The Master Sand Sculpting Classic happens in mid June at Hampton Beach (2026: competition June 18 to 20). Watch the masters carve during the week, vote for People's Choice on Saturday afternoon, and catch the awards at the Seashell Stage that evening. The sculptures stay up and are lit at night for about a week after. Check the live cams first to see exactly where they are this year.
Every June, some of the best sand sculptors in the world come to Hampton Beach to compete. They pound sand into tall blocks, then carve detailed figures, faces and scenes that can take days to finish. The results stand right along the beach for everyone to walk past.
It is one of the gentlest events of the summer for anyone with limited mobility: no tickets, no long lines, and you can take it at your own pace. Early June is also quieter than July and August, so parking is easier.
What the Sand Sculpting Classic is
The event is run by the Hampton Beach Village District. It has two parts: a large sponsor sculpture built from 100 tons of sand, and a solo competition between master sculptors for a $25,000 purse, with $6,000 for first place and $1,000 for People's Choice.
The schedule (2026 example)
The pattern is similar each year. This was the 2026 schedule:
| Dates | What happens |
|---|---|
| Fri to Mon, June 12 to 15 | The 100-ton sponsor sculpture is created |
| Tues, June 16 | Sponsor sculpture grand finale |
| Weds, June 17 | Masters pound up their sand; sponsor sculpture viewing |
| Thurs to Sat, June 18 to 20 | Solo competition: watch the masters carve |
| Sat, June 20, 1pm to 3pm | People's Choice voting |
| Sat, June 20, 7:30pm | Awards ceremony at the Seashell Stage |
| Through June 28 | Sculptures lit for night viewing |
Check the Hampton Beach Village District website for the coming year's dates. There are also live cams, so you can watch progress before you go.
Viewing and night lighting
- During the competition you can watch the sculptors at work. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
- After the awards the finished sculptures stay up, and the whole area is lit for night viewing. An evening stroll after dinner is a lovely way to see them, with fewer people and cooler air.
Seeing it with limited mobility
The awards are held at the Seashell Stage, and the beach there is lined by the paved sea wall and Ocean Boulevard sidewalk. Check the live cams for where the sculptures are this year, then pick the closest stretch of pavement.
- Want to get closer? Use the beach mats near the Seashell area, or a beach wheelchair.
- Restrooms: accessible restrooms are at the Seashell Stage. See our accessible Hampton Beach guide.
- Seating: the awards are at the Seashell Stage, which has seating in front of the stage. Arrive early on Saturday evening for a good spot.
Make a day of it, without the walking
Our shop is at 45 Ashworth Ave, one block from Ocean Boulevard. Rent a scooter for the sea wall and a beach wheelchair for the sand, and see everything at your own pace.
Planning your visit
- Pick your day. Weekdays to watch carving in peace, Saturday for voting and the awards, any evening the week after for the lit sculptures.
- Park close. Ocean Boulevard meters are free with a disability placard. Our parking guide has every lot.
- Bring sun cover. There is little shade on the sea wall.
- Come back at night. The lighting changes the sculptures completely.
Sand Sculpting Classic: FAQ
When is the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic?
In June. In 2026 the solo competition ran June 18 to 20, with sponsor sculptures built the week before. Dates for 2027 had not been posted when we last checked.
Can you see the sand sculptures at night?
Yes. The whole area is lit for night viewing. In 2026 the lighting ran through June 28, about a week after the awards.
How do you vote in the People's Choice award?
Visitors vote on the Saturday of the competition. In 2026 voting ran from 1pm to 3pm on June 20.
Where are the awards announced?
At the Seashell Stage on Saturday evening. In 2026 the ceremony was at 7:30pm.
Is the sand sculpture event wheelchair accessible?
The sculptures are built on the beach, and much of Hampton Beach is lined by the paved sea wall and sidewalk, so you may be able to see them without going on the sand. To get closer on the sand, use the beach mats near the Seashell area or a beach wheelchair.
Keep planning
Sources
Checked November 11, 2026. Venues and towns change their rules; the official source always wins. Spot something out of date? Let us know.