Cobourg Sandcastle Festival Returns to Victoria Beach on August 8, 2026

Cobourg, ON (July 24, 2026) – The Town of Cobourg Community Services Division is pleased to welcome residents and visitors back to Cobourg Beach for the 2026 Cobourg Sandcastle Festival on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

This annual celebration of creativity, community, and waterfront fun will transform Cobourg’s shoreline into a showcase of incredible sand sculptures, family activities, entertainment, and unique summer experiences.

Visitors can watch master sculptors bring larger-than-life creations, participate in the amateur sandcastle building competition, enjoy the inflatable fun park, experience beach entertainment, take part in Movies Under the Stars, and explore the opportunity to experience Cobourg from a new perspective with the Hot Air Balloon Adventure Passport.

The 2026 Cobourg Sandcastle festival is made possible through the generous support of our community sponsors; Cameco, ReMax Rouge River Realty Ltd., and the Town of Cobourg.

New This Year: Community Castle Experience

Everyone is invited to help bring the Community Castle to life. Alongside the incredible work of master sand sculptors creating larger-than-life sand masterpieces, festivalgoers can add their own creative touch to this shared community creation.

From first-time sand artists creating their first sculpture to visitors adding a special detail to the design, the Community Castle offers an opportunity for guests of all ages to be part of something unique and memorable. Master sculptors will be on-site throughout the day sharing their expertise, tips, and techniques to help visitors create their own sand masterpieces.

Sandcastle Building Tips

• Start with a strong foundation by packing your sand tightly
• Add water slowly to help create the right building consistency
• Build larger shapes first, then add smaller details and designs
• Let your imagination guide you — creativity is what makes every sand creation unique

Add your creation to the Community Castle and help make the 2026 Cobourg Sandcastle Festival a celebration built by the community, for the community.

Discover Cobourg Balloon Adventure Passport

Discover Cobourg. Enter to Win.

Ever wondered what Cobourg looks like from above? This summer, you could have the chance to experience the community from a whole new perspective.

As part of the Discover Cobourg Balloon Adventure Passport, visitors are invited to explore featured locations throughout Cobourg. Collect a stamp at each of the six passport locations and submit your completed passport for a chance to be selected as one of 30 participants for a Hot Air Balloon Ride experience during the morning of the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

The Hot Air Balloon Ride experience is generously provided by RE/MAX Rouge - Cobourg.

How to Participate

• Pick up your printed passport at the Experience Cobourg Information Hub, 35 Albert Street, Cobourg.
• Visit each of the six passport stops:
• Cobourg Community Centre
• Victoria Hall Customer Service
• Venture 13
• Art Gallery of Northumberland
• Experience Cobourg Information Hub
• Cobourg Marina

• Collect a stamp at each location.
• Complete the entry information on your passport.
• Submit your completed passport to the Cobourg Marina, 103 Third Street, Cobourg, by Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

A random draw will take place on August 5, 2026, and selected participants will be contacted by August 6, 2026.

Please note: Hot Air Balloon Ride spots are limited. Completing the passport does not guarantee a ride. Selected participants must meet all participation requirements and complete required waiver documentation prior to participating.

The Hot Air Balloon Ride experience is subject to safe flying conditions and the final decision of the certified pilot. The experience may be modified, postponed, or cancelled when required to ensure participant and public safety.

No purchase necessary. Official Terms and Conditions, including eligibility requirements and draw details, are available at experiencecobourg.ca/sandcastle.

Important Event Reminders

Pet-Free Event Area
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors and participants, pets are not permitted at the Sandcastle Festival. While we love our four-legged friends, we ask that pets remain at home during the event.

Service animals are always welcome in accordance with AODA requirements. AODA Guidelines.

Keep an Eye on Non-Swimmers
Parents and guardians are reminded to closely supervise young children near the water. In accordance with Lifesaving Society recommendations, if you are not within arm's reach, you have gone too far.

Visitors of all ages should swim with a buddy.

