October 6, 2026

The American Sand Sculpting Championship Returns to Fort Myers Beach, November 19–23, 2026

Sand sculpture of an orangutan wearing a bead necklace, with signs reading “The Wife” and “See the Husband Around Back,” at the American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach

Every November, some of the best sand sculptors in the world come to Fort Myers Beach and turn our sand into faces, animals and scenes you won't believe are made of nothing but sand and water.

The 36th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship is November 19–23, 2026, on the beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort. It's one of our favorite events of the year, and DiamondHead is a short walk from The Loft FMB, so our guests can stroll over, see the sculptures, and walk home again without ever moving the car.

We took the photos in this post at last year's championship. They'll give you an idea of what to expect.

The short version

When: Thursday, November 19 through Monday, November 23, 2026, 10 AM–5 PM daily.
Where: the beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort and the Estero Island Beach Club, 2000 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach.
Tickets: $10 at the gate, or $8 in advance online. Family and weekend packs are available too.
Theme: "Stars, Stripes & Sand: Sculpting the American Story," celebrating America's 250th birthday.
Want to build? The Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition is Saturday, November 21.
Where to stay: The Loft FMB, a short walk from the sculptures, with free parking for guests.

Sand sculpture of a girl hugging a cat beside a heart carved with the words “Purrfect Love,” with vendor tents and visitors on Fort Myers Beach behind it — “Purrfect Love” at the 2025 American Sand Sculpting Championship.

What you'll see at the sand sculpting championship

This year 29 sculptors are competing, including 12 Masters and 12 Advanced Amateurs, from 10 states and five countries. The 2026 theme ties into the 250th anniversary of the United States, so expect plenty of history and Americana carved into the sand.

The detail is hard to believe until you see it up close: individual strands of hair, fur you'd swear is soft, staircases with every step crisp and square. And the sculptors have a sense of humor. Last year's orangutan "wife" (at the top of this post) told you to walk around back to find her husband.

Sand sculpture of a large face with a staircase spiraling up its side to a small seated figure on top, at the American Sand Sculpting Championship — A face and staircase sculpture, carved entirely from sand.

Over the five days you can walk among the sculptures as they go from blocks of packed sand to finished pieces. It's worth going more than once: early in the event you can watch the sculptors work, and by the end you'll see the finished, judged sculptures. There are also demonstrations, live entertainment, family activities, shopping tents, and food and drink vendors on site. Staying close makes it easy to pop in for an hour, head back for lunch or a swim, and return later.

Sand sculpture of a monkey holding two baskets full of small sand cubes, with a crowd of visitors and the DiamondHead Beach Resort tower behind it — Crowds and sculptures on the beach in front of DiamondHead Beach Resort.

The Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition

Think you can do better than a bucket castle? On Saturday, November 21, from 10 AM to 3 PM, amateurs get their own plots on the beach, with awards at 4 PM. Registration is $10 per sculptor, and there are only 20 plots, first come, first served. Sign up early on the official event website if you want one.

Tickets

Admission is $10 at the door or $8 if you buy in advance online at fmbsandsculpting.com. Advance tickets went on sale October 1. Family packs and weekend packs are available if you plan to come back more than one day, which we recommend.

Parking for the sand sculpting championship

If you're driving in for the day, there are dedicated sand sculpting lots close to DiamondHead, including two right next door. These lots are run by local nonprofits, and the parking proceeds go to them, so your parking fee supports the island. Parking is also available around town, but spaces near the event fill up, especially on the weekend.

Our Fort Myers Beach parking guide and getting around guide cover other options, including the trolley and the free Beach Park & Ride.

If you stay with us, you can skip all of that: guests get a free on-site parking space, and the sculptures are a short walk away.

Sand sculpture of a pod of dolphins packed together inside a wave-shaped wall, with event tents and the Gulf of Mexico in the background — A pod of dolphins, with the Gulf just behind the event tents.

Where to stay for the American Sand Sculpting Championship

If you're looking for where to stay for the sand sculpting championship on Fort Myers Beach, The Loft FMB is a short walk from DiamondHead Beach Resort and the sculptures. We're in downtown Fort Myers Beach, 2–3 minutes from the beach and close to Times Square, Old San Carlos Boulevard, restaurants and bars. Guests get free on-site parking and complimentary bikes, so you can park once and walk or bike everywhere all weekend.

Octopus Loft and Turtle Suite are private, cozy one-bedroom rentals for two.
The Main House, our new two-bedroom home, has room for a family or friends traveling together.
Bringing a bigger group? Ask us about booking more than one.

November is a lovely time to be here: warm days, cool evenings and lower humidity. The championship runs the week before Thanksgiving, and many visitors stay through the holiday, so book early. Check availability or book direct for your sand sculpting weekend.

Between visits to the sculptures, there's plenty to do. See our things to do on Fort Myers Beach and restaurants within walking distance.

Sand sculpting championship FAQ

When is the 2026 American Sand Sculpting Championship?

November 19–23, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM each day.

Where is the sand sculpting championship on Fort Myers Beach?

On the beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort and the Estero Island Beach Club, 2000 Estero Boulevard.

How much are tickets?

$10 at the gate or $8 in advance at fmbsandsculpting.com. Family and weekend packs are available.

Where do I park?

Dedicated sand sculpting lots run by local nonprofits are close to DiamondHead, including two right next door. Guests at The Loft FMB can leave the car in their free space and walk.

Where should I stay?

Stay within walking distance so you can come and go all weekend. The Loft FMB is a short walk from the event. See our rentals and check availability.

Event details can change, so check the official American Sand Sculpting Championship website or call the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at (239) 454-7500 before you go. Questions about your stay? Call or text us at 239.356.8484.