The Bay of Fundy Sand Sculpture Festival returns August 7–9 with three days of creativity, competition and seriously ambitious beach building in Saint John and at New River Beach Provincial Park.

The festival begins Friday on the Market Square Boardwalk, where eight professional sculptors will transform 60 tonnes of sand into one enormous Uptown masterpiece from 3pm to 8pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, the action moves to New River Beach for the Masters Series. Six of the world’s top sand sculptors will compete in teams of two, racing the Bay of Fundy tides to turn nearly two tonnes of sand into towering works of art. Each day brings a new competition, a new creation and a new winner before the world’s highest tides eventually take it all back.

Saturday also features an amateur competition, with registration beginning at 8:30am, sculpting at 9am and awards at 4:30pm. Families and young builders can learn some tricks from the professionals during free drop-in sandcastle workshops from 11am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tools and equipment are provided, and no registration is required.

When you need a break from the beach, the festival’s Vendor Village will feature more than 30 local artisans, makers, crafters and food vendors. Visitors can browse handmade jewellery, coastal artwork, unique souvenirs and plenty to eat while the sculptors work their magic nearby.