63rd Annual Great Sandcastle Contest

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63rd Annual Great Sandcastle Contest
Carmel's Annual Great Sandcastle Contest is one of the most quintessential local events of the year! Building begins at 7:00am with judging commencing at 11:00am, and awards are presented around noon with the coveted Golden Shovel as the top award. The contest is held on Carmel Beach down from Scenic Road between 10th & 12th.
(831) 620-2020 • website
September 19, 2026, 7:00 AM-12:00 PM
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For decades, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Bay chapter of the American Institute of Architects have collaborated on The Great Sand Castle Contest, announcing the theme a few weeks prior to the big day. Building can begin at 7:00 am with judging commencing at 11:00 am and awards presented close to noon. The contest is held on Carmel Beach down from Scenic Road between 10th & 12th.

Everyone who would like to build a castle can enter the contest, and judges bestow awards for multiple categories, from the coveted Golden Shovel, to the tongue-in-cheek Sour Grapes. And because bribery (non-monetary) is encouraged, it's not unusual to see platters of food, bottles of wine, chair massages and other indulgences being offered to the people in charge.

For more information call Carmel Community Services at (831) 620-2020 or visit The Great Sandcastle Contest webpage.