For the next two weeks, Treasure Island is getting a double dose of world class sand sculptures as Sanding Ovations presents “Once Upon a Time.” The festival takes place on two weekends this year, with activities and viewings planned for this Thursday-Sunday, November 17-20, and next Saturday and Sunday, November 26-27, at 10400 Gulf Boulevard.
Master sand sculptors from around the world come to Treasure Island every year and create sand masterpieces that are free for all to enjoy, and this year’s festival “will transform Treasure Island Beach into a storybook fantasy.” As part of the festivities, there is live music every day, a kite flying festival, and even fireworks on Saturday night of opening weekend.
On Thursday and Sunday of opening weekend, November 17 and 20, Sanding Ovations is open from 10 am – 6 pm. On Friday and Saturday, the festival runs from 10 am – 10 pm, with fireworks at 9:45 on Saturday, November 19. The kite festival with fill the skies with color from 10 am – 4 pm Friday-Sunday of opening weekend. Sanding Ovations has also added a special “encore weekend” November 26-27 this year, and the sand sculptures will be on display as long as they last or until early January.
A total of 20 local and national bands and DJs will take to the beach as part of the celebration, and 10 different sculptors from far and wide will showcase their incredible creations. There will also be a merchandise tent, as well as beach wheelchairs available.
Find more information and the full schedule of bands and events here.