Iconic Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest returns on Oregon Coast

The beloved Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest returns for a series of events from June 19 to June 21.

In 1964, this event was founded by four locals to lift community spirits after a tsunami washed out the Elk Creek Bridge. Now, the event draws thousands of tourists and is recognized as the first and oldest sandcastle contest in Oregon.

Registration for the contest is available online through the Cannon Beach events site.

To start off the weekend, contestants can pickup their competition materials from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on June 19.

The same day, Bill Rose will provide a live sandcastle demonstration on the beach off Second Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then, the kickoff celebration will take place at Steidel Community Hall from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Competition day starts 8:30 a.m. on June 20 when the beach opens for parking. During the time of the contest, parking is allowed in every public parking lot, on the beach and the sides of the street.

The contest will be on the beach west of Ocean Avenue near Madison Street.

The artists can begin crafting their masterpieces at 9 a.m. when the sandcastle building starts. Only natural materials native to the beach can be used.

Final judging takes place at 2 p.m. Judges are looking for team effort, enthusiasm, composition, detail, adherence to the rules and final appearance.

Spectators and competitors can celebrate from 7 to 10 p.m. with s’mores and music on the beach at the west end of Second Street. There is free admission for the party.

For those looking to get their steps in, the weekend wraps up with the Singing Sands 5K Fun Run at 9 a.m. June 21.

Registration for the run is on the beach at the Tolovana Wayside entrance at 8 a.m.

The Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce and Information Center is available to answer any questions at 503-436-2623.

Makenzie Stamets is an outdoor intern at the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at mstamets@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @MakenzieStamets.