Please note there are no lifeguards on duty during the Sandcastle Festival.  

Lost Child Protocols
The St. John Ambulance station located along the boardwalk west of the centre gazebo, will serve as the muster point for lost children and families.  

• Parents or guardians who have become separated from their children should proceed to the St John Ambulance station where Waterfront Operations staff and Emergency Services will provide assistance.  

• Children are encouraged to go to the St. John Ambulance station if they become separated from their family.   

• Anyone who finds a lost child are asked to remain with the child and bring them to the St. John Ambulance station where staff can assist with reuniting them with their family.   

Free Event Shuttle Service
Make your visit easier by taking advantage of complimentary shuttle service to and from the festival.

Visitors are encouraged to park for free and use the shuttle to avoid searching for parking near the waterfront.

Shuttle service operates:

• 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Shuttle Stops Include:

Northumberland Mall | Bus Shelter
Cobourg Community Centre | Bus Stop
Downtown Terminal | 35 Albert Street
Cobourg Marina | Third Street

Festival Activities

Inflatable Park
Victoria Park | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Bounce into fun at the Inflatable Park in Victoria Park. The inflatable park offers unlimited play throughout the day with a $10 all-day bracelet available for purchase onsite.

Bracelets are available at:

• Beach Information Kiosk
• Blue Experience Cobourg tent on the beach
• Inflatable Park entrance

Cash, debit, and credit payments available.

Amateur Sandcastle Competition
Victoria Beach | 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ready to create your own masterpiece? Registration is required to participate in the amateur sandcastle building competition.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.

Categories include:

Business Challenge: Bring your team together for a creative sand-building challenge. $5 per person | Maximum 10 people per team | 3.5 hours

Adult Category: Gather your friends and get sculpting!
$5 per person | Maximum 10 people per team | 3.5 hours

Family Category: A fun opportunity for families to create together.
$5 per adult, $5 per child | Maximum 2 adults | Unlimited children | 3.5 hours

Youth (14 and under): Young sculptors can showcase their creativity.
$5 per child | Maximum 10 people per team | 3 hours

All creations will be judged on creativity, originality, and overall design.

Competition Judging and Winner Announcements
DJ Stand | 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Winners of first, second, and third place prizes will be announced for each category.

Bedazzled Comedy-Juggling Show
Victoria Beach | 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Get ready for laughs, amazement, and audience participation with Noah's Bedazzled Comedy-Juggling Show! This family-friendly performance combines impressive juggling, interactive comedy, and surprises for audiences of all ages.

Following the show, visitors can meet Noah and take a memorable photo with the performer.

Movies Under the Stars
Victoria Park | 8:30 p.m.
Join us Saturday evening for Movies Under the Stars, generously sponsored by The Mortgage Centre and Mistral Group. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy Lilo & Stitch under the stars on the outdoor inflatable movie screen at Victoria Park.

Plan Your Visit

Make the most of your Cobourg Sandcastle Festival experience by exploring all that the community has to offer.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, park downtown, and take time to discover local shops, restaurants, and waterfront experiences. Downtown Cobourg offers three hours of free parking in Downtown municipal parking lots and on-street spaces, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the downtown before or after the festival. For parking information, visit cobourg.ca/parking.

Enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, grab a bite from one of the food vendors and food trucks at the beach, and explore the many dining, shopping, and community experiences available throughout Downtown Cobourg.

From the festival shoreline to downtown streets, extend your visit and discover more of what makes Cobourg a great place to spend the day.

Accessibility
The Town of Cobourg is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive community experiences for all visitors.

Accessible beach mats will be available to provide a more stable pathway across the sand, helping improve access to the waterfront and event area. An accessible beach ramp is also available to provide access from the boardwalk to Victoria Beach.

Visitors requiring additional assistance or accommodations are encouraged to contact the Town in advance to discuss available supports.

Find event details and updates, visit experiencecobourg.ca/sandcastle.