The Exhibit

The Sugar Sand Festival is a 17-day extravaganza celebrating Clearwater Beach's iconic sugar sand and breathtaking sunsets. 17 skilled sand artists craft masterpieces using 1,000 tons of Clearwater Beach sand, showcased within a massive 24,000 square-foot structure. By opening day, the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit is 95% finished. We intentionally leave certain areas untouched, allowing visitors to witness our gifted performance artists breathe life into the sand during the festival. The Sugar Sand Festival proudly partners with the Tampa Bay Sand Sculpting Company to sculpt the exhibit.

Exhibit Hours

Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Monday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Artist carving sand sculpture of a man in a boat

family taking a picture inside the exhibit near a sculpture

overview picture of sand sculpture exhibit

The sculptors don’t use molds! Every masterpiece is handcrafted using utility tools, baking tools, brushes, and even dentist tools. Master sand sculptors will be on site throughout the festival adding finishing touches to the exhibit, teaching free sand sculpting workshops, and performing speed sand demonstrations. Each year the theme of the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit changes, so you’ll never see the same sculpture twice!

NEW THIS YEAR!

For the first time ever, the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit will feature projection mapping and augmented reality by Enlightened Monkey Arts. This collaboration between artists Dave Gordon and Elln Hagney combines technology and storytelling to create an immersive, dynamic experience.

Dave, a pioneering new media artist, brings expertise in photography, animation, and interactivity, while Elln, a visionary in exhibit design, crafts transformative spaces that engage and inspire. Together, they push the boundaries of digital art, offering festival visitors a captivating fusion of light, motion, and meaning.

You don’t want to miss this exciting new addition to the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit!

check donation presentation with teachers and students

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Your Change Helps Create Change

Guests will select the winner of the $8,000 Master Sand Sculpting Competition cash prize. Vote for your favorite sculpture by donating cash or small change. The sculptor who raises the most money wins the competition. Every penny counts! All of the proceeds collected will be donated to Calvin Hunsinger School, Sandy Lane Elementary and Eisenhower Elementary Schools in Clearwater.

family taking a photo at the Sugar Sand Festival

Don’t Forget Your Complimentary Photo

Every Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit ticket includes a complimentary photo! Check out College Wall Art’s Photo Stop located outside the exhibit to pick up your complimentary souvenir photo. Additional photo souvenirs like canvas prints and more are available for purchase.

The Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit is built right on the sand at Clearwater Beach. To ensure accessibility for all, there is a hard surface pathway that leads from the public sidewalk to the entrance of the exhibit. Inside the entrance, there are complimentary sand wheelchairs available for guests to use. There are also three complimentary motorized sand wheelchairs available for guests to use during their visit on a first come, first served basis. All guests must sign a liability release and provide a drivers license. Sand and motorized wheelchairs must only be used in the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit.