HAMPTON, NH – Hampton Beach is currently abuzz with creativity and the mesmerizing sight of towering sand sculptures as the 25th Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic culminates Saturday, June 14. After days of intense work, master sculptors from around the globe are putting the finishing touches on their breathtaking, ephemeral masterpieces, drawing an estimated 150,000 visitors to the seacoast.
The highly anticipated event, which officially began its solo competition on Thursday, June 12th, saw ten world-class artists meticulously transform massive piles of imported sand into intricate works of art. Using only sand, water, and their remarkable ingenuity, these sculptors have once again pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with this temporary medium.
The competition boasts a hefty $25,000 purse, with $6,000 going to the first-place winner. A $1,000 People’s Choice Award, decided by public vote, which concludes this afternoon, adds an exciting interactive element for spectators. Non-placing competitors also receive $1,500 for their incredible efforts.
This year’s Classic also featured the creation of a massive 100-ton sponsor site, built by the renowned “Grady Bunch,” which started on June 6th. The theme for this collaborative piece was “Sand Safari,” setting an adventurous tone for the entire event.
The Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic has grown significantly since its inception in 2001, when organizer Greg Grady brought 220 tons of specialized sand to the beach and invited ten masters to compete. What started as a smaller-scale event has blossomed into one of the preeminent sand sculpting competitions in the United States, drawing both local and international talent and significantly boosting tourism for the region. The entire area around the sculptures will remain illuminated for night viewing through June 23rd, allowing visitors ample opportunity to marvel at these temporary wonders.
Tonight (Saturday night) at 7:30 PM, the anticipation will reach its peak with the Awards Ceremony on the Sea Shell Stage, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 PM, officially marking the grand finale of this year’s artistic spectacle. While the sculptures themselves are fleeting, the memories they create for thousands of visitors will undoubtedly last long after the sand has returned to the sea.
SCHEDULE FOR 2025 MASTER SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION:
Saturday – June 14 – Solo Competition $25,000 purse and entry awards as follows: First Place $6,000; Second Place $4,000; Third Place $3,000; Fourth Place $2,000. People’s Choice Award $1,000.Non-placing competitors receive $1,500. There is also a Sculptor’s Choice Award, a prestigious award granted by their peers, with no monetary prize.
Sat., June 14 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM Voting for People’s Choice Award.
Sat., June 14 at 7:30 PM Awards Ceremony on the Sea Shell Stage. Special Fireworks Display at 9:30 PM.
The entire area is illuminated for nightly viewing through June 23rd.
We would like to thank our SPONSORS below for their support. They help make this event possible.
