Cobourg Sandcastle Festival

Dig Into Summer Fun at Cobourg’s Sandcastle Festival!

Join us Saturday, August 8, 2026, for the award-winning Sandcastle Festival on Cobourg’s stunning white-sand beach. Watch master sculptors work their magic as they build their masterpieces on Friday, August 7, compete in the sand sculpture contest during the festival, and enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and an inflatable fun park. Finish up the weekend on August 9 with a Movie Under the Stars. This is one unforgettable summer weekend in Cobourg. It’s a beach day like no other!

Friday, August 7, 2026

Master sand sculptors arrive and begin building their installations along Victoria Beach

 

*No official event activities are on this day*

Saturday August 8, 2026 (Official Event Day)

  • 8:30 a.m. Amateur competition registration table opens
  • 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Amateur competitions run
  • 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Beach DJ
  • 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Inflatable park in Victoria Park
  • 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Amateur contest judging and winner announcements

Amateur Sandcastle Building Competition

Registration for the 2026 Competition will open on June 1, 2026.  

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:

  • 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

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. 

Need to Know Before You Go

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!

This festival is often hot and busy, so we ask that you leave your pets at home to enjoy the air conditioning. Although we love your furry friends as much as you do, pets are not recommended in Victoria Park and Rotary Harbourfront Park during this event, other than service animals in compliance with the Customer Service Standard under the AODA.

This Festival policy is in place for the safety of the vendors, attendees and your pet. Pets, even very social and friendly ones, can react poorly when in large crowds. These events can even be stressful to them. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including your pet, we ask that you keep them at home when attending the Cobourg Waterfront Festival.

Farmers Market

Downtown Cobourg

Marina

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