U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge Is Taking Over Labor Day Weekend!
It's a bird, it's a plane, no wait ... it's a sand castle! The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge & Dimensial Art Exposition is back for their 8th year of family fun! Spend your labor day weekend at San Diego's waterfront downtown, watch the sand sculptors work, and check out featured artists and their one-of-a-kind decor for home and garden. This family-oriented festival also includes live entertainment, a Kid Zone, and over a dozen food and drink selections. This 8th annual extravaganza is a signature event of the Port of San Diego.
Tickets
This 3-day event comes with a lot of ticket options to choose from, starting with online ticket prices (after August 10th prices will increase) of $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for kids. Active duty military, police, fire and EMT with credentials will receive free admission at the gate every day, so there’s no need for them to buy online, but those who plan to accompany them should purchase tickets in advance.
You can also enjoy the event in style by becoming a V.I.P ticket holder where you'll have admissions to every event day to watch sculptor's work in progress as well as the following perks:
-- Quick admittance each time (no waiting on the Purchase Tickets line)
-- Access to a special section with a great view of the bay
-- 2 free drinks at the bar (worth up to $16)
-- Access to deluxe facilities
-- Free Habit Burger post-event coupon
-- More (to be announced).
It's recommend you purchase your tickets online and in advance here before prices increase.
Sculptures
Every year, this event dumps over 300 tons of sand on the Broadway Pier; this year 12 Master Class Sculptors, seven from countries around the world and five from the United States, will be featured competing for the title.
Families can watch quality sculptures being made only from sand and water, reaching up to 15ft tall and sometimes weighing over 20,000 Ibs. The winner receives more than $60,000 in prize money and national pride.
The Dimensional Art Exposition
Do you want to take something you can remember the event by home that isn't sand? There will be more than 2,000 original art pieces for you to select from, anything from hand-made clothing to metal art and glassware.
Many of the finest artists in the Southwest from as far away as New Mexico and Montana, will exhibit and sell their amazing one-of-a-kind art on the pier next to the majestic sand sculpture creations.
Family Entertainment & Activities
This year's event theme is "Wonder" which pays tribute to the Port’s Wonderfront 2019 events that also include Wonderspaces, an art exhibit running all summer through Labor Day weekend, and the Wonderfront Music Festival, coming to the waterfront in November.
New features at this year's event will be:
- Natural, sunset views to light up the sculptures at night.
- Expanded Kid Zone with new rides and activities.
- VIP ticket holders will receive unlimited access to the event all weekend long, special accommodations, free beverages, Habit Burger coupon and more!
- New exciting bands tributing icons such as the Beatles, Beach Boys, Journey, etc. There will also be special appearances by Elvis on Saturday and Sunday nights!
2,000+ works of art for sale, 12+ gourmet food selections, 8 leading cover bands and of course tons and tons of sand! Now that's a well-spent labor day weekend. A portion of proceeds from the event will go to local charities that support children’s education, including the Padres Foundation and e3 Civic High.
Times:
Saturday, August 31st: 10am – 8pm
Sunday, September 1st: 10am – 8pm
Monday, September 2nd: 10am – 7pm
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge Producers:
Joyce Summer – jsummer@ussandsculpting.com 619-980-6651
Gordon Summer – gsummer@ussandsculpting.com 619-994-3752
