Ocean City, Maryland is known for its beautiful (and free!) sandy beaches. We might be just a tad bit biased but we think it’s safe to say that we have one of the best beaches on the East Coast. What better way to round out the summer then by hosting OC Sandfest, which features giant, unbelievable sand sculptures all along our beautiful boardwalk.

These talented artists come from all over the country to carefully construct massive sand sculptures from North Division Street to Fourth Street, in addition to watching the artist’s work… there will be family attractions and activities.

The event is split up into two separate parts. From August 18^th to the 22^nd the master champion sand sculptors will transform ordinary beach sand into massive works of art for the public. Fortunately, the sculptures will remain on display until September 1^st so everyone can check them out. Then, the weekend of August 23^rd to the 24^th will be filled with fun family events and activities that include everything from sculpting sand yourself to treasure hunting.

Best part about this new event? It’s free!

While we are lucky enough to take a quick walk, bike ride, or drive into Ocean City for the event, our out of town friends need a bit more planning. We suggest booking a room for the week or weekend and to help you out, we’ve included some great ideas for Booking You Vacation During OC Sandfest.

Schedule is as follows:

Monday August 18^th

• 8AM-8:30 Sand Breaking Ceremony: Watch the cutting of the Sandfest Ceremonial Ribbon and the start of the sand sculpting
• 8:30AM-6PM Sand Sculptures: Join  us downtown between North Division Street and 4^th Street to watch professional artists create sand sculptures right on the beach
• 10PM Beach Fireworks: Sit back, relax and watch fireworks, along with a music presentation

Tuesday, August 19^th

• 9AM-6PM Sand Sculptures: Join us downtown between North Division Street and 4^th Street to watch professional artists create exciting sand sculptures right on the beach.

Wednesday, August 20^th and Thursday, August 21^st

• 9AM-6PM: More Sand Sculptures

Friday, August 22^nd

• 8PM: Grand Illumination

Saturday, August 23^rd

• 8AM-10AM: Family Sand Sculpting Contest Registration
• 9AM-10AM: Sand Sculpting 101
• 10AM: Family Sand Sculpting Competition
• 1PM: Awards
• 2PM-3PM:  Hands in the Sand Demonstration
• 4PM-5PM: SANDsational Family Fun and Games

Sunday, August 24^th

• 9AM-10PM: Sand Sculpting 101
• 10AM-11AM: Win, Lose or Sculpt
• 2PM-3PM: Hands in the Sand Demonstration
• 3PM-4PM: Drip Castle Competition
• 8PM-11PM: Sand Sculpture Illuminations

REMEMBER: The illuminations at 8PM will happen every night until September 1^st!