Sand & Sun Festival
Schedule
Sat May 16 2026 at 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
151 SE Osceola Ave, Ocala, FL 34471-2148, United States | Ocala, FL
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Ocala Cultural Arts is bringing the beach to Downtown Ocala for the first time with the Sand and Sun Festival! This exciting event will feature six professional, nationally acclaimed sand sculptors who will create large-scale, detailed sand sculptures based on an open theme. A panel of expert judges will evaluate the sculptures and determine first and second place, with winners announced at 4:30 p.m. Attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite sculpture to win the People’s Choice Award.Children are invited to explore the Sandcastle Playground, a hands-on area with a sand pit where they can build and shape their own sand creations.
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live music performances by openers Julie Black Duo, Luis Alfredo Garcia, and the Ocala Steel Orchestra, and the headliner, The Caribbean Chillers. Community performances will feature Dance by Sheila, Fort King Middle School, and the Mary Sue Rich Community Center line dancing group, creating a lively atmosphere filled with energy and entertainment.
Visitors will also enjoy local food trucks, explore offerings from community non-profits and sponsors, and shop for unique items from artisan and craft vendors.
This free event, open to the public, offers a full day of family-friendly activities and creativity in downtown Ocala. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration of sand, sun, and fun!
For more information, please contact the Cultural Arts Division at [email protected] or call 352-629-8447.
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Where is it happening?
151 SE Osceola Ave, Ocala, FL 34471-2148, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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