Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The relocation of Country Thunder Florida to a new waterfront venue in Clearwater promises an unforgettable experience for country music fans.Clearwater Today
Country Thunder Florida is changing venues for its 2026 edition, moving the three-day country music festival from St. Pete Beach to Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida. Organizers say the new waterfront location offers the space and infrastructure needed to fully deliver the large-scale experience they envisioned, after facing permitting challenges at the previous site.
Why it matters
The relocation to Clearwater marks another change of venue for Country Thunder Florida, which has previously been held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The move to a new location 45 minutes north of the original site aims to provide a better overall experience for fans, while also working within the logistical constraints faced by the festival organizers.
The details
Country Thunder Florida will now take place May 8-10, 2026 at Coachman Park in Clearwater, about 45 minutes north of its previously planned home at St. Pete Beach. The new waterfront venue offers more space and infrastructure to fully execute the large-scale country music festival. This follows the 2025 edition being held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, and an earlier 2026 announcement tied to St. Pete Beach that faced permitting challenges.
Country Thunder Florida will be held May 8-10, 2026.The festival was previously planned for St. Pete Beach before the location change to Clearwater.
The players
Country Thunder
The organizers of the Country Thunder Florida music festival.
Coachman Park
The new venue in Clearwater, Florida that will host Country Thunder Florida in 2026.
Jennifer Poirrier
The City Manager of Clearwater, who expressed excitement about hosting the festival.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
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.”
— 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.”
— 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.
The takeaway
The relocation of Country Thunder Florida to Clearwater’s Coachman Park aims to provide a better overall experience for fans, with more space and infrastructure to fully execute the large-scale country music festival after facing logistical challenges at the previous site.