Sandcastle Festival Returns on Saturday, August 2 2025

Enjoy an event-filled August long weekend in Cobourg

Cobourg, ON (July 29, 2025) – The Town of Cobourg Community Services Division is pleased to inform residents and visitors about the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival and other events happening over the upcoming long weekend.

Downtown Cobourg Sidewalk Sale 
Thursday, July 31 to Saturday, August 2 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Downtown Cobourg Sidewalk Sale returns for its 57th year this weekend!

Enjoy great deals, extended patios, and live entertainment along King Street daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don’t forget to come back on Sunday, August 3 for bonus deals at many of your favourite downtown shops!

The Sidewalk Sale is a great opportunity to save big while supporting local businesses and getting to know the friendly faces behind our beloved downtown shops and restaurants.

Choose to shop local—choose to shop where your home is.

Road Closures
King Street West closed from Spring Street to Division Street and Second Street closed from Thursday, July 31 at 8 a.m. until Sunday, August 3 at 8 a.m. 

Cobourg Sandcastle Festival
Watch master sculptors at work, participate in an amateur sandcastle building competition, and enjoy a weekend filled with fun, food trucks, and entertainment in Victoria Park. The 2025 Cobourg Sandcastle festival was made possible by sponsors; New Amherst Homes, Ontario Power Generation, Arthur’s Pub, Cameco Ontario, Downtown Cobourg Business Improvement Area, the Town of Cobourg, and Government of Ontario. 

Important Event Reminders
We ask that you keep all pets at home during the Sandcastle festival. While we do love pets, this weekend we only want to see animals created from sand. Keep your pets safe from stress and keep sand creations safe from paws—leave pets at home. Service animals are always welcome in line with AODA Guidelines.

Road Closures
Charles Street, and the Centennial Pool and Charles Street Parking Lots will be closed Saturday, August 2 at 7 a.m. for the Sandcastle Festival.

Saturday, August 2

• Free Event Shuttle Service
  Parking is limited on the waterfront and downtown, make your day more fun and stress-free by skipping the hunt for a parking spot. Park your car for free and catch a complimentary shuttle to and from the festival. Shuttle stops and times are as follows:
  • 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
    Northumberland Mall | Bus Shelter
    Cobourg Community Centre | Bus Stop
    Downtown Terminal | East of Church Street
    Cobourg Marina

• Inflatable Park  
  Victoria Park | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  Bounce into fun at the Inflatable Park in Victoria Park and keep kids entertained with unlimited play. The inflatable park requires a $10 play all day bracelet available for purchase on site at the Beach Information Kiosk, at the Experience Cobourg tent on the beach, or at the entrance of the inflatable park. Cash, debit, and credit payments available.
  
  
• Beach DJ
  Boardwalk | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  Get ready to dance your heart out as fun beats fill the boardwalk thanks to our Beach DJ.
  
  
• Taste of the World Food Court
  Victoria Park | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  Enjoy a variety of delicious food in Victoria Park with over ten tasty food trucks to choose from. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats or savoury bites, everyone’s cravings are bound to be satisfied. Grab a bite to eat steps away from the beach as you enjoy the Sandcastle Festival.
  
  
• Live Music
  Victoria Park Bandshell | 4:30 - 7 p.m.
  Enjoy live music from local artist Harry Hannah and Canadian pop sensation Francesco Yates. Bring your lawn chairs and find a spot in front of the bandshell for a night of unforgettable live music.
• Harry Hannah: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• Francesco Yates: 6 - 7 p.m.

• Amateur Sandcastle Competition
  Cobourg Beach | 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  Interested in joining the amateur sandcastle building competition? Please fill out the Sandcastle Festival Registration Form to secure your spot in the competition. At 8:30 a.m. the amateur competition registration table opens. Registration is Required. Join any of the following categories:
  • Business Challenge: Rally your coworkers and take on other local businesses in a team-building battle of sand!
    $5 per person | Max 10 people per team | 3.5 hours
  • Adult Category: Gather your friends and get sculpting! Teams can be any size.
    $5 per person | Unlimited team size | 3.5 hours
  • Family Category: Perfect for parents and kids to build together.
    $5 per adult, $5 per child | Max 2 adults | Unlimited children | 3.5 hours
  • Youth (14 and under): For our youngest sculptors ready to showcase their skills!
    $5 per child | Unlimited team size | 3 hours 

All creations will be judged on creativity, originality, and overall design. Don’t miss your chance to be crowned a sandcastle champion!

• Amateur contest judging & winner announcements
  DJ Stand | 3 - 4:30 p.m.
  The winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be announced for each category.

Sunday, August 3

• Taste of the World Food Court
  Victoria Park | Opening 11 a.m.
  The Food Truck Court will be open on Sunday (closing times may vary based on trucks and crowd size).
  
  
• Movies Under the Stars  
  Victoria Park | 8:30 p.m.
  Join us on Sunday evening for Movies Under the Stars, presented by Film Access Northumberland. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to Victoria Park where Night at the Museum will be played on an outdoor inflatable movie screen. Snacks will be available for purchase.
  
  

Fallen Figures: The Darker Side of the Honourable James Cockburn
Monday, August 4 | Cobourg & Area Museum | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Don't miss this compelling presentation, Fallen Figures — an eye-opening look into a lesser-known chapter of Canadian history. Discover how a recently uncovered decision by the Honourable James Cockburn, Northumberland’s own Father of Confederation, had a profound and lasting impact on the rights of Indigenous peoples for over a century.

• For more information visit The Cobourg and Area Museum Website
  
  

Find more information about this weekends events on the Experience Cobourg website.

The Town of Cobourg wishes everyone a happy and safe August long weekend.