Some future builders found a sand-sational way to spend the weekend at San Francisco's Ocean Beach as the  annual Leap Sandcastle Classic made waves.

The event brought together students, professionals, and families to build massive sand sculptures and support arts education in Bay Area public schools.

This year's theme was “Level Up!”, celebrating the world of video games. From classic arcade games to mobile favorites, the sandcastles qualified the next level. 

Thousands of local 3rd through 5th graders, along with professionals from over 100 architecture, design, and tech companies, teamed up to create larger-than-life sculptures, all while raising funds to keep arts education alive in Bay Area schools.

The event helps raise over $300,000 to provide arts education for nearly 10,000 Bay Area students.