 64th Annual Sandcastle Contest | Check current schedule | Corona Del Mar State Beach |
The event schedule may include specific registration, building and judging times. Visitors and participants should check the current schedule before attending.
64th Annual Sandcastle Contest
The 64th Annual Sandcastle Contest welcomes everyone from experienced sand sculptors to first-time participants.
Teams can work together to create sand sculptures inspired by the annual theme, while spectators can walk the beach and view the finished creations.
The event has become a long-running Newport Beach tradition and attracts thousands of spectators and contest participants.
2026 Theme: Cruise the Coast
The theme for the 2026 contest is “Cruise the Coast.”
Teams are encouraged to show off their coastal cruising style through creative sand sculptures inspired by different ways of getting around.
Ideas can include:
- Cars
- Vans
- Boats
- Bikes
- Roller skates
- Other coastal transportation themes
The theme gives teams plenty of freedom to interpret California coastal life through their sand creations.
Who Can Enter the Sandcastle Contest?
The event encourages groups of all kinds to participate.
Teams can include:
- Families
- Friends
- Work groups
- Church groups
- School groups
Participants range from seasoned professionals to first-time builders, so the contest is designed for different skill levels.
Teams should register in advance if they want to participate in the competition.
Participant Perks and Prizes
Registered participants receive a free event T-shirt.
Teams also have the opportunity to win a cash prize based on the contest results.
Current registration requirements, categories and prize details should be checked before signing up.
Music, Food & Kids Activities
The Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest includes more than sand sculptures.
Visitors can also enjoy:
- Music
- Food
- Kids activities
- Sandcastle viewing
- Team competition
Spectators do not need to enter the contest to attend. Families can simply come to the beach and watch the teams create their sand sculptures.
Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest Location
The event takes place at:
Corona Del Mar State Beach 3100 Ocean Blvd Newport Beach, California
The beachfront setting provides the space for teams to build their sand creations while spectators explore the competition area.
Tips for Attending the Sandcastle Contest
Arrive early if you want to watch teams build their sculptures before the finished creations are judged.
Bring sunscreen, water and other beach essentials for a day outdoors.
Teams planning to participate should register before the event and review the current contest rules.
Spectators can attend without entering a team.
Parking around Corona Del Mar State Beach can become busy during popular weekend events, so allow extra time when arriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest 2026?
The 64th Annual Sandcastle Contest takes place Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Where is the Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest held?
The event takes place at Corona Del Mar State Beach, 3100 Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach.
What is the 2026 Sandcastle Contest theme?
The 2026 theme is “Cruise the Coast.”
Who can participate in the Sandcastle Contest?
Families, friends, work groups, church groups and school groups can form teams and participate.
The event welcomes both experienced sand sculptors and first-time builders.
Do participants receive anything?
Yes. Event participants receive a free T-shirt.
Are there prizes?
Yes. Participants have the opportunity to win a cash prize.
Can I attend without entering the contest?
Yes. Spectators can come to the beach and view the sand creations without entering a team.
Are there activities besides the sandcastle contest?
Yes. The event also features music, food and kids activities.
Plan Your Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest Visit
The 64th Annual Sandcastle Contest returns to Corona Del Mar State Beach on September 27, 2026.
This year’s “Cruise the Coast” theme encourages teams to turn cars, boats, bikes, roller skates and other coastal transportation ideas into creative sand sculptures.
Visitors can enter a team or simply come to the beach to see the creations, enjoy music and food, and take part in the family-friendly activities.
Check this year’s schedule on their website, at www.newportbeach.com/
