TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — An event that brings sand to life through different shapes and sculptures is returning to Treasure Island for people to enjoy – Sanding Ovations.
The annual event will take over Treasure Island Beach for two full weekends from Nov. 16-19 and Nov. 25-26.
This year's theme "It's About Time" will feature "incredible sand sculptures, live music featuring national and local artists, beach vendors, fireworks and much more," event leaders explain in a news release.
Event-goers can look forward to a masterful exhibition of sand sculpting talent by sponsor sculptures created by Treasure Island's own Dan and Meredith Doubleday.
The event is free and open to the public.
Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know for the 2023 Sanding Ovations event.
- Sue McGrew
- Deborah Barrett-Cutulle
- Benoit Dutherage
- Abe Waterman
- Damon Meri
- Mélineige Beauregard
- Fergus Mulvany
- Dan and Meredith Doubleday
- Bruce Phillips
- Morgan Rudluff
- Jonathan Bouchard "Jobi"
Anyone interested in reading the sand sculptor's bio can click here.
Main Weekend:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16
- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17
- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 (Fireworks start at 10 p.m.)
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19
Encore Weekend:
- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26
Main Weekend headliners:
- George Porter Jr and Runnin' Pardners
- The Landsharks Band
- Jimmy Buffet tribute band
- Seranation
- Sorelle
Other performers:
- The Black Honkeys Band
- Crossfire Creek
- Kid Royal Band
- Sarasota Slim
- Motel Funk
- Coastal Collective
- Alex Whalen
- DJ Johnny G
Encore Weekend performers:
- School of Rock - St. Pete
- Applebutter Express
- Charlie Morris Band
- Doug Smith
- Cornfused
- The Beach Rats
- Jerry Outlaw Group
- Dead Set
For the first time ever, event-goers can enjoy a VIP tent that has an open bar, backstage access and front-row seating. People can pay $75 to soak in the luxury of the VIP tent on Friday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 19.
On Saturday, Nov. 18, the price increases to $100. There's also a three-day VIP pass for $150.
Treasure Island's new law banning smoking and vaping will be in effect during the Sanding Ovations event.
"Guests are reminded that there is no smoking or vaping on the beach sand or Beach Trail," event leaders explain in the release.
People who want to smoke or vape can do so in city parking lots or in designated areas set up by hotels.
This year's Sanding Ovations event will be cashless. According to event leaders, parking, bars and the merchandise tent won't be accepting cash.
"Visitors can pay using their mobile wallets, a credit card or app," event leaders explain in the release.
On the other hand, vendors will be accepting cash and/or credit.