Guide To The 2019 Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival

CLEARWATER, FL -- Visitors are invited to marvel at the creative and intricate works of 14 master sand sculptors from around the world as the 2019 Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival kicks off this weekend in Clearwater Beach.

The sculptors have spent the past two weeks packing, shaping and carving Clearwater Beach's sugar sand into masterpieces for visitors to view during the festival that runs until April 28.

This year's theme is "Sea the World, A Journey Around the Globe," so all of the sculptures celebrate renowned destinations and prominent landmarks.

One of Clearwater's premier events, the festival features free concerts on the beach, sand-sculpting competitions and classes, food and merchandise vendors, fireworks. Last year, more than 120,000 people visited the festival during its 10-day run so, this year, its been expanded to 17 days.

In addition to the works of art on display in a 21,000-square-foot structure, this year's festival features:

• Pro-Am Sand Sculpting Tournament on April 20, 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
• Family Sand Sculpting Competition on Easter Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.
• A Ferris wheel in Pier 60 Park
• Free fireworks show on Clearwater Beach Saturdays, April 13, 20, 27 at 9 p.m.
• Sunset Cinema is a free outdoor movie theater in Pier 60 Park. Bring a blanket or low-lying lawn chair. Movies begin at dusk.
• YMCA Kids Fishing Rodeo on April 27. Check-in at Pier 60 Pavilion from 8 to 9 a.m., fishing from 9 to 11 a.m. and awards at 11 a.m.
• Enjoy 3 Daughters Brewing Craft Beer & Cider at the Shephard's Sand Bar.
• Water slides, bounce houses, bungee jumps and aqua balls.
• Artisan and craft booths.
• Each adult and senior Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit ticket includes a complimentary photo.
• The Giant Sandbox -- Parents can relax underneath an umbrella while the children dig, climb and play on mounds of sugar sand piles.
• Speed sand demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. Watch the pros compete against one another in this free, fast-paced live show.
• Sand-sculpting classes daily at 2 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Carving tools will be provided.
• Sugar Sand Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m.

Concerts

Tickets

Tickets for the 2019 Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit and Baystar VIP Lounge are available online. Purchasing tickets online allows you to skip the line when visiting the exhibit.

General admission to the sculpture exhibit is $10 for adults, $8 for children 4-10 years old and free for children under 3 years of age. Tickets will also be $8 for those 60 and older, military personnel, police officers, firefighters, teachers and AAA members. These discounted tickets will only be available at the gate with proper identification. AAA members may purchase Baystar VIP Lounge tickets onsite for $40 with proof of AAA membership.

Hours

The festival runs Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Parking

• North Beach Parking Plaza, 490 Poinsettia Ave., Open Overnight
• Hyatt Parking Garage, 301 S Gulfview Blvd.
• 9 City of Clearwater Parking Lots
• Jolley Trolley Park and Ride - Board at Old City Hall, 112 S Osceola Ave., and ride the trolley/PSTA for free to the Clearwater Beach Marina
• Ride the Clearwater Ferry for $4 each way. Board at the downtown Marina. The ferry is operating with extra boats due to the high volume.