The 58th Annual Great Sand Castle Competition will be held on Carmel Beach on Saturday, September 8, 2018 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

Interested persons may enter the competition and build a sand castle or sand sculpture, or come out to admire the fantastic sand creations. The event, which is co-sponsored by the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is free and open to any who wish to participate.

Registration takes place on the beach the morning of the event.  Contestants may begin building their sand castles at 8 a.m.  Judging begins at 12:00 pm, and awards will be conferred at 2:00 p.m.  Bribery (non-monetary) of the judges is encouraged: An award will be given for the best bribe.

Contest boundaries are beneath Scenic Road between 10th and 12th avenues.  Contestants are not allowed to use machinery or power tools, and the sand castles may be decorated only with items found on the beach.

The City’s beach regulations regarding fires will be enforced. For the safety of the sand castles, dogs on the beach must be leashed during the competition.