The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is one of the most iconic June events on the Oregon Coast, drawing families, couples, photographers, and road trippers to the beach each summer. Scheduled for June 19–21, 2026, with the main contest taking place on Saturday, June 20, the event transforms Cannon Beach into a massive open-air gallery of sand sculptures framed near the iconic Haystack Rock, the event combines incredible sand sculptures, scenic shoreline views, and the laid-back atmosphere that makes Cannon Beach one of the most beloved destinations on the Oregon Coast.
For travelers planning an Oregon Coast vacation in June, the Sandcastle Contest is also the perfect excuse to turn a single event into a multi-day coastal getaway. Visitors can explore scenic Highway 101 viewpoints, tide pools, nearby beach towns, seafood restaurants, and relaxing oceanfront accommodations while enjoying cooler coastal mornings and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Meredith Lodging helps travelers experience the best of Cannon Beach and surrounding coastal communities with premium vacation rentals, local travel expertise, and accommodations designed for unforgettable Oregon Coast summer trips.
When Is the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest in 2026?
The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is historically held on the third Saturday of June. For 2026, mark your calendar from June 19–21, 2026 (Rain date: Sunday, June 21st). The action typically runs from morning through mid-afternoon, with the best viewing occurring as the tide recedes and the masterpieces take final form.
Unlike peak summer crowds in July and August, June offers a sweet spot: longer daylight hours, lush coastal greenery, and manageable crowds if you plan ahead. The marine layer often burns off by midday, leaving mild, comfortable conditions for barefoot exploration.
Where Exactly Does the Contest Take Place?
The contest unfolds directly in front of Haystack Rock on the main stretch of Cannon Beach. Unlike smaller festivals, this event uses the entire “downtown” beach area. You’ll access the sand via the main access points at Gower Street and Hemlock Street.
Local tip from Meredith Lodging: Arrive by 9:30 AM if you want a front-row view of the carving zones. The best family-friendly viewing is south of Haystack Rock, where the sand is flatter and the competition categories (like the 20-ton “Master’s” division) are most visible.
What to Expect: More Than Just Sandcastles
Yes, you will see world-class sand sculptors wielding trowels and water bottles like surgeons. But the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is a full coastal experience.
The Master’s Sand Sculpting (Professional): Watch teams move literal tons of wet sand into dragons, mermaids, and architectural wonders.
The Amateur & Family Divisions: Local families and first-timers compete for the “Most Creative” or “Best Use of a Beachcombed Item” trophies. This is where you get the hilarious, heartwarming content.
The Kids’ “Sandbox” Zone: A dedicated area for children under 12 to dig, pile, and decorate without competing against the pros.
Live Music & Food Booths: The adjacent park hosts local food carts—think fish tacos, kettle corn, and Pacific Northwest brews.
Is the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest good for toddlers?
Yes. The event includes a dedicated “Sandbox” zone for children under 12 with soft, safe sand and no sharp tools. Families with toddlers should set up near the north end of the beach by the Gower Street access point, which is closest to public restrooms and flat walking paths for strollers.
Navigating June Weather on the Oregon Coast
Let’s talk realistically about Oregon Coast weather in June. You will likely experience the famous “June gloom” – a morning marine layer that keeps temperatures in the mid-50s (°F) until noon. By afternoon, the clouds often part to reveal 60-65°F sunshine, but the ocean breeze remains cool.
What to pack for the sandcastle contest:
Layered clothing (fleece jacket over a long-sleeved tee)
Windproof outer layer (the wind off the Pacific is real)
Sunscreen (UV reflects off the sand and water)
Water-resistant shoes or old sneakers (wet sand is unavoidable)
A blanket or low-profile beach chairs (high backs catch the wind)
The contest runs rain or shine, but lightning or severe wind will trigger the Sunday rain date. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Cannon Beach 48 hours before you leave.
Beyond the Sandcastles: Cannon Beach June Activities
Extend your contest day into a full weekend itinerary. June’s long evenings (sunset after 9:00 PM) allow you to pair the event with other iconic North Coast experiences.
Explore Haystack Rock at Low Tide
Timing your visit to a minus tide reveals the Tidepools of Haystack Rock. You’ll see ochre sea stars, anemones, and perhaps a resident tufted puffin. The Marine Garden is protected—look, don’t touch.
Walk the Promenade (The Prom)
Unlike Seaside’s bustling Prom, Cannon Beach’s pathway winds from Tolovana Beach north to Haystack Rock. It’s paved, stroller-friendly, and offers post-contest photo ops without fighting for sand space.
Shop Hemlock Street
Cannon Beach is known for its art galleries (Bronze Coast Gallery) and unique bookstores (Cannon Beach Book Company). June’s inventory is fresh, and the crowds are cheerful but not shoulder-to-shoulder.
Dine at Iconic Spots
You’ll build an appetite. Grab chowder at Mo’s Restaurant (a classic), wood-fired pizza at Public Coast Brewing, or elevated seafood at The Wayfarer, which has direct views of the contest beach.
