Go San Diego

San Diego's Attraction Card

  • Go San Diego
  • San Diego Attractions
    • San Diego Tours
    • San Diego Zoo
    • San Diego Zoo Safari Park
    • Legoland California
    • Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
    • Old Town Trolley Tours
    • SeaWorld San Diego
    • More…
  • San Diego Hotels
    • Tower23, Pacific Beach
    • The US Grant
    • Sofia Hotel, San Diego
    • The Keating Hotel, San Diego
    • Beach Haven Inn, San Diego
    • More…
  • San Diego Restaurants
    • George’s at the Cove
    • Puesto at the Headquarters
    • Grant Grill
    • More…
  • Neighborhoods
    • The Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
    • La Jolla
    • Pacific Beach San Diego
    • Mission Beach San Diego
    • Coronado Island
    • East Village San Diego
    • Marina District San Diego
    • Little Italy San Diego
    • More…
  • Beaches
    • Pacific Beach
    • Mission Beach
    • La Jolla Shores Beach
    • Coronado Central Beach
  • Tourist Passes
    • Go San Diego Pass
    • San Diego Explorer Pass
    • San Diego Pass Comparisons
  • Parks
  • Blog

SANDiego’s 6th Annual Sand Sculpting Competition is Labor Day Weekend

It’s that time of year again.

The annual sand sculpting extravaganza where world renowned master sand sculptors go head to head is Labor Day weekend.

Make your way Downtown to watch entrants compete with unique and lavish sand sculpture designs.

This year’s event is so extraordinary that America’s Finest City is changing its name for the four-day event to SANDiego, as well as bringing a whopping 300 tons of sand to San Diego’s Broadway Pier. The beautiful Big Bay provides the backdrop to the event in what many consider the most creative atmosphere in the world.

The United States vs. the World

This event was designed with the whole family in mind, and continues to bring San Diego locals and visitors alike together for a weekend of friendly competition. World Master Sand Sculptors from all over come to the city to challenge the best Sand Sculptors in the United States. Countries such as Russia, Latvia, the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, South Korea, and Ireland are represented in the competition, all itching to take home the crown. There are a total of 11 master sculptors who will be carving over the four-day period, all vying for over $60,000 in prize money. The winners will be announced on Sunday, day three.

A Little Something for Everyone

In addition to the sand sculpting competition there will be more than 1,000 3D art pieces available for purchase by talented metal, wood, and glass sculptors. You’ll also find acrylic, ceramic, jewelry, and clothing artists. One thing you will not be taking home is a competitive sand sculpture. They each weigh a whopping ten tons, or more.

Each day brings new, unique and fun activities such as the Arts-for-learning Kid Zone, which is overseen by professional sculptors who watch and teach youngsters how to build their own castles in a giant sand box. There are also fun rides and games for the kiddies such as Bubble Fun that allows them to walk on water (well, sort of), Springy Thingy, and much more.

For adults at the event, you’ll get your own brand of fun with live singers, bands, and dancers throughout all four days. There will be tribute bands who pay homage to greats like the Beach Boys, the Beatles, Journey, Elvis, and Bob Dylan. Copious numbers of food trucks will also be on hand serving delicious eats from all over the world (more than 100 menu items), plus coffee and select beverages. Wine and beer gardens will be set up throughout the space for a little afternoon break, or a pre-dinner drink.

Visitors will make their voices heard in the Peoples’ Choice Award for the World Masters Class competition. Voting is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

And the Winners Are……

After an action-packed Friday and Saturday, the awards ceremony takes place on Sunday at 5 p.m. The all-star panel is met by City of San Diego and Unified Port of San Diego officials to present the awards. The first awards go to the third, second, and first place winners of the World Masters Sand Sculpture competition. Next up are the first, second, and third place winners of the Dimensional Art Exposition; these are the non-sand sculptors and artists. Following these announcements, the second and third place Grand Prize awards are given out for the People’s Choice and Sculptors’ Choice winners. Lastly, the Grand Prize winner in the World Master class is announced, and we find out once and for all who will be taking the trophy and bragging rights home.

Spoiler Alert: As of right now it’s 4 to 1 in favor of the away team, based on the results of the last five years.

Need a Place to Stay?

For those who are visiting San Diego specifically for the four-day Labor Day event, or locals who simply want to stay in the Downtown area while the event is going on, there are numerous hotel options to choose from. The Sofia Hotel, located on Broadway and Front Street in the Gaslamp District is ideal for those who want an upscale urban experience. The historic hotel features stylish rooms, suites, VIP suites, a hotel spa, yoga studio, and health center. The Wyndham San Diego Bayside, the U.S. Grant Hotel, and the The Keating Hotel are also excellent choices for a luxurious stay in the city. DoubleTree San Diego Little Italy is perfect for those on a budget. There are also various additional family-friendly and great-value hotels just outside the downtown area in Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach.

