Oct 20, 2025 - Things to Do

Sanding Ovations returns to Treasure Island next month

Kathryn Varn

Crowded beach event with large detailed sand sculptures, people walking and observing, colorful kites flying, blue sky with clouds, and buildings in the background. — A past Sanding Ovations event. Photo: Courtesy of Treasure Island

Sanding Ovations returns to Treasure Island next month, a year after hurricanes Helene and Milton canceled the annual event.

Why it matters: The sand sculpture competition serves as a boost to a beach community still in recovery. Plus, it's fun!

State of play: The free festival, which will also feature fireworks and local vendors, is set for Nov. 20-23. There's an encore weekend planned for Nov. 29-30.

The music lineup includes local bluegrass group Applebutter Express, Grateful Dead cover band Deadset and musicians paying tribute to national artists like Bruno Mars and Zac Brown Band.

For the schedule, parking tips and more, visit the Sanding Ovations website.

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Sanding Ovations returns to Treasure Island next month

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