TREASURE ISLAND — The Sanding Ovations Masters Cup is back. After last year’s cancellation due to hurricanes Helene and Milton, the beach is back and ready to show off some world-class art.
1. Where is it and when?
The annual event takes place on the beach at Treasure Island at 10650 Gulf Blvd. It will be held Friday-Sunday, Nov. 20-23, and Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 29-30, but sculpture work is already underway.
Here is the full schedule:
Thursday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 21: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 29-30: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2. What is there to see and do?
Master sand sculptors from around the world will shape massive, creative sand works under the theme “The Gallery of Sand,” a celebration of creativity inspired by the art and color you’d find in museums, murals, and galleries across Tampa Bay.
“The theme enables us to highlight the quality of sand sculptors that Sanding Ovations brings in worldwide. These artists are world champion sculptors who create sand sculptures worthy of being in any gallery,” said Sanding Ovations founder Dan Doubleday.
Alongside the sculptures, there are live-music performances, a food and craft market, kids-zone with sand-sculpting lessons and kite flying. See below for the music lineup.
3. Does it cost money to attend?
Admission is free. It’s a cashless event for all bars, merchandise and parking, however, so bring a card. But don’t bring fido. No dogs are allowed on the beach.
4. What are the signature highlights?
On Saturday, Nov. 22, there will be a fireworks display at about 10 p.m. The encore weekend happens Nov 29-30, giving attendees a second chance to visit. But, of course, the highlight is the artwork created by master sculptures, including Sue McGrew, Deborah Barrett-Cutulle, Melineige Beauregard, Benoit Dutherage, Fergus Mulvany, Damon Meri, Abe Waterman, Bruce Phillips and more.
5. What about parking and logistics?
It’s busy event, so plan ahead. Shuttles and drop-off options are available from several parking or transit locations. Parking near the beach can fill up, so consider using hotel beach trolleys or rideshare drop-off at Treasure Island City Hall, 10451 Gulf Blvd. instead. Visit https://sandingovationsmasterscup.com/ to find out where shuttles can be found.
Music lineup
Thursday, Nov. 20
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: DJ Johnny G
3:45-5:45 p.m.: Johnny B
Friday, Nov. 21
10 a.m.-4 p.m.: DJ Johnny G
4-5:30 p.m.: Kid Royal Band W/Guest Sarasota Slim
6:15-7:45 p.m.: Flannel Riot!
8:30-10 p.m.: Spazmatics
Saturday, Nov. 22
10-11:15 a.m.: DJ Johnny G
11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: School of Rock
2-3:30 p.m.: Alex Whalen
4:15-5:45 p.m.: 90’s Surge
6:30-7:45 p.m.: Earth to Mars-Bruno Mars Tribute Band
8:30-10 p.m.: Pirate Flag Band: Kenny Chesney Tribute Band
Sunday, Nov. 23
10-11:45 a.m.: DJ Johnny G
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Amber Lynn & the Low Tide Band
2-3:30 p.m.: The Low Heavies
4:15-5:45 p.m.: The Higher Standards
Saturday, Nov. 29
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Doug South Band
2-3:30 p.m.: Motel Funk
4:15-5:45 p.m.: Homegrown: The Zac Brown Band Experience
Sunday, Nov. 30
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Applebutter Express
2-3:30 p.m.: Dead Set
4:15-5:45 p.m.: Crossfire Creek
Where to park and ride a shuttle
Friday, Nov. 21
The shuttle will run from 4-11 p.m. from Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Facility (10315 Paradise Blvd.) and The Club at Treasure Island (400 Treasure Island Causeway, park only in designated areas).
Saturday shuttles on Nov. 22 and 29
Shuttles will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from several locations:
• Treasure Bay (10315 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island)
• Paradise Lutheran Church (10255 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island)
• The Club at Treasure Island (400 Treasure Island Causeway, park only in designated areas)
• Madeira Beach Fundamental School (591 Tom Stuart Causeway)
• Sunset Beach Pavilion (800 West Gulf Boulevard)
Sunday shuttles on Nov. 23 and 30
Shuttles will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from three locations:
• Treasure Bay (10315 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island)
• Paradise Lutheran Church (10255 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island)
• The Club at Treasure Island (400 Treasure Island Causeway, park only in designated areas)
Shuttles will run from 1 to 7 p.m. from one location:
• Madeira Beach Fundamental School (591 Tom Stuart Causeway, Madeira Beach)