Festival Info

Festival Info

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Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is a 17-day sand sculpting festival that pays tribute to Tampa Bay’s two most valuable assets: our sugar sands and our sunsets!
Head to the beach and enjoy FREE activities for all ages, including a children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, fireworks, sand sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations and the master sand sculpting competition.
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The showcase of the Sugar Sand Festival is the main attraction — The Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit. This ticketed exhibit can only be seen once a year, and no two years are alike. Stroll through a 21,000 square-foot tent filled with sand sculpted art crafted by world-class sculptors using Clearwater’s internationally famous sugar sand. These aren’t sandcastles — they’re premiere works of art. Don’t forget your camera!

What You Can Bring (and What You Should Leave at Home)

Permitted:

  • • Blankets
  • • Low lying beach chairs

Not Permitted:

  • • Coolers
  • • Pets – only service animals are permitted
  • • Grills, hibachis, or open flames of any kind
  • • Glass containers or bottles
  • • Unauthorized vendors or solicitors
  • • Tents, canopies or umbrellas
  • • Firearms, unless otherwise permitted by Florida Statute, Chapter 790 (2011)
  • • Knives or weapons of any kind
  • • Fireworks or laser pointers

Please leave the beach as beautiful as you found it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up to be a vendor/artisan?

Want to sell your handmade treasures on one of Florida’s most popular beaches? Click here to become an artisan.

How much does it cost to view The Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit?

General admission to the sculpture exhibit will be $10 per guest, $8 for children 4-10 years old and free for children 3 and under. This year discounted general admission tickets will only be offered on-site.  Present a valid ID/proper identification to receive a discount for the following categories:  AAA Members, Seniors (60 & up), Active & Retired Military Personnel, Police, Fire & Educators. All other tickets can be purchased online.  

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the actual sand, however, they are permitted on the sidewalks, so long as they are on a leash.  Service dogs are permitted.

How are the sculptures made?

Sand sculptures are made using two simple ingredients: sugar sand and water! Sculptors shovel sand into large wooden forms and “pack” the sand to create surface tension. The combination of compaction and surface tension makes the sand rock-hard. Sculptors are then able to chip away with various tools such as trowels, toothpicks, and dentistry tools in order to create a sand sculpture. This entire process is eco-friendly.  

What happens if it rains?

Rain or shine the event will be ongoing as the sculptures are protected by an enclosed tent, so don’t let the rain scare you away. It’s the perfect rainy day adventure. However, windy weather can be dangerous for both visitors and the integrity of the sand sculptures. In the event of high winds, the festival may close. There are no refunds, but don’t worry, the Sugar Sand Festival lasts seventeen days!

Is the festival wheelchair accessible?

Yes, two complimentary beach wheelchairs are available for guests during their visit on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on additional beach wheelchair rentals, please contact Fun Ride Rentals for rates at (727) 519-3008.

Are cameras permitted?

Take as many pictures as you would like, but don’t forget to post them onto social media for everyone to see with the hashtag, #SugarSand.

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes entry into the Sugar Sand Walk Sandsculpting art exhibit along with one complimentary souvenir photo for General Admission ticket purchases. The children’s ticket (4-10 years of age) does not include a photo, but kids are welcome to participate in the photo opp. Additional photos and photo books may be purchased at the CCM Graphics & College Wall Art Photo Stop outside the exhibit.

How do I buy tickets?

Conveniently purchase ahead online and skip the lines! Ticket holders will have their own, separate, “fast lane-entrance” to the event, and will receive a $5 discount on all festival merchandise. You may also purchase tickets onsite at the exhibit tent. Payments accepted include cash and all major credit cards. Discounted tickets will only be offered onsite. Please bring any ID’s that could give you a discount including AAA Members, Senior (60&up), Active & Retired Military Personnel, Police, Fire & Educators. 

Where can I find media information?

If you are a member of the media and need to speak to someone at Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, please contact media relations at:
Local Media: Jason Beisel, 727-542-3899 jason.beisel@myclearwater.com National Media: Cory Cart,  504-655-9887 cory@yourbandwagon.com

Is my ticket good all day?

Yes, you are free to walk through and admire the exhibit as many times as you would like!

Can I buy food and drinks at the festival?

Clearwater Beach has many culinary gems within walking distance of the festival for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Bottled water, soda, beer and wine are available for purchase onsite. Visit one of our dessert vendors after you’ve enjoyed a meal at one of the festival’s neighboring bars and restaurants.

Where can I park my RV, bus, motor-home, or other oversized vehicles?

Oversized vehicle parking directly on the beach is located at:

  • Mandalay Ave (East side between Rockaway and Bay Esplanade)

4 metered spaces signed “Vehicles 24’ – 50’ Only”
Enforced 8 am – 6 pm daily (5 hour time limit)/No charge all other times Rate: $1.25 per hour daily
Posted “No Overnight Parking”

  • Juanita Way (between Mandalay Ave and Poinsettia Ave.)

3 metered spaces signed “Vehicles 24’ – 50’ Only”
Enforced 8 am – 6 pm daily (5 hour time limit)/No charge all other times Rate: $1.25 per hour daily
OR you can park in Downtown Clearwater and ride the ferry to the beach at the following locations:

  • Lot 5 – Coachman Park
    • Lot 15 – Behind City Hall
  • Lot 11 – Downtown Boat Slip South
  • Lot 14 – Downtown Boat Slip North
  • Osceola Ave (East side – south of Pierce St.)

1 metered space signed “Vehicles 24’ – 40’ Only”
Enforced 8 am – 6 pm daily (2 hour time limit)
No charge all other times
Rate: $.50 per hour

How can I hire my own sand sculptor?

Are you celebrating an Anniversary, Surprise Engagement, Wedding, Birthday or Corporate Promotion? You can hire your own sand sculptor to create a custom sand masterpiece. Fill out our contact form and we will have one of our master sculptors contact you to discuss your special occasion!