MTS Discount! Show your MTS transit pass or receipt to get $2 off general admission or VIP passes.
The Port of San Diego's U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition will return to San Diego’s downtown waterfront for three days of fun, sun, and spectacular scenery.
This is San Diego’s first and original sand sculpting event and a Labor Day tradition! This event will feature 12 of the 50 World Master Class sculptors in the world carving out breathtaking sand sculptures.
Held on a built-for-the-occasion beach, with over 300 tons of sand dumped on Broadway Pier. The theme for this year’s event is “Wonder” which pays tribute to the Port’s Wonderfront 2019 events that also include Wonderspaces, an art exhibit running all summer through Labor Day weekend, and the Wonderfront Music Festival, coming to the waterfront in November.
NEW Features
- Expanded Kid Zone with rides such as European Bungie, Bubble Fun, Bounce Houses and more.
- A GIANT sandbox and professional sculptors who teach kids how to build sandcastles.
- VIP ticket holders will receive unlimited access to the event all weekend long, special accommodations, free beverages, Habit Burger coupon and more!
- Active duty military, EMT’s, fire and police personnel receive FREE admission with valid ID (individual only).
Family Fun
In addition to witnessing one of the most important sand sculpture competitions in the world, patrons will enjoy live entertainment from bands paying tribute to the Beatles, Beach Boys, Dylan, Journey and other greats. There will also be special appearances by Elvis on Saturday and Sunday nights!
Families can picnic on the bay with food and drink (including beer and wine) from over a dozen gourmet food trucks and vendors such as Cousins Maine Lobster, The Habit Burger, Eat Your Heart Out, Matheny’s Wagon Works, Pomodoro Rosso, Goodness Baked Cookie Company, Cruising Cones, Old School Shave Ice and more!
Your Attendance Supports Educational Charities
A portion of proceeds from the event will go to local charities that support children’s education, including the Padres Foundation and e3 Civic High.
World Master Sand Sculptors
The competition will feature 12 Master Class Sculptors, seven from countries around the world and five from the United States, defending the title won last year by Thomas Koet of Melbourne, FL. There are no more than 50 artists on the planet who compete at this level and those who appear in San Diego are among the very best. They carve museum-quality sculptures made from only sand and water that can reach up to 15 ft. tall and weigh over 20,000 lbs. San Diego’s Broadway Pier has been called the most creative atmosphere in the world over Labor Day weekend and you’ll never see “pop up” works of art like this anywhere else! Sculptors will interpret this year’s theme, “Wonder” as broadly or narrowly as they wish, from ephemeral ideas like “curiosity” to the greatest wonders of the world or Stevie Wonder or Wonder Woman!
Learn more about the event here.
Download Compass Cloud to get transit passes on your phone. Great for groups and families - up to 10 tickets per phone!
Stop by the MTS booth for transit info, giveaways & take a picture with our custom sand sculpture!
Address and Directions
Broadway Pier and Port Pavilion
1000 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
United States