Teams Completed 64th Corona del Mar Sandcastle Contest
Sixteen teams competed in Newport Beach to build intricate sculptures during a timed event.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Surfing
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Participants gathered in Corona del Mar to build sand structures during the 64th annual Corona del Mar Sandcastle Contest. Teams of eight utilized a four-hour window to complete their designs.
Why it matters
The annual event showcases community creativity and provides a platform for both amateur and professional builders to engage in collaborative public art.
The 64th edition of the competition featured 16 teams, with each group limited to eight members. Participants were strictly restricted to a four-hour building window.
The players
Robert Hidey Architects
This architecture firm earned first place in the Most Unique Sandsculpture category.
Sycamore Creek Sand Shifters
The team secured first place within the Junior Division of the competition.
Sandcastle Kit
The group was awarded the Commodores Award for the Overall Best Creation.
B.C. & Friends
The participants were selected by the public to receive the People's Choice award.
The details
Teams used varied tools including buckets, shovels, gardening implements, and natural materials to construct their sculptures within designated plots on the beach. Entries spanned multiple categories such as families, students, businesses, civic groups, and professional architecture firms.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: The 16 teams built sandcastles during a four-hour window.
Season Trajectory
This event serves as a cornerstone of the regional community calendar in Southern California, maintaining a long-standing tradition of local sand sculpting. The consistency of the 64-year history reinforces the event's status as a staple competitive gathering for both local professionals and families.
Award recipients in the professional, business, and junior categories were determined by the Chamber of Commerce following the conclusion of the four-hour building block. Sculptures including the 14-foot Welcome to Castle Newport entry remained on the beach as temporary public installations.
The takeaway
Engaging in competitive public art events encourages community collaboration and creative problem-solving using simple household materials. Families and teams looking to participate in future editions should focus on mastering the structural techniques required for building in a limited timeframe.
Further reading
For more information on local beach events and community gatherings, visit Surfing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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