CREATIVE TIME 2026 SANDCASTLE COMPETITION
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | 1–4 PM
ROCKAWAY BEACH
JOIN US FOR THE CREATIVE TIME SANDCASTLE COMPETITION AND BENEFIT BASH
On Sunday, September 13, from 1-4 pm, Creative Time’s Sandcastle Competition returns to Rockaway Beach! For one day, artists will take to New York City’s shoreline for camaraderie, competition, and public art.
First launched in 2012 and again in 2013, Creative Time’s Sandcastle Competition returns to one of the city’s most cherished public places. Artists, neighbors, and beachgoers are invited to gather as the works take shape throughout the day, culminating in the crowning of this year’s winning artist by a panel of guest judges.
RSVP FOR FREE TO ATTEND
This is an RSVP to attend the 2026 Sandcastle Competition.
ARTISTS & JUDGES
ARTISTS
Anthony Akinbola | Canal St. Research Association | Marianna Simnett and Eliza Douglas | Chiffon Thomas and Victoria Martinez | Dean Millien | Rachel Rossin | Gabriela Ruiz
JUDGES
Waris Ahluwalia | Jodi Davis | Michi Jigarjian | Anne Pasternak | Pedro Reyes | Julio Torres
AFTER THE TIDE
SANDCASTLES BENEFIT BASH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | 5-7 PM
THE ROCKAWAY HOTEL
Keep the sandcastle celebration rolling at Creative Time’s end-of-summer fundraiser and after party hosted by Michi Jigarjian and The Rockaway Hotel. Join us for drinks, DJ Maya Margarita, and a few surprises—all in support of ambitious, artist-led public art.
Raise a glass alongside artists Anthony Akinbola, Canal Street Research Association, Marianna Simnett & Eliza Douglas, Chiffon Thomas & Victoria Martinez, Dean Millien, Gabriela Ruiz, latest addition Rachel Rossin, and Sandcastles judges Waris Ahluwalia, Jodi Davis, Michi Jigarjian, Anne Pasternak, Pedro Reyes, and Julio Torres.
The Sandcastle Competition from 1-4 pm is free and open to all at Beach 108th St, followed by the Benefit Bash from 5-7 pm at The Rockaway Hotel, our end-of-summer after party and fundraiser.
Each ticket purchase furthers our 50+ year legacy of bringing ambitious, irreverent, artist-led public projects into the world. Secure your spot now for the ultimate Summer send-off, and show support for artists making their mark on New York City’s beaches and beyond.
PURCHASE BENEFIT BASH TICKETS
Capacity is limited. Secure your tickets now.
Creative Time is a 501(c)(3) organization and qualifies as tax-exempt. Contributions in excess of $50 are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
FUNDERS
Image: Creative Time Sandcastle Competition, 2012. Team: Lauren Wass and Amit Greenberg. Photo by Derek Schultz.