Central Oregon Coast Becomes Giant Canvas for Lincoln City Sand Art Contest

Published 07/15/25 at 5:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) - Oregon’s central coast will once again serve as a grand canvas for an outdoor art spectacle when the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative hosts its annual Sand Art Competition & Art on the Beach in Lincoln City. Set for Saturday, July 26, at Roads End State Recreation Area, the event invites artists of all skill levels to capture the underwater wonders of the Cascade Head Marine Reserve with this year’s theme: “What Can You See Under the Sea?”

Participants for Sand Art Competition & Art on the Beach may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four, designing intricate 20-by-20-foot sand installations inspired by local marine life and habitats. The contest embraces accessibility and creativity, requiring no prior experience and supplying rakes on-site for sculpting. Spectators are also welcome to enjoy the dreamy masterpieces created by professionals and volunteers along the shoreline near Cascade Head.

Organizers said that's 400 square feet – or about 400 million grains of sand to play on.

Is this like a sandcastle contest? Not quite.

“Sand art is different from traditional sand castle building in that the artists utilize rakes to create art that transforms beach surfaces into large-scale, ephemeral masterpieces,” said organizers. “Artists rake the sand into patterns and shapes, creating everything from simple geometrical designs to complex and stunning representations of natural or abstract themes.”

Duncan Berry, Co-Director of the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative, called the event “a celebration of Lincoln City's connection with the Cascade Head Biosphere Region,” adding that it merges art and environmental awareness.

A $20 entry donation per team helps support the Collaborative’s initiatives in coastal conservation, climate action, and education. The day begins at 8:00 a.m. with two hours allotted for design and execution. Judging begins at 10:00 a.m., with prizes awarded shortly thereafter based on creativity, originality, and overall artistry.

Sand Art Competition & Art on the Beach Prizes:
1st Place: Chinook Winds Prize package valued at $500 (1 night Oceanfront Room, 2 Show Tickets, Dinner at Rogue River Room)
2nd Place: $200 cash
3rd Place: $100 cash

See the video for this year's event

Alongside the contest, a giant sand art graphic will be constructed as part of the festivities. Organizers encourage visitors to explore previous creations captured in photographs from past years at cascadehead.org..

The Cascade Head Biosphere Region - designated a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme site - encompasses the Salmon River Estuary, Cascade Head Marine Reserve, and Lincoln City. Known for its ecological richness, the region hosts diverse wildlife such as black bears, bald eagles, migrating whales, and endangered species like the Oregon silverspot butterfly and marbled murrelet.

More details are available at cascadehead.org.

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