LONG BEACH, WA — Get ready to dig into the fun as Sandsations 2025 returns to the Long Beach Peninsula from July 16th to 20th, bringing with it towering sand sculptures, lively entertainment, and interactive experiences for all ages. Hosted by the Long Beach Merchants Association, this annual event transforms the beaches and streets into a family-friendly art playground, where imagination takes form in grains of sand. See tips and tricks to build your awesome sculpture at the end of this article.
The excitement kicks off early this year.
For full details, visit: www.longbeachmerchants.com
Festival Highlights:
Sand Academy Lessons
Perfect for beginners and families, free sand sculpting lessons are available:
- Thursday: 1PM–3PM
- Friday: 10AM–12PM & 2PM–4PM
- Sunday: 11AM–1PM & 2PM–4PM
All ages are welcome to join and learn the art of building masterpieces from sand.
Main Event Schedule
Wednesday–Thursday
- Sculpture construction begins from 8AM–5PM
- Local vendors open daily from 11AM–5PM
Friday
- Completion of preview sculptures 8AM-5PM
- Pirates 12PM–5PM
- Sand sculpture competition registration opens 11AM–4PM
Saturday – The Big Day
- Sand Sculpture Competition registration (8AM–11AM)
- Master’s Competition: 10AM–4PM
- Kids, Doubles & Team Competitions: 12PM–4PM
- Live music:
- Perfectly Imperfect: 1PM–3PM
- The Rogue Trio: 3:30PM–6PM
- Judging 4PM-4:45PM
- Awards from 5PM–5:30PM
- Center Stage Kids Performance: 5:00 PM
Vendors: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Pirates: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Una the Mermaid:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Beer Garden: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Photo Opportunity: Come get your pic - Beer Garden: 11:30AM–7PM
- Center Stage Kids Performance: 5PM
- Vendors throughout the day until 5:30PM
- Photo Ops all day!
Sunday – Wind Down & Admire
- Viewing of preview and competition sculptures 11AM–2PM
- Photo ops
- Vendors open in to 2PM
This year’s event promises not just amazing artistry in the sand, but a full weekend of music, pirate adventures, kids’ performances, food, drinks, and community cheer.
Whether you’re sculpting, spectating, or sipping a local brew, Sandsations is a Pacific Northwest summer tradition you don’t want to miss.
For full details, visit: www.longbeachmerchants.com
📍Location: Downtown Long Beach & beach access areas
📆Dates: July 16–20, 2025
🎟️Entry: Free for all ages!
Bring your sunscreen, your creativity, and your camera — Sandsations awaits!
Tips and Tricks for Building Amazing Sand Sculptures
Make Your Masterpiece Stand Tall at Sandsations 2025!
Sand sculpting isn’t just child’s play—it’s a true art form that combines creativity, technique, and teamwork. Whether you’re joining the Lil Beach Builders, entering the Doubles or Team Competition, or just sculpting for fun, these expert tips will help you shape your ideas into solid sand creations.
🏖️ 1. Choose the Right Sand
The best sand for sculpting is fine, angular sand. Luckily, Long Beach has sculptor-friendly grains that compact well. Avoid dry, loose sand—it won’t hold shape. Wet, compact sand is your best friend!
💧 2. Water is Key
Your sand needs to be damp but not soaking. Think “brown sugar” consistency. Pack sand into your form, then add water slowly to create a strong base. Always keep a spray bottle or bucket handy to mist and rehydrate your sculpture as you carve.
🔺 3. Start with a Strong Base
Build a large, stable mound before carving. Use the “pound-up” method: shovel wet sand into a bucket or form, compact it well, then flip it over like a sandcastle mold. Stack several layers to create height, packing each tightly.
🧰 4. Use the Right Tools
You don’t need fancy gear—just get creative! Here are some favorites:
- Plastic knives, putty knives, and spatulas for detail work
- Paintbrushes for soft cleaning
- Drinking straws for blowing off sand
- Buckets, garden trowels, and even spoons
Pro tip: Avoid metal tools that can damage the sculpture or compact unevenly.
✂️ 5. Carve Top to Bottom
Always sculpt from the top down. If you start at the bottom, sand from above can collapse and ruin your work. Work slowly, removing small bits at a time.
🌟 6. Add Details and Texture
Use sticks, combs, or toothbrushes to add textures like fur, woodgrain, or scales. Adding shadows and carved-out areas can give your sculpture dramatic depth.
🚫 7. Watch for Weak Points
Avoid narrow limbs, overhanging parts, or thin walls—they tend to break. For delicate parts, carve with a wide base and taper slowly.
🎯 8. Practice Before You Compete
Try building smaller versions of your ideas at home or on the beach before competition day. Practicing packing and carving builds your skills—and your confidence!
🧼 9. Keep It Clean
Blow off or gently brush away loose sand as you go. Clean lines and sharp edges are what impress judges!
🏆 10. Don’t Forget the Fun!
Whether you’re sculpting a dragon, a castle, or a sea turtle, remember that creativity counts as much as precision. Bring your imagination—and maybe a pirate hat for flair!
Surfside Washington News 