Advanced, discounted tickets available to American Sand Sculpting Championship
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce announced that discounted, advance tickets have gone on sale for the 36th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, which is returning to the DiamondHead Beach Resort November 19-23, on Fort Myers Beach.
This year’s championship celebrates America’s 250th birthday with the theme “Stars, Stripes & Sand: Sculpting the American Story.”
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early and save, with advance general admission available for just $8 per person, compared with $10 at the gate. Family packs and weekend packs are also available online at www.fmbsandsculpting.com.
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. There will be 29 sculptors participating, including 12 master sculptors and 12 advanced amateur sculptors, representing 10 states and five countries. 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, Nov. 19-23. The weekend will also include demonstrations, entertainment and family activities.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, People’s Choice voting will close, and the People’s Choice winner will be announced along with the awards ceremony. There will be a final opportunity on Monday, Nov. 23, 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 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.
Volunteers are needed to assist guests and support event operations. To sign up to volunteer, visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com/2026-volunteers.
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.
For the complete event schedule, sculptor lineup, parking information, Amateur Competition details, vendor information and event updates, visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com.
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.
“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,” said Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jacki Liszak.