If you think Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches can’t get more beautiful, wait until you see them sculpted into art!
In November, Treasure Island transforms into a playground of creativity and sand magic during Sanding Ovations, and 2025’s edition — The Gallery of Sand — is shaping up to be one of the biggest and boldest yet.
Key Takeaways
✔ Sanding Ovations 2025 transforms Treasure Island into “The Gallery of Sand,” a two-weekend festival of world-class sand art, music, and fireworks.
✔ The event honors Treasure Island’s legacy as Florida’s Sand Sculpture Capital, a title earned in 2001 after decades of creative beach artistry.
✔ Visitors can enjoy more than just sand art — from live music and kite shows to a beach food court, beer garden, and fireworks display.
Event Update: Sanding Ovations 2025 Winners Announced!
1st Place: Jonathan “Jobi” Bouchard — Morphism
2nd Place: Dan Doubleday — Free at Last
3rd Place: Melineige Beauregard — Knitted
Sculptors’ Choice: Melineige Beauregard — Knitted
These artists absolutely crushed it, and we hope to see them back shaping the coast again next year.
Planning to experience Sanding Ovations in 2026? Lock in your stay early with St. Pete Vibes, the go-to spot for finding the best vacation rentals near Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach.
A Look Back: How Sanding Ovations Began
Long before the giant sculptures and weekend festivals, locals were already turning beach days into art. Back in 1985, Florida grabbed national attention when the world’s largest sandcastle was built right here on the Gulf Coast.
By 2001, that passion earned official recognition when local leaders convinced former Governor Jeb Bush to declare Treasure Island the Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida.
What started as a hometown celebration of creativity soon evolved into something much bigger. Now, each year, master sculptors and curious visitors from around the globe gather to celebrate the fleeting beauty of sand art.
Mark Your Calendars: What To Do in St Pete Beach This November
The 2025 Sanding Ovations: The Gallery of Sand stretches across two weekends of art, music, and beachside fun. Here’s everything you need to know to catch the action, from sculpting showcases to fireworks lighting up the Treasure Island sky.
Main Event Weekend
November 20–23, 2025
Day | Hours | Highlights |
Thursday Nov 20 | 10 AM – 6 PM | Opening day! Watch master sculptors begin transforming the sand into works of art. |
Friday Nov 21 | 10 AM – 10 PM | Sculpting continues into the evening with live music and beach vibes. |
Saturday Nov 22 | 10 AM – 10 PM |
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Sunday Nov 23 | 10 AM – 10 PM | Last chance to explore the sculptures and catch the kite flying on the beach. |
Encore Weekend
November 29–30, 2025
Day | Hours |
Saturday, Nov 29 | 10 AM – 6 PM |
Sunday, Nov 30 | 10 AM – 6 PM |
Beach Vibes & Event Tips: What to Know Before You Go
Before you head out to The Gallery of Sand, here’s everything you need to know to make your Sanding Ovations weekend smooth, sunny, and stress-free.
How to Get There
- By Shuttle: The Paradise Island shuttles are the easiest way to reach the event area. They run approximately every 15 minutes.
- By Trolley: Take the Suncoast Beach Trolley — stop #7650 (northbound) or #7651 (southbound) drops you closest to the festival grounds.
- Ride Share: Designated drop-off and pickup is at City Hall, 10451 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island.
- Driving In: Arrive early, especially on Saturday evening during the fireworks show, to secure a convenient spot.
Parking
There’s plenty of parking around Treasure Island — just make sure to note which lots offer shuttles or require credit/debit payments.
Lot Name | Address | Shuttle Hours |
Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis Facility | 10315 Paradise Blvd | Fri, Nov 21: 4–11 PM Sat, Nov 22 & 29: 11 AM–11 PM Sun, Nov 23 & 30: 11 AM–7 PM |
Paradise Lutheran Church | 10255 Paradise Blvd | Sat–Sun Only (Lot opens at 1 PM on Sundays) |
The Club at Treasure Island | 400 Treasure Island Causeway | Fri, Nov 21: 4–11 PM Sat, Nov 22 & 29: 11 AM–11 PM Sun, Nov 23 & 30: 11 AM–7 PM |
Madeira Beach Fundamental | 591 Tom Stuart Causeway | Shuttle every 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic |
Where to Stay
Many spots are within minutes of the festival grounds, so you can enjoy the sculptures by day and the nightlife by night.
If you’re not sure where to start, St. Pete Vibes is your trusted booking site for finding the best vacation rentals around St. Pete Beach, FL.
✔ Book early. The Sanding Ovations weekends draw big crowds, so grab your spot ahead of time — especially for places near Gulf Boulevard or the Treasure Island Causeway.
✔ Stay central. Look for stays near Mid-Island Treasure Island or Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach for easy access to restaurants, shuttles, and live music.
✔ Explore nearby. Make a mini road trip out of it — hit John’s Pass Village for shopping and live entertainment, or stop by Downtown St. Pete for art, culture, and late-night bites.
✔ Travel light, go cashless. Since the event is cashless, make sure your cards or mobile payments are ready for parking, food, and drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time to visit Sanding Ovations 2025?
The best time to visit is during the main weekend, November 20–23, when most sculptors are on-site and live music, fireworks, and activities fill the beach. For a more relaxed vibe, visit during the encore weekend, November 29–30, to explore “The Gallery of Sand” at your own pace.
Are food and drinks available at Sanding Ovations?
Yes! The event features a beach food court and beer garden, offering local eats, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats — all cashless for convenience.
Can I bring my own beach chairs or coolers?
You can bring folding chairs or blankets to enjoy the music and view the sculptures comfortably. However, glass containers, smoking, and vaping are prohibited by city ordinance.
Is Sanding Ovations family-friendly?
Absolutely. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities like sand sculpting lessons and kite flying, plus live entertainment throughout the weekend. It’s one of the best free events on the Gulf Coast for all ages.
What else can I do around Treasure Island during the event?
After exploring Sanding Ovations, check out nearby St. Pete Beach hotspots, local restaurants, and art markets. For vacation rentals near the event, visit St. Pete Vibes — your trusted site for booking stays across St. Pete Beach.
Wanna See These Incredible Sand Masterpieces Up Close?
Sanding Ovations might be the highlight of November, but the fun doesn’t stop when the last sculpture’s done.
Between the beaches, the sunsets, and the endless coastal charm, there’s always something to explore around Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach.
Book your stay with St. Pete Vibes and experience the best of St. Pete Beach, FL, vacation, from sunrise strolls on the sand to laid-back nights under the palm trees.