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Turning Sand into Masterpieces: The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Kicks Off This Weekend

Join Michael Saunders & Company, a proud long-time sponsor of the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, as sand sculptors from around the world converge on Siesta Key Beach to show off their remarkable sand-sculpting talents. The event kicks off on Friday, November 15 at 10 a.m. and runs through Monday, November 18th. Enjoy four days of live music, food, drinks, and family-friendly fun while watching skilled artists transform Siesta’s powdery-white sand into magnificent sculptural creations.

A sand-sational showdown

Against the backdrop of the Gulf's beautiful, sparkling blue waters, 24 artists from around the world will come together for a variety of sandy showdowns, including a large community carve, 8 team sculptures, and 8 solo sculptures. The winners of this timed competition will be revealed on Sunday afternoon. Vote for your favorite sculpture with wooden tokens available for purchase to help crown the People's Choice winner!

Event highlights

  • Barefoot Beach Bar Party Tent – open all 4 days with music and full bar with no entry fee
  • Sand sculpting lessons and demonstrations
  • Live bands
  • Amateur competition
  • Vendor Village with food, drinks and more

Click here for the full schedule of events.

About the Crystal Classic

Since its inception in 2010, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic has evolved into one of Florida's most anticipated cultural events. Named for Siesta Beach's unique crystal quartz sand (rated the finest, whitest sand in the world), the Crystal Classic has drawn artists from near and far to transform our pristine shoreline into an outdoor gallery of ephemeral masterpieces. Having grown from its humble beginnings to now attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, the festival has expanded to include live music, fine dining, and various activities that celebrate both local culture and international artistry. A portion of the event's proceeds will go to the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Scholarship Fund for Ringling College of Art + Design, which helps support the next generation of artists.

Visit the Michael Saunders & Company tent!

Stop by our booth for complimentary giveaways, to explore stunning Siesta Key properties, or just to say hello. We’d love to see you!

 Getting There

Parking is limited, so carpooling or using alternative transportation such as the 77 Siesta Islander* (formerly Siesta Key Breeze), Sarasota County Bus Route 33, The Frog Hop, Uber, or walking is encouraged. *The open-air 77 Siesta Islander trolley is free and connects Downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key Village, Siesta Beach, South Village, and Turtle Beach. It runs from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and provides service approximately every 30 minutes.

Event details

Hours: Friday: 10am-5pm Saturday: 10am-9pm Sunday: 10am-5pm Monday: 10am-5pm

Tickets & Parking Passes

Online Advanced tickets (online discount ends November 13 at 3pm) 1-day ticket prices Adult: $12 Child: $6 Senior (65+): $10 Military: $10 4-day value pass: Adult: $40 Child:$20 1-day parking pass: $55 Tickets purchased at the gate: Adult: $14 Child: $7 Senior (65+): $12 Military: $12 Credit cards only at admission, beer, and official merchandise tents.  

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