Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition

Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The following information may change before the 2026 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 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 Simone Boudreau, Civic Events Support Coordinator at Simone.Boudreau@halifax.ca

Banner with the heading “arriving at the event” over a beach-themed background with sand, seashells, and ocean waves.

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. 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!)

Banner with the heading “competition details” over a beach-themed background with sand, seashells, and ocean waves.

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)

Banner with the heading “competition rules” over a beach-themed background with sand, seashells, and ocean waves.

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")

"Build it fancy or build it stark but build it above the high water mark" - second annual sandcastle competition quote (1979)

Banner with the heading “prizes to be won” over a beach-themed background with sand, seashells, and ocean waves.

Categories are for individuals or teams, judging starts at 2:30 p.m. and prizes are awarded at 4:30 p.m. Sandcastles are evaluated on artistry, structure and spirit!

Prizes For The CHBSC – Total of $2,600 in Visa gift cards!

Adult sandcastle

1^st Place – $500 gift card

2^nd Place – $250 gift card

3^rd Place - $75 gift card

Adult sand sculpture

1^st Place – $500 gift card

2^nd Place – $250 gift card

3^rd Place - $75 gift card

Youth sandcastle or sand sculpture (ages 13-19)