The sculptors create a large community carve, 8 solo sculptures and 8 team sculptures. On Saturday evening, enjoy the sculptures under colored lights after sunset. The timed competition is judged and the winners are revealed on Sunday afternoon.
Come and vote for your favorite sculpture until Monday at 5 PM by wooden tokens (available for purchase) so you can help determine the Peoples' Choice award.
There are other attractions at this festival: The Learning Curve - sand sculpting lessons and demonstrations are hosted multiple times daily, Fri - Sun; 4 days of live bands under the huge entertainment tent; Quick Sand - an ongoing contest of speed and skill; plus, the Amateur Competition on Saturday.
Also, the Barefoot Beach Bar Party Tent is open all 4 days with music and a full bar- no entry fee.
Vendor Village surrounding Sand Village features 90+ retail vendors and 5 food vendors which are all open to the public.
Is it okay to talk with the artists while they work?
Absolutely! With few exceptions, most of the artists will talk with you and answer any questions you may have. Remember that they are on a time deadline to get their individual sculptures finished by Sunday at noon so their responses to your questions may be short as the deadline to finish nears. And... feel free to take as many pictures and videos as you want.
Will I see finished sculptures when I arrive on the first day?
No. Each artist starts with a fresh pile of Siesta Key sand. They work eight hours each on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They get another four hours to finish their sculptures on Sunday. If you want to see their work in the early building stage, it's best to come on Friday. If you want to see more intricate work, it's best to come late Friday and/or Saturday. Fine tuning occurs on Sunday morning.
Will the artists be there all four days?
No. The artists arrive from all around the world on Wednesday when event organizers are preparing the venue. They begin their "official" work on Thursday. Most of the artists will be gone on Monday when only the finished sculptures are available to be seen.
Have more questions, contact us!
PARKING: Parking is free and available on a first come basis in the Siesta Beach public parking lot, located at 948 Beach Road. However, the lot can fill quickly. We encourage carpooling and using alternative transportation such as the Breeze Trolley, Sarasota County Bus Route 33, The Frog Hop, Uber, walking, etc.
ONLINE RESERVED PARKING PASSES: (Advance purchase only) A limited number of reserved parking passes will be available for $55 per day per vehicle. Designated reserved parking is located at the SE corner of the public parking lot.
ONLINE ADVANCE TICKETS:
AT GATE TICKETS:
CASH AND CREDIT CARD SALES: All transactions at the Admission Tent, Beer/Water Tents, and the official Crystal Classic Merchandise Booth will be credit card only. The Party Tent, retail vendors and food vendors may accept cash and credit cards, as they choose.
RESTROOMS: Restrooms are located at each pavilion and in the main parking lot.
EVENT HOURS: Friday, Sunday, Monday – 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
Note: At gate ticket sales end 30 minutes prior to gates closing each day.
EMS & SECURITY: Paramedic and law-enforcement personnel will be on-site throughout the event.
BEACH WHEELCHAIRS: A limited number of wheelchairs are available for free based on a first come basis. No advance reservations. Onsite check in with cellphone/e-signature and photo ID is required. Wheelchairs are located at the information tent.
OTHER:
Are coolers allowed? Coolers are not allowed inside the event perimeter.
Are folding chairs allowed? Folding chairs are allowed inside the event perimeter, but they must not block or disrupt foot traffic or event logistics.
Are glass bottles or containers allowed on the beach? Glass is not allowed inside the event perimeter or on the beach.
When is the awards ceremony? 3:00 pm on Sunday at the Entertainment/Music Stage
Is smoking allowed? No, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the beach or County property.
Where do proceeds from the event go? A portion of the proceeds benefit the Ringling College of Art scholarship fund and the annual Siesta Key Community Fireworks.
Are pets allowed on the beach? No, only service animals. Must show service ID card if entering festival.
Service Animals: Service animals are allowed given the following criteria: “Service animal” means an animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Service animals can be dogs or miniature horses only. Emotional support pets are not considered service animals. Must show service ID card if entering festival; not just service vest.
Recently named America's #1 Beach, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic has become a favorite of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here.