06/16/2026
The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest returns June 19–21, 2026, with three days of coastal fun and festivities. While the weekend celebration spans Friday through Sunday, the official Sandcastle Contest takes place on Saturday, June 20. Be sure to join us on Saturday to see the incredible creations up close. The evening tide will sweep the sandcastles away, and they will not be available for viewing on Sunday.
🗓️ June 19-21st, 2026
📍 Cannon Beach off the “Presidential” streets, west of Ocean Avenue near Madison Street. Spectators are welcome to enter the competition from the north, south, or east.
🚙 You can park for free on the beach during the
Sandcastle Contest. Access is available via the Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site. Follow the route past Haystack Rock to our designated parking area near the Ecola Court Beach Access Ramp. An ADA parking lot will be available closer to the contest site. Beach ⏰Parking opens at 8:30am, and all vehicles must be off the sand by 3:00pm.
ℹ️ cannonbeach.org/events-and-festivals/sandcastle-contest/
🔔 The event takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for coastal weather.
Schedule
Fri. Jun 19
10AM-7:30PM | Contestant Packet n’ Pail Pickup at the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
10AM-5PM | Live Sandcastle Demonstration with Bill Rose on the beach off 2nd St.
5-7:30PM | Sandcastle Kick Off Celebration at Steidel Community Hall
Sat. June 20
8:30am | Beach opens for parking
9:00am | Sandcastle Contest Building begins
2:00pm | Final Judging
3:00pm | All cars must be off the beach
7:00-10pm | Bonfire, S'mores & Music, Free admission and located on the beach at the West end of 2nd St.
Sun. June 21
8am| Registration and check in for Singing Sands 5k Fun Run opens on the beach at the Tolovana Wayside beach entrance.
9am | Singing Sands 5K Fun Run begins