Siesta Key's Annual Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition

The No. 1 Beach in America will once again host the annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition Thursday, Nov. 15th through Nov. 18, 2013. The event will include four days of competition as teams of master sculptors vie for the title  and thousands of dollars in prize money  during the best of the best Doubles Division of the World Championship of Sand Sculpture. This years event will be even more spectacular than before, drawing master sculptors from all over the world. Proceeds from the event will benefit Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquariums Sea Turtle Programs. Last year the event drew over 50,000 people. This years event will have live entertainment on the beach creating a wonderful festival atmosphere for adults and families alike in addition to many vendors. Rain will not cancel the event. You will have the opportunity to see more than 24 of the best "Master" sand sculptors from around the world create wonderful works of art from piles of sand! The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is open to the public. $5 daily admission. If you want to get an up-close view of the Master Sand Sculptures you may purchase an admission bracelet each day. A special three-day admission bracelet is available as well. World championship sand sculpture artists

Speed sculpting competitions

Amateur competitions

Sand sculpting demonstrations and lessons

Large group sculpture Competition takes place Thursday through Sunday and features sculptors from Belgium, Canada, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Romania, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States. These sculptors are all champions of international qualifying contests for the World Championship. Their work will all be showcased on Siesta Beach, recently named Americas No. 1 beach in Dr. Beachs 21st annual Top 10 Beach List. The list is produced by Dr. Beach, also known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International Universitys Laboratory for Coastal Research. Dr. Beach compiles his top 10 beaches list annually and Siesta Key has consistently placed in the top 10. Live Music on the beach - All weekend. Lots of great food from local restaurants! Due to the very limited parking at Siesta Beach, it is highly recommended that attendees park at the satellite lot at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trail, 1.3 miles north of Stickney Point Road (State Road 72). Round-trip transportation to the event site. The first shuttle leaves Phillippi Park daily at 8:30 a.m. The last shuttle leaves Phillippi Park daily at 4 p.m.. The last shuttle leaves Siesta Beach daily at 5:30 p.m. IMPORTANT DRIVING TIP: If traveling from the north or south on I-75, take exit 205 (Clark Road, State Road 72)