 

Where: Broadway Pier and Pavilion, 1000 North Harbor Drive

Date: September 1st-4th

Time: 9AM-5PM/Saturday until 9PM

Price: $6-$35

 

  • 0share
  • Facebook0
  • Twitter0
  • Pinterest0

Filed Under: Events, Hotels

Related Blog Posts

  • Hotel del Coronado from Vision to National Historic Landmark
  • Surprise Your Valentine with a Stay at One of These Romantic San Diego Hotels
  • The Top 6 Events You Won’t Want to Miss This Summer in San Diego
  • San Diego Beer Week, Festivals, and Events: November 2017
  • Everything You Need to Know about San Diego LGBTQ Pride Parade and Music Festival
  • Love and Romance in San Diego
  • 6 Fun-Loving Events Spice up Fall in San Diego
  • Father’s Day: 25 Things to Do with Dad in San Diego
  • San Diego Jazz Fest: November 26-30, 2014
  • Del Mar Racing – New Bing Crosby Season

Recent Go San Diego Posts

  • San Diego for First-Time Visitors
  • San Diego on a Rainy Day
  • Eight Things to Do in San Diego in Spring
  • Hotel del Coronado from Vision to National Historic Landmark
  • You’re about to Discover SeaWorld San Diego’s Five Rip-Roaring Roller Coasters!
  • 5 of San Diego’s Coolest Farmers Markets
  • 8 of the Best Breakfast Spots in San Diego
  • Hike Like a Local: 9 Spectacular Hiking Trails in San Diego
  • 6 Best Craft Beer Breweries in San Diego
  • 8 San Diego Tours by Land or by Sea

Things to Do

  • San Diego for First-Time Visitors
  • San Diego on a Rainy Day
  • You’re about to Discover SeaWorld San Diego’s Five Rip-Roaring Roller Coasters!
  • 5 of San Diego’s Coolest Farmers Markets
  • Hike Like a Local: 9 Spectacular Hiking Trails in San Diego

San Diego Hotels

  • Hotel del Coronado from Vision to National Historic Landmark
  • Surprise Your Valentine with a Stay at One of These Romantic San Diego Hotels
  • SANDiego’s 6th Annual Sand Sculpting Competition is Labor Day Weekend
  • Love and Romance in San Diego

San Diego Parks

  • Hike Like a Local: 9 Spectacular Hiking Trails in San Diego
  • 15 Kid-friendly Things to Do in San Diego This Summer
  • Chicano Park: From Embattled, Undeveloped Land to National Historic Landmark
  • Desert in Bloom: Anza-Borrego Wild Flowers

Beaches

  • North to South: The 5 Best Places to Surf in San Diego County
  • San Diego Dog Beaches: Take Your Pup to the Surf and Sand

Cheap and Free

  • 5 of San Diego’s Coolest Farmers Markets
  • Hike Like a Local: 9 Spectacular Hiking Trails in San Diego
  • Don’t Let the Budget Stop the Fun: 10 Things to Do in San Diego under $10
  • How to Visit San Diego’s Aquatica for FREE
  • Get Free Entry 10 San Diego Museums on an Old Town Trolley Tour

Events

  • The Top 6 Events You Won’t Want to Miss This Summer in San Diego
  • San Diego Beer Week, Festivals, and Events: November 2017
  • SANDiego’s 6th Annual Sand Sculpting Competition is Labor Day Weekend
  • Everything You Need to Know about San Diego LGBTQ Pride Parade and Music Festival
  • 6 Fun-Loving Events Spice up Fall in San Diego

Restaurants

  • 8 of the Best Breakfast Spots in San Diego
  • 6 Best Craft Beer Breweries in San Diego
  • 8 San Diego Restaurants That Continue to Stand the Test of Time
  • 21 Favorites for Al Fresco Dining in San Diego
  • Solo in San Diego: Where to Eat, Sleep, and Hang

Tourist Attractions

  • San Diego for First-Time Visitors
  • San Diego on a Rainy Day
  • Eight Things to Do in San Diego in Spring
  • February is Museum Month in San Diego
  • The Holidays at San Diego’s Five Biggest Attractions

Museums

  • February is Museum Month in San Diego
  • Science for Everyone at Fleet Science Center

Trips

  • The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in San Diego
  • 3 San Diego Ski & Snowboard Day Trips Where ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’
  • Desert in Bloom: Anza-Borrego Wild Flowers
  • Explore 7 San Diego Seaside Communities by Coaster
  • 7 Day Trips from San Diego

Historic Places

  • Hotel del Coronado from Vision to National Historic Landmark
  • Explore San Diego’s Military History & Heritage This Memorial Day
  • 5 Top Historic Sites in San Diego
  • Chicano Park: From Embattled, Undeveloped Land to National Historic Landmark

Holidays

  • 10 Thanksgiving Dinners to be Grateful for in San Diego
  • Wildlife Camps for Kids during the Holidays
  • A Complete Guide to the Holidays in San Diego
  • Explore San Diego’s Military History & Heritage This Memorial Day
  • The Complete Guide to New Year’s Eve in San Diego

Copyright © 2023 · GoSanDiego.com · Contact Us · Privacy and Cookie Policy