Master sand sculptors arrive and begin building their installations along Victoria Beach
*No official event activities are on this day*
Cobourg Sandcastle Festival
Pack your imagination and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of creativity, exploration, and family fun at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival. This annual celebration of creativity, community, and waterfront fun transforms Cobourg's shoreline into a showcase of incredible sand sculptures, family activities, entertainment and unique summer experiences.
Witness towering sand sculptures created by master sculptors and imaginative creations built by amateur teams and families. Be there as the beach comes alive with stories of adventure, discovery, and wonder.
Visitors can explore a world of pirate ships, hidden treasures, underwater kingdoms, jungle expeditions, magical quests, daring explorers, and incredible journeys across land, sea, and sky. Every few steps, a new adventure awaits.
Bring your camera, sunscreen and, of course, your sense of adventure.
The 2026 Cobourg Sandcastle festival is made possible through the generous support of our community sponsors; Cameco, ReMax Rouge River Realty Ltd., and the Town of Cobourg.
Saturday August 8, 2026 (Official Event Day)
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8:30 a.m. Amateur competition registration table opens. Registration is required to participate in the amateur sandcastle building competition.
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10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Amateur competitions
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10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Beach DJ
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10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Inflatable park in Victoria Park
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3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Amateur contest judging and winner announcements
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5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Bedazzled Comedy-Juggling Show with Noah Nogueira on the beach. Following the show, visitors can meet Noah and take a memorable photo with the performer.
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8:30 p.m. Movie under the Stars in Victoria Park | Lilo and Stitch
Registration Now Open
Get ready to dig in and show off your creativity at this fun-filled sand sculpting showdown! Whether you're a business team, a group of friends, a family, or a budding young artist, there's a category for everyone. Compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes in one of four categories:
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Business Challenge: Rally your coworkers and take on other local businesses in a team-building battle of sand!
$5 per person | Max 10 people per team | 3.5 hours -
Adult Category: Gather your friends and get sculpting! Teams can be any size.
$5 per person | Unlimited team size | 3.5 hours -
Family Category: Perfect for parents and kids to build together.
$5 per adult, $5 per child | Max 2 adults | Unlimited children | 3.5 hours -
Youth (14 and Under): For our youngest sculptors ready to showcase their skills!
$5 per child | Unlimited team size | 3 hours
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All creations will be judged on creativity, originality, and overall design. Don’t miss your chance to be crowned a sandcastle champion!
Registration Required. Please fill out the registration form to secure your spot in the competition.
Community Castle Experience
Everyone is invited to help bring the Community Castle to life. Alongside the incredible work of master sand sculptors creating larger-than-life sand masterpieces, festivalgoers can add their own creative touch to this shared community creation.
From first-time sand artists creating their first sculpture to visitors adding a special detail to the design, the Community Castle offers guests of all ages the opportunity to be part of something unique and memorable. Master sculptors will be on-site throughout the day, sharing their expertise, tips, and techniques to help visitors create their own sand masterpieces.
Add your creation to the Community Castle and help make the 2026 Cobourg Sandcastle Festival a celebration built by the community, for the community.
Sandcastle-Building Tips
- Start with a strong foundation by packing your sand tightly.
- Add water slowly to help create the right building consistency.
- Build larger shapes first, then add smaller details and designs.
- Let your imagination guide you — creativity is what makes every sand creation unique.
Discover Cobourg. Enter to Win.
Discover the stories, spaces, and experiences that make Cobourg unique. Explore some of the community's featured attractions, parks, museums, galleries, and community spaces. Take time to discover the places and stories that make Cobourg a special place to visit.
Collect a stamp at each of the six (6) passport stops, complete the entry form information on the passport and submit the completed passport to be entered into a random draw for one of 30 available Hot Air Balloon Ride spots during the morning of the Sandcastle Festival, Saturday, August 8, 2026, generously provided by RE/MAX Rouge - Cobourg.
Rides are not guaranteed. Rides are weather permitting, and up to the discretion of the pilot.
No purchase necessary. Official Terms and Conditions, including eligibility
requirements and draw details are in the drop down below.
How to Participate:
- Pick up your printed passport at the Information Hub, 35 Albert Street, Cobourg.
- Visit each passport stop listed on the card (Cobourg Community Centre, Victoria Hall Customer Service, Venture 13, Art Gallery of Northumberland, Information Hub and Cobourg Marina).
- Collect a stamp on your passport at every stop.
- Complete the entry form on the passport and return the completed passport to the Cobourg Marina, 103 Third Street, Cobourg by Tuesday, August 5 at 5:00 p.m.
