Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 9 a.m.
The following information may change before the 2025 event:
Important event info:
The sandcastle and sand sculpturing contest attracts over 10,000 people every year to the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. There are cash prizes for various categories. First Aid personnel and provincial lifeguards will be on site. There is an on-site bus shuttle service to transport people to and from the beach after the park opens at 9:00 a.m. Only registered service animals are permitted on the buses.
This event is rain or shine. Bring sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, water, snacks and appropriate beach attire. Various food vendors will be on-site. Cash only.
For more information, please contact Andrew Cox, Senior Civic Events Coordinator at coxa@halifax.ca
Heading to the event?
The parking lot fills early. Parking is available along the road leading up to the entrance of the park. Once parked, you can walk to the nearest bus stop to catch the bus to the beach. (See photo of what the bus stop looks like.) There will be nine buses running from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. continually servicing the seven bus stops.
There will be parking restrictions on the road heading to the beach. We need to keep one side of the road free from vehicles in order to keep traffic and shuttle buses flowing. This also allows emergency vehicles quick access (if needed). These signs are posted on the way into the beach. We appreciate your help keeping the roads safe.
Please be advised there are only 15 accessible parking spaces available for permit holders only. The available spaces are first come, first served. Once the accessible parking spaces are full, no additional permit holders will be permitted to enter the park until an accessible parking spot becomes available. We thank you for your understanding as parking is limited.
- Directions to the event:
158 Beach Rd, Lake Charlotte, NS
-take highway 107 to Musquodoboit Harbour
-turn right on the #7 Highway
-keep going until you reach Lake Charlotte
-turn right onto Clam Harbour Road located right after Webbers store (Look for our signs!)
- stay on Clam Harbour Road until our traffic control / RCMP ask you to park (Then head to the nearest bus stop to catch a shuttle to the beach!)
Bring a positive attitude and your sand building tools and skills!
Does it cost money to come and view the Sandcastles?
- no. Buses are FREE and coming to hang out on the beach and view the amazing sandcastles is FREE!
Does it cost money to participant in the competition?
- adult (Individual and groups) has a cost of $10 (cash only)
- children and youth can participate for FREE
How do I register?
The Registration Tent will be available onsite as soon as you step onto the beach. No advanced registration. Registration closes at 12:00 noon.
What are the categories for the competition?
- ADULT SANDCASTLE
- ADULT SAND SCULPTURE
- YOUTH SANDCASTLE OR SAND SCULPTURE (Ages 13 – 19)
- CHILDREN’S SANDCASTLE OR SAND SCULPTURE (Ages 12 and under)
- FAN CHOICE AWARD (Voted on by the people. You can cast your vote at the Registration tent.)
Thinking of entering the competition? Here are the rules for building:
To build your sandcastle or sand sculpture, you may use:
• your hands and hand tools including shovels, spatulas, rakes, pails, etc.
• any natural objects found on the beach such as driftwood, shells, seaweed and rocks.
You may not use:
• cement, adhesive, metal or timber supports, food colouring, flags, paint or other non-beach or man-made materials (besides the items listed under "you may use")
Categories are for individuals or teams, judging starts at 2 p.m. and prizes are awarded at 4 p.m. Sandcastles are evaluated on artistry, structure and spirit!
Prizes For The CHBSC – Total of $2,600 in Visa gift cards!
- ADULT SANDCASTLE
1st Place – $500 Gift Card
2nd Place – $250 Gift Card
3rd Place - $75 Gift Card
- ADULT SAND SCULPTURE
1st Place – $500 Gift Card
2nd Place – $250 Gift Card
3rd Place - $75 Gift Card
- YOUTH SANDCASTLE OR SAND SCULPTURE (Ages 13 – 19)
1st Place – $150 Gift Card
2nd Place – $100 Gift Card
3rd Place - $50 Gift Card
- CHILDREN’S SANDCASTLE OR SAND SCULPTURE (Ages under 12)
1st Place – $75 Gift Card
2nd Place – $50 Gift Card
3rd Place - $25 Gift Card
- FAN CHOICE AWARD
$500 Gift Card
Learn more about Clam Harbour's famous sandcastle contest that attracts thousands of people to the Eastern Shore! View winners from past years and other pictures on the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition Facebook page.
Photo credit: Stoo Metz
Thank you to our sponsors:
