CRYSTAL CLASSIC 2026

Twenty-four master sand sculptors from around the world converge on Siesta Beach for this annual competition organized by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Instead of traditional sandcastles, the artists spend days carving the quartz-white sand into massive, elaborate installations spanning abstract designs, hyper-realistic portraits and complex fantasy scenes. Visitors can walk the temporary beachfront gallery to watch the artists in action and cast votes for the People’s Choice Award. The multi-day festival also features a vendor village and extended evening hours to view the sculptures under colored illumination.