A classic event in classic southern California is returning for its 30th year in Imperial Beach, Calif.

The U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition digs its heels into the sand as the largest sandcastle-building competition in the United States when it returns August 7 and 8.

Admission to the festival is free. The U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition is a nonprofit event with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Imperial Beach.

Friday August 6

The Sandcastle Dance kicks off the weekend at the Imperial Beach Boys and Girls Club. This 21 and up event is filled with live music and great company, and is a wonderful way to start off what is sure to be a fun filled weekend!

Saturday, August 7

In Imperial Beach, California, on Saturday, August 7th, the street festival begins. Over 140 vendors set up for the weekend activities. Continued with entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and lots of fun. Visitors stroll up and down Seacoast Drive, closed to traffic for the event, taking in the sights, sounds, and other sensory experiences of everything the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition has to offer. The musical entertainment, selected from a wide variety of family friendly local acts, draws a huge crowd every year

For a minimal sign-up fee, kids 12 and younger can participate on teams in the Kids-N-Kastles competition and be eligible to win prizes. Three categories make up this competition: Castles, Best Sculpture and Creatures of the Sea.

Registered teams can build from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and winners are announced at 4 p.m. No need to worry about artistic ability, creativity and coloring outside the lines are encouraged.

Sunday, August 8

The sand masters show up Sunday, Aug. 8. Amateurs and professionals take to the sand between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to create life-size masterpieces in an attempt to claim their share of more than $21,000 in cash prizes. Professional teams compete in the Masters category, which is divided between three- and 10-person teams. Amateur teams compete in an open competition divided into several categories including an all- new category -- Classic California. Exclusive to the 30th anniversary year, this category calls for sand creations that capture all things representative of that classic California beach feel. Participants are encouraged to build castles inspired by the memorable moments, significant landmarks or ideals of Southern California seen over the past 30 years.

The street fair continues until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Make sure to check out all sculptures throughout the weekend before 4 p.m., when the tide comes in and washes the hard work away.

In order to preserve a safe, family-friendly environment, the USOSC reserves the right to deny access to the event. Prohibited items included alcoholic beverages, bicycles and skateboards, or any wheeled devices except for strollers and wheelchairs, and all pets (except service animals).