Low Tides Herald Return of Oregon Coast Icon: Cannon Beach Sandcastle Fest 2026

Published 04/20/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – As sure as the tides come and go, Cannon Beach's beloved Sandcastle Contest is set to return this summer. Indeed, it takes place on one of the lowest tides of the year: This year’s festivities land June 19 - 21, 2026, with the main contest happening Saturday, June 20. (Oregon Coast Beach Connection photo)

Perhaps the pinnacle of Oregon coast events, Cannon Beach’s Sandcastle Contest has roots deeper than most visitors realize. Launched in 1964, the event was dreamed up by four locals looking to lift community spirits after the Good Friday Earthquake sent a tsunami surging through town and wiped out the Elk Creek Bridge.

Strangely, even ironically, it came about because of a tragedy. What started as a way to bring people back together has grown into Oregon’s oldest sandcastle competition, now drawing thousands of spectators to the shoreline each year. It goes back more than 60 years now.

The entire shebang is a full weekend of beach fun and frivolities, but if you want to see the sculptures before the tide claims them, Saturday is the day. Like the old Jethro Tull tune says, they will “dare the tardy tide,” but they will be swept aside. The ocean will wash everything away that evening. As always, the event goes on rain or shine, so pack for Oregon coast meteorological surprises.

The contest takes place on the beach off the “Presidential” streets, west of Ocean Avenue near Madison Street. Spectators can wander in from the north, south, or east.

Registration is now open for builders, volunteers, and the Singing Sands 5K Fun Run.

2026 Sandcastle Contest Schedule

Historical photo of 1960s event

Friday, June 19
10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.| Contestant Packet n’ Pail Pickup at the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
10 a.m.–5 p.m.| Live Sandcastle Demonstration with Bill Rose on the beach off 2nd St.
5–7:30 p.m.| Sandcastle Kickoff Celebration at Steidel Community Hall

Saturday, June 20
8:30 a.m. | Beach opens for parking
9:00 a.m. | Sandcastle building begins
2:00 p.m.| Final judging
3:00 p.m.| All cars must be off the beach
7–10 p.m.| Bonfire, s’mores and music on the beach at the west end of 2nd St., free admission

Sandcastle Contest Concert & Bonfire
June 20, 2026 | 7–10 PM

Wrap up the day with live music from CJ and the Wild Tides, beach-chair lounging, and s’mores courtesy of Cannon Beach Bakery. It all happens on the sand just off Second Street - the finale to another year of sand-sculpting magic. See the full website

Courtesy the Sandcastle Fest

Behind the Contest:

After the bridge washed out in the tsunami, it left Cannon Beach locals a little stir crazy for awhile. Yet even once it was rebuilt, residents found the tourists weren’t coming back. By early summer of 1964, Cannon Beach held the first Sandcastle Day Festival to help get them to return to town.

The first one was a low-key event featuring mostly local sand sculptors, put together by Margaret Atherton, daughter Billie Grant and Marian Crowell. It was designed specifically for kids and families, and one of several efforts to draw tourists back to town.

After the tides begin washing the fun away - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

The second, in 1965, was more focused and a bit more publicized. A local newspaper article at the time touts the event happening on July 29. “Judges will be Gerald Gower, Cannon Beach mayor; Francis of the Cannon Beach Commercial Club; Frank Lackaff, local artist, and Mrs. Paul Dueber,” the article says.

Summer on the Oregon coast would never be the same.

Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours

 

 

Laidback Rockaway Beach, Ocean in View from Hidden Oregon Coast Condo Rental
Luxury and an unstoppable view meet. Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, lodging news

Clifftop Spa Aglow Above Oregon Coast's Nye Beach: Luxury Meets History at Inn
Newport's Inn at Nye Beach has numerous sides. Hotel reviews, lodging

Keystone Vacation Rentals - Central Oregon Coast
Lincoln City hotel reviews, Depoe Bay hotel reviews. Luxury oceanfront condos are available in Depoe Bay and Lincoln City, including popular resort communities like Village at North Pointe and Pacific Winds. These one- and two-bedroom units are situated directly on the beach or perched at elevated whale-watching viewpoints, often featuring amenities such as private hot tubs, Wi-Fi, access to indoor pools, and even on-site theaters. Most units accommodate up to four guests. Depending on the property, additional highlights may include gourmet kitchens, river rock fireplaces, plasma TVs, in-unit washers and dryers, fitness centers, pool tables, beachside patios, BBQ grills, iPod docking stations, books, games, puzzles, covered parking, cable TV, DVD libraries, massage chairs, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Some condos also offer access to a conference room. Depoe Bay and Lincoln City. (503) 443-1414.

Nye Beach Condos and Cottages - Vacation Rentals, Newport Oregon Coast
Adorable cottages with a somewhat historic vibe to sleek, modern units ? all with ocean views or at least a quick beach access. They offer a variety of rentals, ranging from studio condos with one king bed or two queen beds, while the cottages vary in size and configuration. Newport hotel reviews

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Yachats Sip 'n Stroll Blends Scrumptious with Oregon Coast Breezes
The annual Sip 'n Stroll returns April 18 - 19. Yachats events

Oregon Coast Accessibility is Working, Winning Lincoln City Some Awards
Explore Lincoln City received Travel Oregon support for accessibility

Now Begins the 'Season of Satellites' Above Oregon, Washington: Summer's Surreal Show
Not even counting meteors, these satellite trains can create wild colors and streaks in the sky. Astronomy, weather. Brookings events, Gold Beach events, Port Orford events, Coos Bay events, Bandon events, Florence events, Yachats events, Newport events, Lincoln City events, Rockaway Beach events, Manzanita events, Cannon Beach events, Seaside events, Astoria events

Whale Watch Week is About to Spring on the Oregon Coast, March 21 - 29
Trained volunteers and park rangers will staff 15 designated viewpoints. Marine sciences. Brookings events, Gold Beach events, Port Orford events, Coos Bay events, Bandon events, Florence events, Yachats events, Newport events, Lincoln City events, Rockaway Beach events, Manzanita events, Cannon Beach events, Seaside events, Astoria events

Weather Will Be a Handful for Northern Oregon, South Washington: Flood Watches, Winds
From Portland and Vancouver to eastern Oregon, Cascades and as far south as Madras and Albany. Weather

After Going Where No One Has Gone Before, Artemis Splashes Down Today: See Gallery
Plans remain for the spacecraft to land near San Diego around 5 p.m. Astronomy, sciences

Another Dead Whale Stranding, This Time Near Yachats on Central Oregon Coast
Reports differ on whether it was alive at first; scientists are examining the carcass. Marine sciences

Among Oldest Spring Festivals of West Coast Happens in Oregon's Florence Soon
119th Annual Rhododendron Festival, set for May 14 - 17, 2026, throughout Florence. Florence events

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted