Check Out These 5 New England Sand Sculpture Displays This Summer

Just as ice and snow sculptures are super cool (pun intended) in the wintertime, New England boasts some summertime sand sculptures that are fire, as the kids say.

Here are 5 sand sculpture displays you should plan on checking out this summer season.

1.) Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

The Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic typically takes place smack dab in the middle of June. The contest took place last weekend, but the sculptures will remain on display and illuminated until June 23rd.

I'm told that not only are there corporate sponsors involved, but they actually bring in truckloads of sand to add to the beach, so there's enough for all the sculptures.

This event is a huge draw for the New Hampshire area, with some insanely talented sand sculptors that descend upon the beaches for that short window of time, and put their sick skills to use making art out of sand.

If you want to visit during the actual competition, next year's festival has already been scheduled and will take place from June 18th to the 20th of 2026.

2.) Ogunquit Beach, Maine

While perhaps not on quite a professional scale as some of the other sand sculpture displays or competitions held throughout New England, the Ogunquit Beach Sandcastle Contest is a family-friendly event that anyone can enter. According to their Facebook Page, it's set to take place on Sunday, July 20th, on Ogunquit Beach.

"Grab your pails, pack your creativity, and head to the beach for Ogunquit’s annual Sandcastle Contest! All ages are invited! Free t-shirts for participants while supplies last. "

They will even have prizes to give away to folks who place 1st in the adult division, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the Family category, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the children's round (kids under 13).

3.) Revere Beach, Massachusetts

Folks in Revere, Massachusetts, make a 3-day event out of their event: the International Sand Sculpting Festival.

This year, the event will take place Friday, July 25th through Sunday, July 27th, according to their website.

Sand sculptors from all over the world gather in Mass. for this event, creating pieces with such depth and detail, it's hard to believe they're made of sand.

4.) North Woodstock, New Hampshire

From the folks who created the Ice Castles of New Hampshire, which have become a wintertime destination, Sculptured Sand is the summertime counterpart to that.

According to their website:

"A captivating event held in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, where intricate, larger-than-life sand sculptures are displayed along a winding trail through a scenic forest. Showcasing the talents of world-renowned sand sculptors, the event offers a unique fusion of art and nature. Visitors are invited to witness the beauty of sand art as they stroll through the woods."

Each year, they have a new theme, and they typically open by June and run till September.

You can keep an eye on their Facebook Page for an opening date and pricing.

5.)  Ocean Park, Maine

The Ocean Park Sand Sculpture Competition is another family-friendly event that takes place in Maine. It's been going on for 39 years!

"This year’s theme: Wonders of the World. A flier with information and rules will be available at the Ocean Park Office...You must register in order to compete."

The competition will take place on July 3rd  from Randall to Ancona Ave. beaches in Ocean Park, Maine. Judging begins at 4:00 pm. The winners will be announced at 4:30 PM.

Get our free mobile app

Here are some other cool things you can do this summer.