2026 Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Classic (Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH)

Date Of Event: June 20,2026

Location: Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH

Summary: 10 sand sculptor artists put their sculpting skills to the test at the 26th annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic.

Cost: Free

Parking: Metered parking is available. There are also several parking lots in the area.

Website: Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic

For the 26th year in a row, sculptors from all over the world came to Hampton Beach to flaunt their sculpting skills and make a bid for the elusive $6,000 first place prize.

One of the more common questions people inquire about is the sand used for making the sculptures. And, no, they don’t use the sand from the beach. At least not from Hampton Beach. The sand is sourced from local beaches and coastal areas because of its fine texture and consistency. This imported sand was used to make everything from a cat to the tallest sand sculpture, at least the tallest sand sculpture that has ever been constructed at this festival.

Another thing people wonder about is how the sculptures keep their shape and don’t fall apart, even during our turbulent New England weather. The sculptors use moisture control to help keep the sculptures together. If you see the sculptors making the sculptures you may notice how they strategically add water in targeted areas and limited amounts. This helps to create a cohesive mixture which is called capillary action, This is the principle that allows water to bind sand particles. They also spray or mist the sculpture to maintain moisture levels, especially on very hot days. Another tactic they use is a layering technique in which the first layers of the sculpture provide a strong foundation. Some sculptors also use binders such as cornstarch, clay and even glue, in limited amounts, although I am not sure if these are allowed at the Northampton event. The sculptors also have specialized tools which carve and shape the sand in a way that prevents or reduces the chances of disturbing the sculpture.

Each year the Sand Sculpting Classic has a different theme. This year’s theme was the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence. The main sand sculpture, located in the middle of the sculptures, was created by all of the sand sculptors. Some of the sculptures were damaged by heavy rains before the weekend. So, they had to be touched up.

Instead of building up your suspense, I think we all have enough of that in our lives already, I’ll start with the sculptures that won prizes at the event. You may notice something missing in some of the photos. People. I deleted them from some of the photos when I started editing. But, it wasn’t possible to delete them from every photo and, after thinking it over I considered how time consuming it was as well as how people in the photos could add some atmosphere to the photos. So, ultimately, I kept them in most of the photos.

First prize was awarded to Abe Waterman of Prince Edward Island, Canada. His piece, titled “The Height of Stupidity”, is a commentary about technology and how we use it. He said it is about how we create technology that either kills us or we use to kill ourselves. The towering sculpture depicts an AI‑powered robotic arm holding a skull toward the sky. There are other From the “heads in the sand” and the “huh” written in front of the person in front of the sculpture, there are other aspects of our society or culture mentioned in the sculpture. The 21 foot sculpture is said to the tallest sand sculpture ever made, at least at the Hampton Beach sand sculpture classic.

Second place went to Dmitri Klimenko of Saint Petersburg, Russia for “Spiritual Affinity”. Dmitri said the sculpture is all about relations and when people “become one.” The owl is a symbol of wisdom that people gain when they come together.

Coming in third was “The Birth of Venus” by Ilya Filimontsev of Moscow, Russia. His sculpture was based on a work of art of the same name as the sculpture by Sandro Boticello. He explained that the work of art shows Venice coming from the ocean and the beauty of Hampton Beach reminded him of the story of “The Birth of Venus.”

Karlis Ile of Latvia snagged fourth place with his sculpture “Waiting for the Sunset.” This sculpture also won the People’s Choice” and the “Governor’s Choice” Awards. He said his sculpture was about two people waiting for the sunrise and how beautiful it is to see one sunrise. But, it’s even more beautiful to see many sunrises together and to have the time we spend with our loved ones. This sculpture was unusual because the back of the figures of the sculpture are facing the street view while the front of the figures are facing the ocean. Of course, it does make sense as they are waiting for the sunrise!

While those sculptures were the winners of the event, all of the sculptures were worthy of praise.

Joon Park, also known as JP and the “Japanese Sandman” made “Born to Be”. He said his sculpture shows a young prince and his evolution into a king.

“Ancestral Knowledge” by Carl Jara from Cleveland, Ohio, is about the knowledge he has of his ancestors. The empty space in the middle is where he stepped out and the people on one side are his parents and the people on the other side are his grandparents.

“Puss N Bolts” by Karen_Fralich from Toronto, Canada, is based on the animated film “Puss In Boots”. According to Fralich, “Puss In Boots” has been moving up in the world since his success in the fairy tale. He’s decided to expand his business and he’s created a machine that makes catnip. The pack on his back shows it’s full and so he’s very pleased with himself.

Agnese Ruditze from Lativia created “Revival.” She said her sculpture was inspired by the story of Medusa. She said Medusa’s fate was not her fault. Medusa, according to Fralich, was a victim and she wanted to give her a second chance. I think she would approve.

“One Nation Under God” was created by Justin Gordon from Groveland, MA.

Last year’s first place winner, Melineige Beauregard from Captain Cook, HI, made “Go with the Flow.” She said her sculpture depicts how life is like a whirlpool and is full of currents and events that are always changing, She said the best thing we can do is bring our positivity and go with the change. Or, simply put, “go with the low”.

There was also an area on the beach where people of all ages could learn and practice their sand sculpting skills.

The sand sculpting event was fun for the entire family, even the furry members!

Eda, a 14 year old chihuahua mixed breed enjoyed the sculptures.

Even Otto, an insurance agent, had fun at the sand sculpting event.

The sand sculptures will be available for viewing until Sunday, June 28.