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The Great Sandcastle Contest - Sept 16, 2023 - Carmel Beach
Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM PDT
Category: Carmel Village

The Great Sandcastle Contest

The Great Sandcastle Contest, Saturday, September 16th on Carmel Beach between 10th and 12th Avenues.   

Judging starts at 12:00 noon.   

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 date and theme a few weeks prior to the big day. 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. 

Bring your sunscreen, your picnic lunch and join in this fun day for the whole family. 

  • 60th Annual Sandcastle Contest – Saturday, October 2 “Sixty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”
  • Dogs will be required to be on a leash inside of the event area. 
Annual Great Sand Castle Contest on Carmel Beach
Rules and Regulations
1.      First and foremost: HAVE FUN!
2.     Always use stairways going to and from the beach. Walking on slopes and beach bluffs is prohibited.
3.    Build sandcastles within the designated contest boundaries.
4.    The contest is open to all ages.
5.    Skill level is not important - judging takes place in many categories.
6.    Following the theme is not required, but remember that you will be limiting yourself in the number of categories in which you may be judged.
7.    Artistic expression is encouraged – just keep it family-friendly.
8.    No power tools may be used.
9.    Sandcastles and/or sculptures must be made of natural materials found at the beach. No paints or artificial colorings may be used.
10. Commercial or political advertising is not appropriate.
11.  A project may be disqualified at the judges’ discretion.
12. Dogs are best left at home, but if you must bring them keep them on a short leash. One stray dog can ruin a day’s hard work in a few minutes.
13. Please respect the beach and your fellow beachgoers by cleaning up after yourself.
14. Bribery of Sand Castle Officials is condoned and encouraged. Bribes should be kept in good taste (or at least taste good). Monetary bribes cannot be accepted.
15. The judges’ decisions are arbitrary and final.

For more information call 831-620-2020 or email [email protected]