Leap's 30th Anniversary Sandcastle Contest

Leap hosts this spirited competition between teams of architects, designers, contractors, corporations, engineers and local elementary school students each October on San Francisco's magnificent Ocean Beach. The Sandcastle Contest is a fundraiser to support Leap's arts education programs, but admission is free to the community and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a day at the beach!

Before the event, teams meet with students in the classroom to develop ideas based on a set contest theme. Once plans are finalized, clay models are shaped, team structure and schedules are defined, and tasks are assigned, all in preparation for the big day. It is an amazing partnership between the building industry, corporations and school students who are all striving to win "Best in Show"!

On the morning of the event (fog, rain or shine) the teams and their collaborating elementary school students arrive and await the whistle that signals the start of the contest. As soon as it sounds, four hours of intensive building begin. In only a matter of a few hours, sand and water (the only building materials allowed) have been sculpted into award winning masterpieces. It is truly a feat of engineering and artistry.

By the end of the day, the beach has transformed into a land of magical creatures and fantastical structures. By the next morning, the sand sculptures are returned to their natural state when the tides return the sand to the landscape.

The teamwork involved in creating these works provides an intense learning experience for both the students and the teams alike. Many teams have been participating in Leap’s Sandcastle Contest for throughout the event’s 30 year history. They return year after year because of the positive impact the Sandcastle Contest creates for both their company and the Bay Area community.

Approximately 3,000 people attend Leap's Sandcastle Contest each year, including: families, kids of all ages, cyclists, fans of the Ocean Beach, and supporters of the arts and education. All are welcome! The event is free to the public. Bring the family and enjoy the sand & surf, sip on a chai, have lunch from one of our gourmet food trucks, buy a t-shirt to commemorate the event, listen to music, participate in incredible raffles and just enjoy a day at the beach! Leap Sandcastle is more than a competition it truly puts into play the work of the organization in a way everyone can enjoy!