The winners will be drawn at 10:00 a.m. on August 5 and contacted by August 6.
Beyond the Sand
There is more happening during and after the sandcastle competition.
Don't miss the inflatables. Play-all-day wristbands can be purchased at the Beach Information Kiosk, the Experience Cobourg blue tent on the beach, and the Inflatable park entrance. Cash, debit, and credit payments available.
The day doesn't end when the winners are announced. Don't miss the juggling show and stick around to enjoy a Movie Under the Stars.
Inflatable Park
Bounce into fun at the Inflatable Park during the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival! Kids can enjoy unlimited play all day with a $10 bracelet, available for purchase on-site. From slides to obstacle courses, it’s the ultimate outdoor adventure zone for families. Don’t miss this exciting festival highlight!
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Runs Saturday, August 8, 10:00am - 6:00pm
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A bracelet must be purchased to participate.
Bedazzled Comedy-Juggling Show
Get ready for laughs, amazement, and audience participation with Noah's Bedazzled Comedy-Juggling Show! This high-energy, family-friendly performance combines impressive juggling skills, interactive comedy, and plenty of surprises to entertain audiences of all ages.
Following the show, visitors can meet Noah and capture a memorable photo with the performer.
Movie under the Stars
What a great way to end the day. Bring a chair, blanket and your favourite movie snack to Victoria Park. Lilo and Stitch will start at 8:30 p.m. on the inflatable big screen.
Important Event Reminders
Make the most of your Cobourg Sandcastle Festival experience by exploring all that the community has to offer.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, park downtown, and take time to discover local shops, restaurants, and waterfront experiences. Downtown Cobourg offers three hours of free parking on-street and in municipal parking lots, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the downtown before or after the festival.
Enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, grab a bite from one of the food vendors and food trucks at the beach, and explore the many dining, shopping, and community experiences available throughout Downtown Cobourg.
From the festival shoreline to downtown streets, extend your visit and discover more of what makes Cobourg a great place to spend the day.
Your safety is our top priority! Please take a moment to review the following guidelines and resources to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Festival Rules:
No weapons, illegal substances, or fireworks are allowed on festival grounds.
Glass containers and outside alcohol are prohibited unless purchased from authorized vendors.
Please follow all instructions from festival staff, security personnel, and emergency responders.
Emergency Services:
First aid stations are located at Victoria Park beside the Bandshell If you or someone with you needs medical assistance, please head to these stations or notify the nearest staff member.
In case of emergency, dial 911 immediately and alert festival staff.
Lost & Found:
Lost items can be reported or picked up at the Information Booth near the Cobourg Beach in Victoria Park and at the Cobourg Marina.
If you become separated from your group, please arrange a designated meeting spot in advance.
Personal Safety Tips:
Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
Stay hydrated and seek shade or rest if needed.
If you see suspicious activity or someone in distress, notify a staff member or security immediately.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Enjoy the festival!
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors and participants, pets are not permitted at the Sandcastle Festival. While we love our four-legged friends, we ask that pets remain at home during the event.
Service animals are always welcome in accordance with AODA requirements.
The Town of Cobourg is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive community experiences for all visitors.
Accessible beach mats will be available to provide a more stable pathway across the sand, helping improve access to the waterfront and event area. An accessible beach ramp is also available to provide access from the boardwalk to Victoria Beach.
Visitors requiring additional assistance or accommodations are encouraged to contact the Town in advance to discuss available supports.
Waterfront and downtown parking will be very limited during the festival.
Please plan your parking ahead of time.
Make your visit easier by taking advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to and from the festival.
Visitors are encouraged to park for free and use the shuttle to avoid searching for parking near the waterfront.
Shuttle service operates: 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Shuttle Stops Include:
Northumberland Mall | Bus Shelter
Cobourg Community Centre | Bus Stop
Downtown Terminal | 35 Albert Street
Cobourg Marina | Third Street
The St. John Ambulance station located along the boardwalk west of the centre gazebo will serve as the muster point for lost children and families.
Parents or guardians who have become separated from their children should proceed to the St John Ambulance station, where Waterfront Operations staff and Emergency Services will provide assistance.
Children are encouraged to go to the St. John Ambulance station if they become separated from their families.
Anyone who finds a lost child is asked to remain with the child and bring them to the St. John Ambulance station, where staff can assist with reuniting them with their family.
Non-Swimmers | No Lifeguards on Duty
Parents and guardians are reminded to closely supervise young children near the water. In accordance with Lifesaving Society recommendations, if you are not within arm's reach, you have gone too far.
Visitors of all ages should swim with a buddy.
Please note there are no Lifeguards on duty during the Sandcastle Festival.
Prepare to be amazed as world-class talent returns to the shores of Cobourg Beach for the 2026 Sandcastle Festival! Each year, our Master Sculptors transform the waterfront into a gallery of breathtaking sand art — and this summer promises to be our most spectacular yet.
Mike & Rachelle
From Saint-Hippolyte-des-Laurentides, Quebec
Mike and Rachelle are the dynamic duo behind Think Big, a name that perfectly captures their imaginative approach to sand sculpting. Hailing from the scenic town of Saint-Hippolyte-des-Laurentides, Quebec, this married couple has been sculpting together for over 20 years, transforming beaches across Canada into open-air galleries of creativity and wonder.
Their journey began on a whim while vacationing in the Magdalen Islands, where they spontaneously entered a sandcastle competition — and were instantly hooked. What started as a lighthearted holiday activity quickly grew into a full-fledged passion, one they've since shared with countless beachgoers and festival crowds.
Under the mentorship of world master sculptor Michel Lepire, Mike and Rachelle learned the foundational techniques of the craft and began to discover their own artistic voices. Over the years, they've competed in festivals across Quebec, earning multiple first-place finishes and People’s Choice awards at events like Merveilles de sable in Gatineau and their beloved Magdalen Islands.
Longtime participants at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival, Mike and Rachelle return each year not just to compete, but to celebrate the joy and community that sand art inspires. For them, it's all about fun, connection, and sharing their love for the ephemeral magic of sand with everyone they meet.
Come say hello, watch their incredible process unfold — and don’t forget to Think Big!
Tanya Kastl
Inspired by Nature. Built from Sand.
For over 20 years, Tanya Kastl has been shaping the shoreline one sculpture at a time. What began with playful drip castles has blossomed into an impressive sand sculpting journey filled with intricate creations that reflect her deep love for nature, wildlife, and the ocean.
Tanya's artistic growth is evident in every piece she creates, often blending the grace of animals with the movement of waves, bringing a sense of life and wonder to her temporary works of art. Her talent has earned her recognition in numerous competitions, as well as appearances on CBC’s Race Against the Tide and HGTV’s Cottage Makeover.
More than just a sculptor, Tanya is a passionate teacher and mentor, often seen sharing the joy of sand sculpting with her grandchildren and festivalgoers alike. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her sculptures serve as both inspiration and invitation — to create, explore, and connect.
Don’t miss the chance to see Tanya in action and discover how she turns sand into something unforgettable.
Sèveline Beauregard
Shaping the Moment – One Sculpture at a Time
Hailing from Québec, Sèveline Beauregard is one of the youngest professional carvers in the world, bringing a fresh, vibrant energy to the sand sculpting scene. Her journey began in 2016 when she joined her father and sister — renowned international sculptors Guy and Mélineige Beauregard — on snow carving projects. From that first step, she carved her own path with confidence and creativity.
With experience in snow, ice, and now sand, Sèveline has showcased her talents at major festivals including the Ice Hotel of Québec, Gatineau’s Winterlude, and the Carnaval de Québec. In 2018, she embraced sand as her newest medium — and she’s never looked back. Her growing list of accolades and international projects reflects her rising status in the carving world.
Sèveline is also the founder of Sculpture BeauRegard, a respected carving company based in Québec. For her, sculpting is more than art — it's a lifestyle grounded in presence and joy. As she often says:“To carve, you have to be here, in the present moment.”
Come meet Sèveline at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival and watch her transform sand into something extraordinary — one mindful moment at a time.
Tom Chalmers
Bringing Art to Life, One Carving at a Time
Since 2020, Tom Chalmers has been making waves in both the sand and snow sculpting worlds with his imaginative and expressive creations. Whether it’s at a festival, a competition, or right in his own front yard near Peterborough, Tom is always carving — and always creating something memorable.
His work has been featured in local newspapers and Our Canada magazine, capturing the attention of art lovers across the country. Passionate about his craft and the connections it creates, Tom continues to sculpt year-round, transforming his yard into a Sculpture Centre where creativity never takes a season off.
Known online as @Frontyardcarver, Tom shares his latest creations and behind-the-scenes process with an ever-growing community of fans. He loves chatting with festivalgoers and fellow artists alike, so don’t hesitate to say hello — and maybe even pick up a few carving tips along the way!
