Artists in sand sculpting bring their skills to the beach at annual Sun and Sea Festival in Imperial Beach

Masters of sand sculpting return to Imperial Beach this weekend for the annual Sun & Sea Festival. These artists use their creativity, technique and vision to combine sand and water, creating elaborate structures, animals, characters and more under this year’s theme, “Under the Sea.” On Friday, there’s a display sandcastle, beach swim/paddle with the mayor or a beach walk/run in the morning, followed by breakfast. On Saturday, early risers can stop by the pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a community parade at 9 a.m. (with prime viewing at Portwood Pier Plaza and Evergreen Avenue). The kids’ zone will have games, activities and food, and there’s a sand-sculpting competition for the little ones, too. There’s also plenty of food vendors and restaurants for adults, live music and more.

Sun & Sea Festival: 8 a.m. to dusk Friday, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Along Seacoast Drive, between Portwood Pier Plaza and Dunes Park, Imperial Beach. sunandseafestival.com