Event Phone: 5034362623

The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest began in 1964 when a tsunami washed out the Elk Creek Bridge and residents were relatively isolated until a new bridge could be built.  That spring local families gathered for a Sandcastle Contest to entertain their children and attract visitors.  That Sandcastle Contest became one of the largest sandcastle contests on the west coast.

After two years of promotional builds followed by a summer-long virtual contest, an Oregon’s Heritage Event, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest will return to an in-person, one-day format on Saturday, June 11th.

“We’re excited to be back to the beach!”, Jim Paino, Executive Director of the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce. This year marks the 58^th year of hosting the Sandcastle Contest in Cannon Beach.

Divisions of the contest include Sand Fleas, Juniors, Teens, Small Group, Large Group, and Masters. The building will begin at 2 pm and the final judging on the Master’s division will be at 7 pm. Contest rules are simple and no themes are mandated.  This often results in a creative and sometimes colorful commentary on current events.  Each team is given a plot of sand within a designated viewing area and sand may not be added or removed.  Only natural materials found on the beach such as sticks, shells, rocks, and seaweed may be used for ornamentation. No artificial coloring, paint, flour, sugar, starch, adhesives, or cement may be added.

Keeping the annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest going is committee chair Debbie Nelson’s focus throughout the year.  Working with a team of volunteers to accomplish this hometown tradition and bringing the contestants and spectators together once again to create “sand magic” will be the highlight to kick off the summer season.  As Debbie likes to say, “Come play in the sand with us!”

Each year during the Sandcastle Contest is the only day you are allowed to park on the beach in Cannon Beach.

Master’s Division is by invitation only. Please contact Jim by email jim@cannonbeach.org or call 503-436-2623

 Fri. June 10 | 7:30pm Bonfire, Music & Smores

 Sat. June 11 | 2pm Sandcastle Contest building begins | 7pm Final Judging

 Sun. June 12 | 9am Singing Sands 5K Fun Run/Walk

Supporters and collectors can buy 2022 limited edition posters and other merchandise available online and in-person at our Information Center.

In 2014, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, making it one of just 26 events statewide to achieve such a designation. An Oregon Heritage Tradition is an event with broad public appeal, with at least 50 years of continuous operation and that contributes to the identity of the state.

2022 official art by Donald Scott Masterson

Registration