Hundreds Gather for San Francisco's 'Hole Party' at Ocean Beach

The annual event draws crowds to dig, reflect, and then fill in the holes they've created.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:48am by Ben Kaplan

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Hundreds of people recently gathered at San Francisco's Ocean Beach for the 13th annual 'Hole Party,' a loosely organized event where participants spend hours digging holes in the sand, only to fill them back in before leaving. The event was started a few years ago by organizer Anna Magruder, who was inspired by the primal urge to dig that she and her friends experienced while at the beach. Despite the seemingly pointless nature of the activity, the event has grown in popularity, with around 200 people showing up for the latest gathering on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Why it matters

The 'Hole Party' highlights the human desire to engage in seemingly meaningless activities, and how those activities can bring people together in unexpected ways. In a city known for its tech culture and fast-paced lifestyle, the event provides a unique opportunity for strangers to connect over a shared, simple experience. It also reflects the Bay Area's embrace of quirky, community-driven events that defy traditional norms.

The details

At the latest 'Hole Party,' participants of all ages and backgrounds arrived at Ocean Beach armed with shovels, determined to dig holes as deep as they could manage. Some worked solo, while others collaborated in groups. The rules of the event are minimal - everyone is invited, and the holes must be filled in before leaving. Organizer Anna Magruder said the appeal lies in the 'primal urge to dig' that many people experience, and the event's ability to bring strangers together around a shared, if unusual, activity.

  • The first 'Hole Party' was held in August 2022.
  • The fifth event, in May 2025, drew around 150 people.
  • The latest gathering took place on Saturday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Anna Magruder

The organizer of the 'Hole Party' who came up with the idea a few years ago after digging a hole with friends and realizing the activity was surprisingly compelling.

Jasmine Downey

A 29-year-old hospital surgery scheduler who enjoys digging holes at the 'Hole Party' in the hopes of finding treasure.

Nick Payne

A 34-year-old participant who described the event as 'a less destructive version of Burning Man.'

Hannah Schoetz

A 35-year-old who attended the event with her husband, not to dig holes but to engage in 'the action of doing something meaningless.'

Kelly Carruth

A 42-year-old who arrived with friends, drinks in hand, and oscillated between describing the scene as 'stupid and wholesome.'

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What they’re saying

“'Because I might find treasure,' she said before she spent an hour digging a hole deep enough so she could fit the length of her body inside it.”

— Jasmine Downey

“'There's a primal urge to dig,' she said.”

— Anna Magruder, Organizer

“'It's kind of fun,' he said.”

— Nick Payne

“'if you're at the beach, what else are you gonna do?'”

— Ryan Kersten

“'but in the action of doing something meaningless.'”

— Hannah Schoetz

What’s next

Organizers have not announced a specific date for the next 'Hole Party,' but they typically hold the event whenever Anna Magruder 'feels like it' and share the details on social media.

The takeaway

The 'Hole Party' at Ocean Beach highlights the human desire to engage in seemingly pointless activities, and how those activities can bring people together in unexpected ways. In a city known for its fast-paced tech culture, the event provides a unique opportunity for strangers to connect over a shared, simple experience that defies traditional norms.