The BeachFest Mentored Competition is created for Novice and Intermediate groomers who want hands-on guidance as they learn the ropes of competitive grooming. Competitors work with purebred dogs while receiving in-ring support from an experienced mentor who circulates throughout the class. This format gives participants the chance to ask questions, get real-time feedback, and build confidence, making it the perfect entry point for anyone beginning their competition journey.

The Silhouette Trim competition is open to groomers of all experience levels. This class focuses on enhancing the natural outline of double-coated breeds without cutting excessively into the coat. Competitors must shape, neaten, and balance the dog’s overall silhouette while preserving breed-appropriate texture and length.

Clipper It Down is open to groomers of all experience levels, with all participants competing together in one unified division. This class focuses on clipper technique, giving groomers the opportunity to demonstrate their precision and creativity using clippers as the primary tool for the entire groom and only allowing scissors at the very end.

Abstract Runway is open to competitors of all experience levels and showcases bold pattern work, sparkling accents, and runway-ready creativity. Dogs arrive fully groomed with their abstract designs already completed. This class focuses on presentation, theme execution, and the artistic balance of lines, shapes, contrast, and movement as the dog walks the runway.

Abstract Runway is open to competitors of all experience levels and showcases bold pattern work, sparkling accents, and runway-ready creativity. Cats arrive fully groomed with their abstract designs already completed. This class focuses on presentation, theme execution, and the artistic balance of lines, shapes, contrast, and positioning as the cat exhibits.

BeachFest Championship welcomes competitors of all experience levels, though it’s generally best suited for groomers in the Intermediate and Open divisions. This class is limited to purebred dogs and serves as the only BeachFest competition eligible for participants seeking certification evaluations from an NDGAA/AKC certifier.

The Creative Beach competition invites groomers of all levels to let loose, transform a dog live in the ring and showcase their wildest, salon-worthy imaginative trims. Think bold color, bling, texture, possibility. It’s all about taking a dog from everyday to extraordinary in just 1.5 hours.

Model Dog With a Twist is open to all competitor levels and brings a playful, real-salon feel to the ring. Competitors must bring their own model dog and a fully brushed-out wig, ready to style. At the start of the class, each participant will draw a card with a popular everyday salon request, and whatever style they pull is the trim they must complete on their model dog. It’s fast, fun, and the perfect way to show off practical grooming skills groomers see daily.

Cutthroat Grooming is BeachFest’s wildest, most unpredictable grooming showdown—part competition, part comedy, and full-on Saturday night entertainment. This class throws groomers into a fast-paced, game-show-style challenge where strategy matters just as much as skill. Competitors bring a prepped dog and nothing else. Every tool they’ll use must be grabbed—literally—when the clock starts. Think baking show chaos… but with a room full of groomers sprinting like their career depends on it. It’s rowdy, it’s ridiculous, and you absolutely do not want to miss this one of a kind event!

The Model Dog Showcase is open to groomers of all experience levels and highlights artistry, preparation, and finish work completed outside the ring. Competitors arrive with a fully groomed and completed model dog that is ready for immediate presentation. This class is ideal for groomers who want to demonstrate precision, creativity, and salon-quality detail work without the pressure of timed in-ring grooming.

The Model Dog Showcase is open to groomers of all experience levels and highlights artistry, preparation, and finish work completed outside the ring. Competitors arrive with a fully groomed and completed model dog that is ready for immediate presentation. This class is ideal for groomers who want to demonstrate precision, creativity, and salon-quality detail work without the pressure of timed in-ring grooming.

The Freestyle Championship is open to groomers of all experience levels, though it is most suitable for competitors in the Intermediate and Open categories.

The Freestyle Mentored Competition is built specifically for Novice and Intermediate groomers who want real, in-the-moment coaching while they compete. This division offers direct access to an experienced mentor throughout the entire class, giving competitors the chance to ask questions, get feedback, and learn techniques right in the ring. It’s a supportive, instructional environment designed for groomers who want to try non-breed standard trims with the confidence of having a professional guide at their side.

Partners In Crime is a lighthearted, team-based grooming challenge where two groomers work together on a single dog. This class is all about teamwork, creativity, and having as much fun in the ring as possible while still keeping the dog’s safety and comfort top priority. Competitors are encouraged to laugh, play, entertain the judges, and fully lean into the chaos. Bribes for the judges are not only allowed, they’re celebrated! One registration per team

Includes access to Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday regular and speciality seminars and demonstrations, plus VIP seating in all classes and competition area, open bar at kick off party, early access, and special gifts!

Includes access to Friday, Saturday, Sunday regular and specialty seminars and demonstrations, plus VIP seating in all classes and competition area, early access, and special gifts!

Includes access to Friday, Saturday, Sunday regular seminars and demonstrations.

Available to purchase for Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday which includes access to onsite regular seminars and demonstrations for a specific day.

Access to all speciality sessions on Thursday. Choose from CPR or AKC Workshop, Bather Certificate OR Creative Hands On Class, and Social Media with Marcia Strong!

Available to purchase for Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday which includes access to onsite regular seminars and demonstrations for a specific day.

Only want one class? Or two on separate days? Purchase an individual session pass which will grant you access to one non-specialty seminar.

Specialty sessions all include a certificate at completion and all materials needed for the class. (excluding notebooks and pens)

Purchase a trade show pass or keep an eye on our social media to receive free tickets!

Purchase a trade show pass or keep an eye on our social media to receive free tickets!

Purchase a trade show pass or keep an eye on our social media to receive free tickets!