Spectacular Sand Sculpture Competition Has New Rhode Island Location

The Atlantis RIsing sand sculpture competition is returning to Rhode Island with a new date, new location and more larger than life sand art.

It's been since October 2023 that the beaches of South County Rhode Island were last covered in massive works of sand art. That last Atlantis RIsing, held at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, was so popular it needed a larger space.

So after 18 months of waiting, the latest sand sculpture competition will kick off in Charlestown later this month.

When is Atlantis RIsing 2025?

After the 2023 competition, the South County Tourism Council's plan was to change venues from Misquamicut State Beach to Ninigret Park due to the need for more parking and to be closer to the Thomas Dambo trolls.

READ MORE: More Gigantic Trolls Coming to Rhode Island

But with the new venue came new date needs, because fall bird migration prevents large crowds from gathering at Ninigret Park in October.

Instead May 30 - June 1, 2025 are the dates for this year's event and people can't wait to see what the 10 international sand sculpture artists come up with this time.

Who Won the 2023 Atlantis RIsing?

At the last Atlantis RIsing, Lithuanian sculptor Andrius Petkus won first place with his piece titled "HUGGER-MUGGER" and Canadian David Ducharme took second for his work "Intertwined."

This year many new names are on the artist list, as well as many new activities for the whole family.

2025 Atlantis RIsing Schedule of Events

The event is rain or shine with tickets available right at the entrance gate. There's food vendors, a beer and wine tent plus activities for the kids all weekend long.

Pirate school and bubbly fairy activities will take place throughout the afternoons, while live music from bands like Sugar and Steve Smith and the Nakeds (a favorite band of actor Bill Murray) will end each night.

READ MORE: Why Bill Murray Should Just Move to New Bedford Already

Things wrap up on Sunday June 1 with the judges awards at 2 P.M. and the People's Choice Award at 5 P.M.