Country Thunder Florida Moves to Clearwater for 2026 Event

The three-day country music festival will now be held at Coachman Park, about 45 minutes north of its previous St. Pete Beach location.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:40pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of weathered wooden planks reflecting the bright, glittering lights of a country music festival stage, conveying the energy and excitement of the live outdoor event.The vibrant lights and textures of Country Thunder Florida's new Clearwater home will set the stage for an unforgettable 2026 festival experience.Clearwater Today

Country Thunder Florida is relocating its 2026 edition to Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida, about 45 minutes north of the festival's previously planned home at St. Pete Beach. Organizers say the new waterfront venue offers the space and infrastructure needed to fully deliver the large-scale country music experience they envisioned, after facing permitting challenges at the original site.

Why it matters

The move to Clearwater marks another location change for the popular Country Thunder festival, which previously took place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in 2025. The new Coachman Park venue provides more room for the festival's main stage, secondary stages, food vendors, sponsor activations, and other fan experiences that organizers aim to offer.

The details

The three-day Country Thunder Florida festival will now be held May 8–10, 2026 at Coachman Park in Clearwater. The lineup is headlined by Kane Brown, Zach Top, and Gavin Adcock, with a deep roster of over 20 additional performers including Randy Houser, Max McNown, Shaboozey, Gretchen Wilson, Braxton Keith, and Dasha. Beyond the main stage, the festival will feature food vendors, western apparel stands, a secondary stage for up-and-coming Florida artists, and a Songwriter Showcase.

  • Country Thunder Florida was previously scheduled to take place at St. Pete Beach in 2026.
  • The 2026 festival will now be held May 8–10 at Coachman Park in Clearwater.
  • Country Thunder Florida was held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in 2025.

The players

Kim Blevins

Country Thunder Executive Director.

Jennifer Poirrier

Clearwater City Manager.

Coachman Park

The new waterfront venue in Clearwater that will host Country Thunder Florida in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kim Blevins, Country Thunder Executive Director

“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.”

— Jennifer Poirrier, Clearwater City Manager

What’s next

Fans who already purchased tickets for the original St. Pete Beach location can request refunds through their original point of purchase. Pricing for three-day general admission passes remains around $300, with some reduced daily rates available through participating retailers.

The takeaway

The relocation of Country Thunder Florida to Clearwater's Coachman Park highlights the festival's commitment to providing the best possible experience for fans, even if it means adapting to new venues and locations on short notice. The move also demonstrates Clearwater's eagerness to embrace the country music event and work closely with organizers to ensure a smooth transition and successful 2026 edition.