SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — These aren't your average sand castles.
Every year at San Diego's Port Pavilion, tons of sand of hauled in and dumped onto the Broadway Pier. There, a heap of sand sits waiting to become something more.
When master sand sculptures from around the globe finally get their hands in the sand, a radical transformation begins.
GALLERY: Works of art made from sand at US Sand Sculpting Challenge
The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Expo is an invite-only competition for sculptors, six from the U.S. and six from other countries. Each artist brings their own vision, artistic sensibilities, and talent to the makeshift sandbox.
Sculptures can reach up to 15 ft. tall and weigh more than 10,000 pounds in some cases. Perhaps just as astoundingly, all it takes is nothing more than sand and water (aside from an incredible talent.)
For four days, San Diego's waterfront will host competitions between sculptors with more than $60,000 in prize money at stake.
MORE: Other events happening this Labor Day weekend in San Diego
Returning in 2018 will also be a team challenge, comprised of teams that won the former sand sculpting competition when it was hosted in Imperial Beach from 2000 to 2011.
In addition to the competition, family-friendly activities such as live entertainment, a giant sandbox for kids, and rides will be on hand. More than 1,000 works of art will also be on display and available for purchase during the Dimensional Art Expo as well.
Proceeds from the events benefit san San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, Arts for Learning San Diego, San Diego Padres Foundation, Maritime Museum programs, and more.
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Expo
When/where: Aug. 31 - Sept. 3/Broadway Pier at Port Pavilion
Cost: Tickets available from $7 - $35
