Hampton Beach Master Sandsculpting Sand Castle Competition
| Dates: | Thursday, June 18, 2026 - Saturday, June 20, 2026 |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| Ages: | Infants, Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free |
| Category: | Seasonal Fun |
The fun starts when 200 tons of imported sand is dropped on Hampton Beach and the 'Grady Bunch' starts pounding up the sponsor site.2026 Theme
✨ 'Sea to Shining Sea: America 250' ✨
What better way to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday than united in sand on the shores of Hampton Beach. This year's featured sponsor-site sculpture will honor the spirit, history, freedom, and imagination that define America, all brought to life in sand.
The entire area is illuminated for night viewing through June 28, 2026. Watch Greg Grady and 'The Grady Bunch' build a mammoth Sand Demo Site.
View all entries online or watch the progress on the event's Facebook page. The competition has seen international attention and is by invitation only.
SCHEDULE FOR 2026 MASTER SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION:
Fri. to Mon., June 12-15: Massive 100 Ton Sponsor Site Created
Tues., June 16: Sponsors Grand Finale with a Master Group Carve
Weds., June 17: Masters Pound Up and Sponsor Sculpture Viewing
Thurs., Fri., & Sat., June 18, 19, 20: Solo Competition $25,000 purse and entry awards as follows:
First Place $6,000; Second Place $4,000; Third Place $3,000; Fourth Place $2,000.
People's Choice Award $1,000. Non-placing competitors receive $1,500. There is also a Sculptor's Choice Award that is only a prestige award, granted by their peers, that has no monetary prize.
Sat., June 20: 1:00 to 3:00 PM Voting for People's Choice Award.
Sat., June 20 at 7:30 PM: Awards Ceremony on the Sea Shell Stage. Special Fireworks Display at 9:30 PM (weather permitting).
The entire area is illuminated for nightly viewing through June 28, 2026.
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This invitational only event has grown in leaps and bounds making it the largest Masters competition in the Northeast United States.
Hampton has attracted the attention of millions of visitors who came to watch something which is part sculpture, part performance art.
*There is no glue in the sand, but the sculptors are allowed to spray their sculptures with an adhesive glaze so they stay up longer.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
June 18-20, 2026
(illuminated for night viewing through June 28, 2026)
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
hamptonbeach.org/events/sand-sculpture-event/
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
22 C Street, hampton, NH, 03842 map
Phone: 603-926-8717
From the South:
Take 95 North to Exit 2 in Hampton
Bear Left after Hampton Toll Booth onto 101 East towards Hampton (5.4 Miles)
From the North:
Take 95 South to Exit 2 in Hampton
Bear Left after Hampton Toll Booth onto 101 East towards Hampton (5.4 Miles)
From the West:
Take 101 East towards Hampton/ Portsmouth/ NH Seacoast (5.4 Miles)
From the East: We hope you can swim................
Travel and Transportation Links
C & J Trailways Bus Service
Shuttle service to Boston & beyond.
From Portsmouth or Newburyport Terminals.
Toll-free: 800-258-7111
Hampton Airfield
Small airfield offering flying lessons, scenic airplane rides, and special flying events. U.S. Route 1, Lafayette Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
964-6749
Manchester, NH Airport
The Convenient Alternative to Logan.
Conveniently located adjacent to Interstates 93 & 293, Route 101 and the F.E. Everett Turnpike. In the heart of New England, Manchester Airport is just fifty minutes from Hampton Beach.
Get detailed directions at Map Quest.
Download our map of Hampton Beach, NH.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Events
- Hampton Beach Master Sandsculpting Sand Castle Com..., 6/18/26-6/20/26
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Hampton Beach Master Sandsculpting Sand Castle Competition before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
