Headlands BeachFest 2023

Headlands Beach Fest is a family-friendly event which celebrates the elements of wind, water, and sand on Ohio’s longest beach.

The event will be held at Headlands Beach State Park on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

First hosted in 2014, BeachFest attracts upwards of 15,000 visitors annually from across Northeast Ohio as well as surrounding states.

The “ultimate beach party” features all-day entertainment, hands-on activities, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and more. It’s highlighted by the Ohio Master Sand Sculpting Competition which features three world champion sand sculptors who will build their larger-than-life creations over four days.  Work will begin on Wednesday, July 12th and will be completed sometime Saturday afternoon when BeachFest attendees will have the opportunity to vote for, and crown, the winner of this year’s competition.

Kids of all ages will also have plenty of opportunity to get their hands dirty by competing in the Family Sandcastle Building Contest and participating in a number of other activities as well. Activities are planned throughout the day so the little ones will always have something fun to do.

And, be sure to come hungry because some of the area’s favorite food trucks will be on hand selling their tasty treats.

The arts and crafts vendors will be selling a number of beach-themed items including apparel, jewelry, accessories, and more.

Headlands BeachFest is presented by Remarkable Lake County and supported by Meijer, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, and Mimi Vanderhaven.

Free admission and parking.  Headlands Beach State Park is located at 9601 Headlands Road.

11:00 – 7:00 Continuous Music with DJ
11:00 – 7:00 Interactive Activities
11:00 – 7:00 Ohio Society of Kites
11:00 – 4:45 People Choice Voting For Master Sand Sculptures
11:30 – 1:00 Family Sand Castle Building Contest
12:00 – 3:00 Take a Picture with Ariel
1:00 – 1:45 Strolling Parade with the Art Acts
1:15 Winner of Family Sand Castle Announced
2:30 -4:00 Family Sand Castle Building Contest
3:00 – 3:45 Strolling Parade with the Art Acts
4:15 Winner of Family Sand Castle Announced
5:00 Winner of the Master Sand Sculpting Contest

ISABELLE GASSE
Isabelle Gasse is a multidisciplinary artist hailing from Quebec City who splits her time as an art designer on movie sets and as a master sculptor on beaches around the world. She has a passion for telling stories and expressing complex feelings through strong images – skills she honed as a youth with her hands in the ice and snow during the harsh winters of Canada. Her work shined in several national and international winter events, including the Hôtel de Glace in Montreal, where she has brought home several prizes. She has already made her mark as well in the sand with her well-mastered surrealist style. She is currently featured on season 3 of Race Against the Tide which airs on CBC.

GREG J. GRADY
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Greg is a self-taught artist, 2nd generation sand sculptor, and a Marine Corp veteran. He developed his love for sand sculpture as a child by traveling every chance he got with his father to professional sand sculpture events where he had the opportunity to play in some of the biggest and best sand boxes any kid could imagine. Today, Greg’s childhood dreams are a reality with a career creating sand sculptures at events around the globe. Greg plans to continue doing what he loves, making art and sharing his creations with people and places all over the world. He is continuously honing his skills so be sure to keep an eye on this artist to wow the crowds both in the art of sand and beyond. Learn more at www.SculpturesGregGrady.com

CARL JARA
You may recognize this guy, Carl Jara. From right here in Greater Cleveland, he’s been sculpting sand up and down the Lake Erie shore and all over Ohio for the past three decades. You may have seen him at the Children’s Museum or Oktoberfest, but he’s also been working all over the US and in more than a dozen other countries. He has been seen on the Travel Channel’s Sand Blasters and Sand Wars. In fact, his rather illustrious career has earned him dozens of medals at contests worldwide. When he’s not out playing a sand sculpting rockstar, he’s creating furniture in his traditional 19th century wood shop and filling his days at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History where he gets to build all those cool exhibits. You can see all of his work at www.artcleveland.com.

  • Classic Kettle Corn
  • Cookies to Go!
  • East Coast Custard
  • Hunger Squad
  • Island Delights Inc
  • Jilly Jean’s Comfort Food
  • Mac Attack
  • Moosies Tornado Potatoes
  • MsCotti’s Biscotti and Scones
  • Queen Bean
  • S & N Eats
  • Snowie Daze

Craft Vendor at Headlands BeachFest

Headlands BeachFest has many wonderful craft vendors for you to discover!

  • Bigfoot Fiber Farm & Sasquatch Ceramics
  • Bree Happy Designs
  • C&Z Candles
  • Chlos Jewelry Creations
  • Crafty Workshop and Gifts
  • Geauga Humane Society
  • Kats Pot Shop
  • Lisa’s Essential Beauty and the Beads
  • Maria Ruvolo – UROCK
  • Night Owl Creations
  • Northcoast Makings
  • PB&J Penny’s Beaded Jewelry
  • Pickle Pup Swag
  • Pink Zebra Home Fragrance
  • Rachel’s Beaded Creations
  • Richert Games
  • TB Designs
  • The Floral Feather
  • This and That Treasures
  • Tie Dye by Amy
  • tom-szabo.com
  • Union Creek Soap Company
  • Virginia Wall
  • Washed Up Treasures

Coming Soon!

Coming in from out of town?

Make the most of your visit! Download a copy of our newly updated Mentor Visitor Guide which contains information on restaurants, shopping, events, activities and more.  We hope you enjoy your stay.

Need information on becoming a Vendor? Click here!
Arts & Crafts Vendor Application