Rodney Watson
Master of Mediums – From Canvas to Sand
Rodney Watson is a self-taught, award-winning artist whose creative journey has taken him across an incredible range of artistic styles and mediums — from acrylics and watercolour to chalk art and professional sand sculpting. Some of his artistic discoveries happened by happy accident, but his passion and talent are no coincidence.
Rodney’s body of work includes vivid acrylic paintings, detailed colour pencil pet portraits, scribble pen art, urban sketches, and sidewalk chalk masterpieces — all of which showcase his incredible eye for detail and texture. His artistic reach is truly global, with clients across Canada, the U.S., Hong Kong, Taiwan, Sweden, Germany, Scotland, and Spain.
In the world of sand sculpting, Rodney brings the same sharp attention to detail and creativity that defines all his art. Each sculpture he creates tells a story through expressive forms and intricate craftsmanship.
Whether it’s a wall, a canvas, or a beach, Rodney is always ready to create something unforgettable. Be sure to stop by, say hello, and witness his artistry come to life in the sand!
Sandi Sterling
Carving Castles for 30 Years
Based in Dundas, Ontario, Sandi “Castle” Stirling has been sculpting sand since 1995, with the past 20 years as a Master-level artist. Her award-winning work has been featured across Canada and the U.S., at festivals in Revere Beach (MA), South Padre Island (TX), Fort Myers Beach (FL), the CNE in Toronto, and right here in Cobourg.
Sandi is also known for her role on CBC’s Race Against the Tide (Season One) as one half of The Sand Grannies. She has spent years teaching kids the magic of sand sculpting at the Canadian National Exhibition.
When she’s not carving, Sandi stays busy helping run her daughter’s juice bar in Port Dover or leading senior travel groups around the world.
She says it best:
“In every pile of sand is a castle just beckoning to come out — I just need to carve it out.”
Joris Kivits
Sculpting Ephemeral Stories in Sand
Before discovering sand sculpting in 2006, Dutch artist Joris Kivits built a versatile creative career in graphic design, art direction for film and TV, photography, illustration, and large-scale mural work. But after his first sand project in Lommel, Belgium, he found his true calling.
Since then, Joris has sculpted across Europe, including a key competition in Berlin (2008), thanks to connections formed in the international carving community. Today, sculpture is his full-time profession — and sand, his favourite medium.
Fascinated by the beauty and transience of sand art, Joris describes it as a form of theatre:
“You can enjoy it as long as it’s there — and then only the memory and the pictures remain.”
Follow his creative journey on Instagram: @joris_kivits
Bob Atisso
Art with Depth — Stories Carved in Sand
Based in Toronto, Bob Atisso brings a soulful and expressive approach to sand sculpting, using his art to explore the many facets of life. His creations go beyond surface beauty, offering viewers a chance to reflect, feel, and connect with the deeper meanings behind each sculpture.
Bob’s work is known for its therapeutic quality, inviting onlookers into a quiet dialogue with the piece — whether it’s about resilience, emotion, culture, or shared human experience. Each sculpture is more than a structure; it’s a story told through sand, shaped by years of artistic exploration and insight.
At the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival, Bob is here to do more than sculpt — he's here to share, inspiring festivalgoers with his creative spirit and inviting them to see the art of sand in a new light.
Come experience Bob’s thoughtful work and discover the story waiting just beneath the surface.
Dmitry Klimenko
A Lifetime of Sculpture, A Passion for Sand
After earning a Master's degree in Monumental Arts from the Saint Petersburg State Academy of Industrial Art and Design in 2004, Dmitry Klimenko expected to spend his career creating permanent works for museums and public spaces. Sand sculpting wasn't part of the plan, it found him by chance.
When asked to replace a colleague at a sand sculpting competition in Saint Petersburg, Dmitry discovered a medium that immediately captured his imagination. The endless possibilities of shaping sand, combined with the ever-changing play of light and shadow, sparked a passion that continues to inspire him today. For Dmitry, every sculpture is a new challenge, an opportunity to push the limits of the material and create something entirely unique, even if only for a moment.
Over the years, Dmitry has participated in international sand and ice sculpting festivals across Japan, Russia, Canada, the United States, Kuwait, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, and Latvia. In addition to sand, he is an accomplished sculptor working in ice, bronze, and wood.
At the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival, Dmitry brings decades of artistic experience, technical mastery, and a genuine love for the creative possibilities of sand. His sculptures invite visitors to appreciate the beauty of an art form that is both extraordinary and fleeting.
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