The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the return of the 36th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, November 19–23, 2026, at DiamondHead Beach Resort.
This year’s championship celebrates America’s 250th birthday with the theme “Stars, Stripes & Sand: Sculpting the American Story.”
Fort Myers Beach will once again welcome world-class Master and Advanced Amateur sand sculptors for five days of artistry, competition and family-friendly entertainment. Twenty-nine sculptors are participating, including 12 Master sculptors and 12 Advanced Amateur sculptors, representing 10 states and five nations. The 2026 sculptor roster includes artists from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands and England.
Guests can watch the sculptors transform ordinary beach sand into extraordinary works of art and enjoy a full lineup of activities throughout the event. In addition to the professional competition, the championship will feature an Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition, more than 80 vendors, food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, hands-on sand sculpting lessons, professional sand sculpting demonstrations, Quick Sand speed-sculpting shows and a dedicated sand play area for children.
The event will be held on the beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort and the neighboring Estero Island Beach Club at 2000 Estero Blvd. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, November 19–23. The weekend will feature Master and Advanced Amateur competition, the Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition, demonstrations, entertainment and family activities. On Sunday, November 22, People’s Choice voting will close and the people’s Choice winner will be announced along with the awards ceremony. Monday,
November 23, will offer visitors a final opportunity to view the completed sculptures, along with plein air and other art activities presented by the Fort Myers Beach Art Association.
Last year’s championship drew more than 15,000 attendees, and the 2026 event is expected to again attract visitors and residents to experience one of Fort Myers Beach’s signature annual events. With its combination of extraordinary sand art, competition, demonstrations, entertainment and activities for all ages, the championship offers a unique celebration of creativity and community on the beach.
“Fort Myers Beach is a special piece of paradise. It’s a 7-mile island lined with beautiful sugar sand beaches, perfect for making intricate, giant sandcastles,” said Bill Knight of The Sand Lovers, LLC. “We are super excited about the response we are receiving from both the sculptor and spectator communities. We will have 29 sculptors on site, with twelve Master sculptors and twelve Advanced Amateur sculptors ready to compete. They hail from 10 states and 5 countries!”
The American Sand Sculpting Championship is proudly presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with The Sand Lovers, LLC, and DiamondHead Beach Resort.
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jacki Liszak: “Stars, Stripes & Sand: Sculpting the American Story gives us an opportunity to celebrate not only the incredible talent of our sculptors, but also the stories, traditions and spirit that bring us together as Americans. Join us this November as we celebrate together, create magical works of art and make lasting memories. See you on the sand.”
The Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition will take place Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with awards at 4 p.m. Registration is $10 per person/sculptor, and participation is limited to 20 plots on a first-come, first-served basis.
Admission is $10 at the door, with discounted advance admission available for $8. Family packs and weekend packs will also be available. Advance ticket sales will open online October 1, 2026, at www.fmbsandsculpting.com.
For complete event information, the current schedule, sculptor lineup, parking information, Amateur Competition details and event updates, visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com.
Volunteers are also needed to help make this year’s championship a success. Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com for information and sign-up details. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available.
Stay connected with the American Sand Sculpting Championship:
Instagram: @americansandsculpting
Facebook: facebook.com/
Any word on providing an entrance from the beach? It might increase the number of attendees.
Last year beach goers needed to walk around the entire perimeter and parking lot to find the front gate entrance.