Unlock Your Creativity At The Belmar NJ Sandcastle Contest

Crowds of competitors will convene on Belmar beach for the New Jersey Sandcastle Contest on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. This family-favorite event draws all ages of sandcastle sculptors and spectators to 17th-19th Avenue beaches in Belmar for a day of digging and designing by the sea.

The Belmar NJ Sandcastle Contest begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. Admission to 18th Avenue beach is free for contest participants — just bring your sand pails, shovels, and creative flair!

​Judging for the NJ Sandcastle Contest in Belmar begins at 12:00 p.m. Judges will evaluate each sandcastle for its originality, creativity, resourcefulness, and use of accessories. Because the tide eventually washes the sandcastle designs into the ocean, participants should use natural ingredients and environmentally safe materials when creating their masterpieces.

First, second, and third prizes will be awarded in the following categories, along with a Best on Beach award:

• Age 7 and under

• Age 8 to 11

• Age 12 to 15

• Age 16+

• Camps and recreation

• Family

• Classic sandcastle
  

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The Belmar NJ Sandcastle Contest is presented by the Belmar Tourism Commission and D’Jais. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday, July 16. Admission to 18th Avenue beach will be free during the Sandcastle Contest. Spaces on the beach for contestants are available on a first-come, first-served basis between 17th and 19th Avenues.

For more information, contact Belmar Tourism officials at 732-681-3700, ext. 214, or email us with any questions.

Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content.

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