Neptunes International Sandsculpting Championship
Virginia Beach Oceanfront, between 7th and 8th Streets
- Date: 9/25/2026
- Starts: 9:00am
- Ends: 11:00pm
Every fall, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront becomes home to some truly incredible works of art during Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship. As one of the signature events of the annual Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, the competition brings talented sculptors from around the world to the beach to transform ordinary sand into elaborate, larger-than-life masterpieces.
The 2026 International Sandsculpting Championship takes place September 25 through October 4 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront between 7th and 8th Streets. 32 sculptors from around the world will create 22 spectacular sculptures, competing as 12 solo artists and 10 doubles teams. The artists have just three days to transform piles of sand into detailed works of art before the finished sculptures are put on display for visitors.
And these aren't your average beach-day sandcastles! Expect elaborate sculptures featuring incredible detail, creative designs, and techniques that show just how much can be done with sand and water in the hands of a professional.
What to Expect
One of the best things about the International Sandsculpting Championship is that the sculptures are displayed inside a massive tent nearly the size of a football field. The covered venue protects the artwork from the elements and means you can enjoy the event rain or shine.
Wide walkways allow you to get an up-close look at the sculptures, while lighting makes evening visits another fun way to view the sand art. The event also includes opportunities to meet some of the artists.
The Sandsculpting championship overlaps with Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, when more than 30 blocks of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront come alive with concerts, more than 200 artisans, food and shopping vendors, sporting events, family activities, and the Grand Parade.
If you can't make it for the Boardwalk Weekend festivities, you have plenty of time to view the sand sculptures, as they remain open for viewing through Sunday, October 4.
Event Details
Dates: September 25 - October 4, 2026
Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, on the beach between 7th and 8th Streets
Admission: $7 per person; children 12 and under are free with an adult.
Accessibility: The tent is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Public Viewing hours vary by day:
- September 25–26: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
- September 27: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
- September 28–October 1: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- October 2–3: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- October 4: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
How to Get There from Sandbridge Beach
The International Sandsculpting Championship is held at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, making it an easy excursion for guests staying in Sandbridge Beach.
Our Sandbridge vacation rentals are less than a 30-minute drive from Neptune Festival events, depending on your rental location and traffic. During the busy Boardwalk Weekend, allow additional travel time and expect heavier traffic as you approach the Oceanfront. Paid parking is available near the boardwalk, and local trolley and shuttle services can also help visitors navigate the festival area.
If you're attending specifically for the sand sculptures, head toward 7th Street at the Oceanfront, where you'll find the entrance to the championship tent on the beach.
Is the Sandsculpting Championship Family-Friendly?
Yes! This is a great Virginia Beach event for families. Kids can see enormous sculptures created entirely from sand, watch professional artists demonstrate their craft, and even try their hand at sculpting during the free clinics.
Children 12 and younger receive free admission when accompanied by an adult, and the championship tent is both stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Families visiting during Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend can also enjoy free activities elsewhere along the Oceanfront, including Poseidon’s Playground, live entertainment, sporting events, and the Grand Parade.
Stay in Sandbridge Beach for the International Sandsculpting Championship
Enjoy the excitement of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront while having a quieter beach retreat to come home to with Sandbridge Blue. Our professionally managed Sandbridge Beach vacation rentals offer the space and comforts of home, with options ranging from condos to spacious oceanfront and waterfront houses for families and groups.
With Sandbridge located less than a 30-minute drive from the Neptune Festival events, you can easily experience the International Sandsculpting Championship and other Virginia Beach attractions while enjoying the laid-back beach atmosphere that makes Sandbridge special.
