A major update if you’re planning on going to Country Thunder Florida.
Since 1993, Country Thunder has been bringing country music festivals to your cities. The festival production company got its start in 1993 in Wisconsin. It quickly expanded its market, growing in 1996 and adding on since, marketing Saskatchewan in 2005, Alberta in 2016, and Florida in 2019 as significant market expansions.
Thanks to the massive success of their Florida expansion back in 2019, Country Thunder originally set their 2026 festival, which features Zach Top, Gavin Adcock and Kane Brown as headliners, to take place at TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach on May 8-10.
This morning, however, Country Thunder Florida has officially moved the festival less than 20 miles down the road to Coachman Park in Clearwater.
Country Thunder Executive Director Kim Blevins explained that the move to Clearwater was thanks to the infrastructure offered at Coachman Park.
Additionally, she added that the park allows them to execute their full vision for the festival experience.
“This is about putting on the festival we came here to deliver. As we moved forward with planning for the festival, it became clear that Clearwater offered the infrastructure and community partnership needed to bring this event to life the right way. Coachman Park gives us the ability to execute our full vision and create an unforgettable experience for fans. We’re excited to be in a community that’s truly embracing what Country Thunder is all about, and we can’t wait for an incredible event.”
Clearwater City Manager Jennifer Poirrier expressed how excited she is for the city to be the new location for Country Thunder, commenting on how hard the city has been working to make this last-minute move come to fruition.
“We are excited to introduce Country music fans to beautiful waterfront Coachman Park and to be the new location for Country Thunder.
There’s a lot that goes into expediting event preparations and moving a festival 30 days before it is scheduled and we have been working around the clock with Country Thunder officials to ensure we deliver a great festival experience for ticket holders and the artists.
I’m excited to put on my boots and watch the sunset while listening to some great Country music.”
Finally, Travis Johnson, Hotel Manager of TradeWinds Resort, would comment about the switch. Though he’s disappointed about the move, Johnson would note that it was a privilege to work alongside Country Thunder. Additionally, he’d express that he’s excited to welcome country music fans to the city despite the festival no longer taking place at the venue.
“While we are disappointed that Country Thunder Florida will no longer take place on St. Pete Beach, it has been a privilege to work alongside the Country Thunder team throughout this process Both Country Thunder and TradeWinds worked closely with the city, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission, to address permitting requirements, and ultimately this decision reflects what is best for the overall logistics and long-term success of the event.
We are proud to remain a resort partner and look forward to welcoming Country music fans to St. Pete-Clearwater and to TradeWinds Resort, while continuing to support the positive economic impact this event brings to our community.”
The festival ran into some issues with permitting, specifically related to sea turtle nesting grounds on the beach, among other environmental concerns.
Though Country Thunder Florida is moving locations, it’s still set to take place exactly as scheduled in Clearwater. As promised, the Clearwater location at Coachman Park will still provide fans with Country Thunder’s first-ever beachside experience, promising breathtaking views and lush green space throughout the park’s 20+ acres.
Additionally, the festival will be offering cowboy hat and apparel vendors, a wide range of food offerings, an additional stage spotlighting rising artists from the state and a Songwriter Showcase featuring the writers behind the Main Stage’s biggest smashes.
In case the last-minute change affected fans’ travel plans, Country Thunder ticket holders can refund their passes at the original point of purchase.