Insider’s Guide to Parking, Traffic, and Logistics
The biggest mistake first-time visitors make is assuming parking will be easy. It will not be. But with a local’s strategy, you can avoid frustration.
Arrive early: Parking lots fill by 10:00 AM. Aim to park by 9:00 AM.
Use the free shuttle: The city runs a shuttle from the Cannon Beach RV Park (off Hwy 101) to downtown. It’s efficient and removes the headache.
Park once, walk everywhere: Once you park near Hemlock Street, everything, the beach, food, restrooms – is within a 10-minute walk.
Avoid parking on Hwy 101: It’s illegal and dangerous. Use the designated lots even if they cost $10−$15.
Meredith Lodging advice: The best way to bypass parking stress entirely is to book a vacation rental within walking distance of the beach. Our collection of Cannon Beach vacation rentals includes properties just steps from the sand. Wake up, grab coffee, and walk to the contest while others are still circling for parking.
Where to Stay for the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
This is a premium weekend on the North Oregon Coast. Hotels sell out months in advance, but vacation rentals offer something better: space, a full kitchen, and a private place to rinse off sandy feet.
Multi-generational trips need room to spread out. Look for homes with game rooms and fenced yards. The best family rentals are south of Haystack Rock in the Tolovana neighborhood, offering flat beach access and less traffic.
Nothing beats watching the sunset over Haystack Rock from a private deck with a hot tub. The quiet Arch Cape area, just south of Cannon Beach, offers luxury homes with ocean views and total privacy.
Use Cannon Beach as your first stop on a north-to-south journey. After the contest, drive 10 minutes north to Seaside for the historic Prom and arcades, or 15 minutes south to Manzanita for a quieter beach town vibe.
If you want the ultimate experience, book a luxury Oregon Coast vacation home with direct sightlines to the contest. Properties in the “North End” offer bird’s-eye views of the sandcastle action without setting foot in the crowd.
Planning a Longer Oregon Coast June Itinerary
The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is a world-class event, but limiting yourself to one town misses the diversity of the Oregon Coast in June. The weather is mild, the highways are uncrowded compared to August, and the whale watching is excellent.
3-Day North Coast Sample Itinerary
Day 1 (Friday): Arrive in Gearhart. Settle into a Gearhart vacation rental. Play nine holes at Gearhart Golf Links (oldest course west of the Mississippi). Have a low-key dinner at McMenamins Sand Trap.
Day 2 (Saturday): Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest. Walk from your rental. After the awards, drive 10 minutes to Arch Cape vacation rentals for a quiet afternoon tide pooling at Hug Point.
Day 3 (Sunday): Head south on Hwy 101 to Oswald West State Park for a short hike to Short Sand Beach (surfers’ paradise). Then continue to Pacific City for dory boats and a late lunch at Pelican Brewing.
Your June Oregon Coast Adventure Starts Here
The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is more than a photo op – it’s a rite of passage for Pacific Northwest families and a romantic, whimsical weekend for couples seeking something different. You’ll leave with sandy shoes, salt-sprayed hair, and memories of watching art rise from the tide.
At Meredith Lodging, we don’t just book stays; we curate complete Oregon Coast experiences. We know which homes have the best decks for sunset watching, which neighborhoods offer the easiest beach access for tired toddlers, and which luxury properties provide the quiet luxury you deserve after a day in the coastal sun.
When you book a vacation rental with us, you choose space over a cramped hotel room. You choose a full kitchen for making post-contest pancakes. You choose private hot tubs, pet-friendly yards, game rooms for rainy afternoons, and EV chargers for the road trip home.
Don’t wait to plan your June getaway. The best Cannon Beach rentals near the sandcastle contest book early – often by February or March. Whether you need a romantic retreat for two, a large group getaway for the whole extended family, or a pet-friendly home for your four-legged beach bum, we have the perfect coastal home waiting.
Explore our full collection of Oregon Coast vacation rentals. Book directly with the local expert. And we’ll see you on the sand in Cannon Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest free to attend? A: Yes. Viewing the competition, the live music, and the kids’ sandbox area is completely free. Donations to the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum (the event host) are appreciated.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the sandcastle contest? A: Yes, but with restrictions. Cannon Beach allows dogs on the beach on a leash (max 8 feet). However, the main contest area gets extremely crowded. For your dog’s comfort and safety, we recommend staying on the less-crowded south end near Tolovana. Always pack waste bags.
Q: What if it rains on Saturday? A: The contest has a built-in rain date: the following Sunday. Check the official Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest social media pages by 7:00 AM on Saturday for the final call.
Q: How early should I arrive for parking? A: For a stress-free experience, arrive in Cannon Beach by 9:00 AM. The lots at Ecola Court and the City Hall lot fill first. The free shuttle from the RV Park starts running at 8:30 AM.
Q: Are there restrooms at the event? A: Yes. Public restrooms are located at the end of Gower Street (by the beach access) and at the City Hall parking lot. Porta-potties are also staged near the contest headquarters.
