Country Thunder Florida Makes History With Its First-Ever Beachfront Festival in 2026
Zach Top, Gavin Adcock and Kane Brown will headline next year’s festival.
Gavin Adcock, Zach Top, Kane Brown; Photos Provided
Country Thunder, North America’s largest country music festival brand, is making waves—literally. For the first time in its history, Country Thunder Florida is going beachfront with plans to host it’s 2026 festival on the sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach from May 8–10.
Today’s announcement also included the full lineup for next year’s concert experience on the Gulf shoreline, which confirms it’s going to celebrate the historic year with a star-studded weekend.
Headliners Zach Top, Gavin Adcock, and Kane Brown will lead the beachfront stage for one weekend only, while a powerhouse supporting acts including Randy Houser, Max McNown, Shaboozey, Dasha, Gretchen Wilson, Braxton Keith, Cole Goodwin, Elizabeth Nichols, Solon Holt, Jay Webb, and more will keeps the music pumping from day into night. Rising artists from the “Sunshine State” and a Songwriter Showcase will also appear throughout the weekend, allowing concertgoers to meet the talent behind some of the biggest hits in country music.
Beyond the performances, Country Thunder Florida promises to be the brand’s “biggest and boldest” event yet, complete with cowboy hat and apparel vendors, signature carnival rides, a variety of food options, and surprise artist meet-and-greets to keep the excitement going all weekend long.
“Bringing Country Thunder to St. Pete Beach marks an exciting new era for our festival,” says Troy Vollhoffer, CEO & President of Country Thunder. “From the moment we first stepped onto the white sands at TradeWinds, we knew this was the perfect home for an elevated fan experience. Partnering with a world-class resort that has been a cornerstone of this community allows us to deliver something truly special — not just for our fans, but for the entire region. With the Gulf as our backdrop and Country music’s biggest artists on our stage, 2026 will be one for the books.”
Spanning the 40-acre grounds of TradeWinds Resort, home to Island Grand and RumFish Beach, Country Thunder Florida will place festivalgoers just steps from turquoise Gulf waters, surrounded by swaying palm trees and breathtaking sunsets. Known for its sun-filled weekends and vibrant atmosphere, TradeWinds sets the stage for the festival’s first-ever beachfront experience, allowing music lovers to enjoy a beach vacation and high-energy country music event all in one weekend.
“TradeWinds has proudly welcomed generations of families, locals and visitors alike to our shores for decades,” says Scott Robbins, Managing Director of TradeWinds Resort. “Hosting Country Thunder is not only an exciting moment for music lovers, but a major economic driver that will directly benefit our local businesses, hospitality workers, and the broader community we’re so proud to be part of. With top Country stars performing against the backdrop of our iconic white-sand beach, this festival will bring unforgettable energy and memories to St. Pete Beach.”
Building on the success and excitement of last year’s Tampa edition at Raymond James Stadium, the upcoming festival promises to be bigger, bolder, and unforgettable.
The 2026 event is expected to draw fans from across the U.S., and tickets are already on sale here to secure spots at this historic beachfront festival. Options include Premium packages and a new budget-friendly plan, allowing attendees to reserve their weekend with just $20 down and convenient monthly payments.
Festivalgoers staying in St. Pete Beach will have easy access to the grounds, while those coming from surrounding areas can take advantage of off-site parking and a dedicated shuttle service. TradeWinds Resort is also offering exclusive discounted room packages, giving fans the chance to turn their Country Thunder weekend into a full beach getaway. For more information on TradeWinds Resort visit here.
The festival brand is also keeping safety and fan experience front and center for 2026. A new patented barricade system will be in place, reflecting the festival’s dedication to creating a secure, top-tier environment. This further hones in on CEO Troy Vollhoffer’s vision to continually raise the bar on the Country Thunder experience.
The Country Thunder festival season will kick off with Country Thunder Arizona, taking place on April 9-12 at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, AZ, followed by Country Thunder Florida, Country Thunder Alberta (June 26-28), Country Thunder Saskatchewan (July 9-12) and Country Thunder Wisconsin (July 16-19).
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
