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Country Thunder Music Festival Announces Move From St. Pete Beach to Clearwater
Organizers said refunds will be available after environmental protests and permit concerns pushed the festival from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater.
- On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Country Thunder Florida officially announced its move to Coachman Park in Clearwater, ending a weeks-long standoff over environmental permits at the original St. Pete Beach site.
- Residents and the Audubon Society protested the festival's timing, as the original May 8-10 schedule conflicted with nesting season for sea turtles and shorebirds, creating regulatory hurdles that organizers failed to address.
- Clearwater City Manager Jennifer Poirrier confirmed city staff worked "around the clock" to facilitate the move 30 days before the festival. Organizers stated Coachman Park gives them "the ability to execute our full vision."
- TradeWinds Resort manager Travis Johnson said it was "a privilege to work alongside" the festival team, while refunds became available to ticket holders due to the venue change.
- The Florida Orchestra agreed to move its "Symphony by the Sea" concert to June 6, 2026, at The BayCare Sound, clearing the venue for Country Thunder and allowing ticket refunds to process.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Country Thunder Music Festival announces move from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater
The Country Thunder Music Festival announced its move from St. Pete Beach to the Coachman Park in Clearwater on Tuesday. The event was met with backlash because it was set to happen during the seabird and sea turtle nesting season in front of the Tradewinds Resort. Since the event was going to happen on the beach, Country Thunder needed permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Co…
Country Thunder submits application to move event to Clearwater after wildlife concerns on St. Pete Beach
A city of Clearwater staff member confirmed to FOX 13 that an application from Country Thunder has been received for the use of Coachman Park, a 19-acre waterfront venue known for hosting large events and concerts.
ktmoradio.com
Country Thunder Florida moving to Clearwater for 2026 Event
Country Thunder Florida is changing course for 2026, with organizers confirming the three-day festival will now be held May 8–10 at Coachman Park in Clearwater—about 45 minutes north of its previously planned home at St. Pete Beach. The waterfront venue, located less than 20 miles from the original site, offers the space and infrastructure needed to fully deliver the large-scale country music experience organizers envisioned. This marks another …
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