Each summer the beach at Heather Road in Wildwood Crest becomes an outdoor gallery for the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival, an amateur and semi-pro contest hosted by professional sand sculptor Matt Long, a former cast member of the Travel Channel’s SandMasters, with Can You Dig It! Sand Tools. It’s free for sculptors and spectators, rain or shine. The 14th festival ran Friday, July 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the 2027 date has not been announced yet.

What Makes Sand Sculpting Special

• Sculptors work with only sand and water, and the shoreline fills with animals, famous landmarks and whimsical designs.
• It isn’t only for competitors: visitors of all ages can try sand sculpting themselves, join workshops, and enjoy live music and family activities.

What to Expect at the Festival

• Amateur and semi-pro sand sculpting contest (Friday, July 10 in 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Live music and family-friendly activities on the beach
• Hands-on sand sculpting and workshops for all ages
• Past listings say entries are judged on creativity, execution, composition and overall presentation, with prizes for the top three in each division

Pack sunscreen, folding chairs, and a camera to capture the temporary artworks before the tide takes them. For the 2027 date, check WildwoodCrest.org or call 609-523-0202.

Where to Stay for Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

The five Coastal Collection hotels are family-owned, motel-style properties within a few blocks of the beach and the Boardwalk. See walk times from each hotel to the Boardwalk, or compare all five Wildwood hotels and book direct on each hotel’s page. Coastal Sands Inn stays open through the off-season; Beachside Resort, Sunrise Inn, Paradise Inn and Sunset Beach Hotel reopen in April, so check dates when you book.

The Coastal Collection