The American Institute of Architects and La Izquierda Fest partner to enrich the annual AIA Sandcastle Competition, this year presented by 811 Call or Click Before You Dig, with music, vendors, and family-friendly activities at East Beach.

Competing teams have their eyes and shovels set on winning the prestigious Gold Bucket Award. Firms begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event, the teams – stretched along the beach front – meticulously sculpt their piles of sand and work non-stop for five hours.

The judging of the sculptures is rated on the originality of concept, artistic execution, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site.  At the end of the day, everyone goes home with memories of a great day at the beach filled with fun, sand, and sun.

The Sand Sculptures

Please respect the hard work of our participants by not touching any of the sand sculptures even after the event.
 Many spectators visit the beach the next day, on Sunday, to view and enjoy the sculptures.

Schedule:

6:30am: Beach opens for teams and sponsors
10:00am: Public is encouraged to begin to arrive to watch the competition
10:00am - 3:00pm: Teams compete and build
10:00am - 4:00pm: Castle Creation Kid Zone
10:00am - 4:00pm: Solar Cooking Demonstration
11:00am, 1:00pm,  3:00pm: Sandcastle Building Lessons from a Pro
3:00pm - 4:30pm: Judging
5:00pm: Awards
Music until 9:00pm

Admission:

Saturday: $15
Children 12 and under: Free
Weekend admission: $25
Parking: $15 per vehicle (required and not included with admission)

Click Here to Buy Tickets