Think you have what it takes to turn sand into a masterpiece? You don’t have to be a professional sculptor to join the fun! The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Amateur Sand Contest is all about creativity, teamwork, and having a great time on the beach.
Grab your family, round up your friends, bring the kids, or take on the challenge solo. All you need is a little imagination, some sand and water, and a willingness to get sandy!
This year, we’re giving our young sand artists their own day to shine! For the first time, the Amateur Sand Contest will be split into two separate competition days:
ADULT AMATEUR CONTEST
Saturday, November 14, 2026 - For participants 18 and older
Check-in for the adult contest is 8:00am. The contest will officially begin at 9:00am and end at 2:00pm. All participants in the Group category must be present by 9:00am. The awards will be announced at 3:00pm.
Adult Group — $15 per participant
Gather a team of (minimum of two) up to five participants. All participants must be 18 or older.
Adult Solo — $20
Prefer to work on your own? Take on the challenge solo! Participants must be 18 or older.
YOUTH AMATEUR CONTEST
Sunday, November 15, 2026 - For young sand artists ages 17 and under
Check-in for the youth contest will begin at 8:00am. The content will officially begin at 9:00am and end at 11:00am. All participants in the Group category must be present by 9:00am. The awards will be announced at 12:00pm.
Choose your competition day and category below, then get ready to turn sand into something amazing.
Youth Group | Ages 10–17 — $10 per participant: Gather a team of up to five participants, all ages 10–17, and build together.
Youth Solo | Ages 10–17 — $10: One or two young sculptors, ages 11–17, can take on the challenge.
Elementary | Under 10 — $8: Designed for our youngest artists! One or two children under 10 can participate.
The Amateur Contest registration covers the contest participant(s) only. Anyone joining adult participants to enjoy the festival must also have a General Admission ticket.
For the Youth Amateur Contest, each youth registration includes admission for the artist and one adult. Any additional adults or other guests joining the youth participant(s) must purchase a General Admission ticket.
General Admission ticket holders who are joining a family member or friend participating in the Amateur Contest may enter the festival early to watch and support their contestant. All ticket holders must have their tickets scanned upon entry.
Click Here to Purchase Your Event Tickets
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A PRO!
The Amateur Sand Contest is about more than winning. It’s about spending time together, getting creative, and making something you’ll be proud of.
Build a sea turtle. Create a castle. Sculpt your favorite animal. Or come up with something completely original!
There are no professional skills required. Just bring your imagination, your crew, and your love for the sand.
What You’ll Need
Each contestant will receive a designated sand plot and access to water.
Please bring:
• Family and friends, minimum of two up to five members per team• All team members must be 18 years of age or older
• One participant• Participant must be 18 years of age or older
• Family and friends, minimum of two participants up to five members per team• All team members must be ages 11–17
• One child• Participants must be ages 10–17
• One or two children ($8.00 total for solo or duo participants)• Participants must be 10 years of age or under
I agree that all ticket sales are final and non-refundable under any circumstances, including but not limited to the purchase of incorrect ticket type or quantity. I confirm I have reviewed event hours and understand that once a ticket is scanned for entry, it is deemed used and ineligible for refund, regardless of time of entry. By purchasing this ticket, I voluntarily assume all risks associated with attendance and agree to release, waive, and hold harmless the event organizers, venue, sponsors, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from my participation or attendance.
Add Purchase Protection for a small fee and get a 100% refund of your registration purchase should you be prevented from attending due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. (Full Terms)
Why protect your registration purchase? Purchase Protection covers:
Purchase Protection covers many common unforeseen circumstances, but exclusions apply. View full List of qualifying circumstances and exclusions.
* Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Not available for or applicable to events, attendees, or travel outside of the USA. Purchase Protection is a service offered by Purchase Protection LLC. Purchase Protection is not an insurance policy. It is a service that will refund you 100% of your event fees, taxes and dues should you be prevented by unforeseen circumstances from attending the event. Purchase Protection does not apply to, and will not reimburse, charitable donations. Purchase Protection fees will be charged as a separate transaction. Any changes made to your purchase will not change the amount covered in this agreement.
Read Full Terms and Conditions
Yes, it's okay to send me text messages including order confirmations, updates, event reminders, and event information. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. View our terms of service & privacy policy.
