Sand & Sun Festival

Sat May 16 2026 at 10:00 am to 05:00 pm UTC-04:00

151 SE Osceola Ave, Ocala, FL 34471-2148, United States | Ocala

City of Ocala - Government
Publisher/HostCity of Ocala - Government
Sand & Sun Festival
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement

Event Venue

151 SE Osceola Ave, Ocala, FL 34471-2148, United States

Tickets

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Ocala

Trucks & Tunes with VenRosas Rollin' Bistro & The Sweet Talkers
Fri, 15 May at 07:00 pm Trucks & Tunes with VenRosas Rollin' Bistro & The Sweet Talkers

Circle Square Commons

ONE PIECE CARD GAME Extra Grand Battle
Fri, 15 May at 07:00 pm ONE PIECE CARD GAME Extra Grand Battle

500 SW 10th St #200, Ocala, FL, United States, Florida 34471

The Alter Eagles - Eagles Tribute
Fri, 15 May at 07:00 pm The Alter Eagles - Eagles Tribute

Mainstage Theatre at Reilly Arts Center - Ocala

Blues in the Box: JP Soars | May 15 | NOMA Black Box
Fri, 15 May at 07:30 pm Blues in the Box: JP Soars | May 15 | NOMA Black Box

500 NE 9th St, Ocala, FL, United States, Florida 34470

Jim Breuer at Reilly Arts Center
Fri, 15 May at 07:30 pm Jim Breuer at Reilly Arts Center

Reilly Arts Center

Rolling for the Rock Program
Sat, 16 May at 09:00 am Rolling for the Rock Program

Maricamp

Shrimp Day
Sat, 16 May at 11:00 am Shrimp Day

9676 SW 62nd Loop, Ocala, FL, United States, Florida 34481

Beer Olympics 2026 at The Lodge Ocala
Sat, 16 May at 11:00 am Beer Olympics 2026 at The Lodge Ocala

36 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL, United States, Florida 34471

13th anniversary
Sat, 16 May at 12:00 pm 13th anniversary

1601 N Magnolia Ave Unit A, Ocala, FL

Pokemon League Challenge
Sat, 16 May at 12:00 pm Pokemon League Challenge

500 SW 10th St #200, Ocala, FL

Whole Body Nutrition: Supporting Real Life Health & Restoration
Sat, 16 May at 02:00 pm Whole Body Nutrition: Supporting Real Life Health & Restoration

Center for Spiritual Living Ocala

SRS Winter Series Awards banquet
Sat, 16 May at 06:00 pm SRS Winter Series Awards banquet

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

Ocala is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Ocala Events