The Lincoln City Sandcastle Contest at Siletz Bay is a wondrous, fun-filled day celebrating one of Lincoln City’s best adventures—playing on the local beaches, according to organizers.
The public is encouraged to participate in the Sandcastle Contest, held at Siletz Bay in the Historic Taft District presented by Mo’s Restaurant Lincoln City. Head to SW 51st Street and watch the sand come to life with categories like mermaids, chowder heads, cruise ships, and more.
In a published report in the former Lincoln City News Guard, Alex Ward, the former President of the Bay Area Merchants Association said the sand building contests are a positive community connector.
“If the whole town embraces an event like this, or like the kite festival, it helps create a momentum that is a critical mass that really lifts up the whole town," Ward said. "These events really illustrate a community working together toward a common goal. It's pretty awesome.”
The 2026 event registration begins on August 8, outside Mo's Restaurant in Lincoln City.
There will be prizes awarded to the best sand sculptures.
10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Registration
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Castle Building
12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. - Judging and Prizes
Only sand, water, shells and other natural beach materials found on the beach that day can be used for construction. Forms can be used in the construction process but cannot support the final structure. Hand tools are allowed, but not power tools. This is an amateur competition—professional “sand artists” are disqualified from winning prizes.
The organizers said there will be pre-contest activities this year, including games, and more.
Art on the Beach & Sand Art Competition
Celebrate creativity on the Oregon Coast with a day of beachside art for all ages.
The public is invited to the Art on the Beach and Sand Art Competition from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15, on the beach in front of Chinook Winds Casino Resort, at 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City.
The event is Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative.
Watch professional artists and skilled volunteers create a spectacular giant sand art graphic, then enjoy a family-friendly sand art competition where teams transform the beach into works of art inspired by the coast and the Cascade Head Marine Reserve.
Whether you're competing or simply watching, it's a fun way to experience art, community, and the beauty of the beach together, according to organizers.
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