What a day! The 43rd Annual Sand Sculpture Contest recap and winners.

Posted on: June 26, 2026

Above: Sand Pros Sand Fanatics working on their large scale castle, which beachgoers 'stormed' at the close of the competition.

On Saturday January 20, 2026, the Grand Haven City Beach shoreline transformed into an open-air art gallery as sculptors of all ages and skill levels gathered for the 43rd Annual Grand Haven Sand Sculpture Contest. From towering castles and whimsical sea creatures, to shoes and dogs, sculptors fashioned their masterpieces from nothing more than sand and water. This year’s event once again showcased the incredible creativity that makes summer in the Grand Haven Area so memorable.

Hundreds of participants and spectators filled the beach throughout the day, cheering on competitors as their sculptures took shape. Bus loads of beachgoers enjoyed our free Park-N-Ride Harbor Transit shuttle, and families, friends, visitors and locals came together to marvel at our Sand Pros large-scale creation and enjoyed sculpting lessons during one of Grand Haven's most beloved summer traditions.After careful judging across multiple divisions, by a curated team of local creatives and leaders in the community, this year’s winners demonstrated exceptional imagination, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Congratulations to all of our 2026 winners, and thank you to every artist who helped make this year’s contest such a success.Whether you were sculpting, cheering from the sidelines or simply strolling the beach admiring the incredible creations, the Sand Sculpture Contest continues to be a reminder that some of the best summer memories are made with a little imagination—and a lot of sand.