Country Thunder — the largest Country music festival brand in North America — is making history next year with its first-ever beachfront festival.
For 2026, Country Thunder Florida touches down on the iconic sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach, taking over the Gulf shoreline May 8–10 for the brand’s biggest and boldest event yet. Rolling Stone announced the full lineup earlier today, underscoring the significance of Country Thunder’s first beachfront festival. This milestone year calls for a massive lineup, led by superstar headliners Zach Top, Gavin Adcock and Kane Brown, with a powerhouse supporting cast that includes Randy Houser, Max McNown, Shaboozey, Dasha, and many more. Tickets and Premium packages are available here complete with a new budget-friendly option. For $20 down and monthly payments to follow fans can secure their spot for the must-attend festival weekend.
As bright as the Florida sun, the 2026 lineup delivers pure heat. Adcock, Brown and Top consistently sell out arenas and amphitheaters across the country, and for one weekend only, fans can catch all three sharing the same beachfront stage. The energy continues from day to night with performances from Gretchen Wilson, Braxton Keith, Cole Goodwin, Elizabeth Nichols, Solon Holt, Jay Webb, and additional rising acts — ensuring music pulses across St. Pete Beach all weekend long.
This year’s festival unfolds on the sprawling 40-acre grounds of TradeWinds Resort, the legendary beachfront escape home to Island Grand and RumFish Beach. Long known as a destination for sun, surf, and unforgettable weekends, TradeWinds now becomes the epic setting for Country Thunder’s first oceanfront takeover. Picture turquoise Gulf water just steps from the main stage, palm trees framing the skyline, and sunsets that wash the entire festival in golden light. It’s a rare fusion of destination vacation and festival adrenaline — where you can wander from the sand to the stage in seconds.
“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.”
“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.”
Country Thunder’s debut at TradeWinds is expected to draw fans from across the U.S., transforming one of America’s most celebrated beaches into a three-day soundtrack of guitars, Gulf breezes, and nonstop Country anthems.
Festivalgoers staying in St. Pete Beach will enjoy effortless access to the grounds, while those traveling from nearby regions can utilize off-site parking and dedicated shuttle service. TradeWinds will also offer exclusive discounted room packages, giving fans the opportunity to turn the Country Thunder weekend into a full-fledged beach escape. For more information on TradeWinds Resort visit here.
Beyond the music, the concourse promises all-day action: cowboy hat and apparel vendors, a wide range of food offerings, signature carnival rides plus an additional stage spotlighting rising artists from the “Sunshine State” and Songwriter Showcase featuring the writers behind the Main Stage’s biggest smashes. With surprise artist meet & greets known to pop up unannounced, fans will want to stay on their toes.
Safety and experience remain top priorities for the brand. This year introduces a new patented barricade system, reinforcing Country Thunder’s commitment to delivering a best-in-class festival environment. It’s all part of Vollhoffer’s vision to continually elevate what festivalgoers can expect from the Country Thunder name.
Country Thunder Florida earned rave reviews last year during its Tampa edition at Raymond James Stadium. Entertainment Focus praised, “From the moment gates opened, the energy was electric,” while Country Now declared, “Country Thunder Tampa had something for everyone.”
For more information and future announcements, visit countrythunder.com/fl.
Country Thunder’s 2026 festival season is ready to roll. First up, Country Thunder Arizona returns on April 9-12 at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, AZ. Its announcement incited buzz instantly. Beyond plugs from AZ Central, Music Row, COWGIRL, and more, Phoenix New Times proclaimed, “The massive four-day country music event is fixin' to get rowdy with an epic roster of stars,” while Backstage Country promised, “Country Thunder is coming in hot in 2026 for its 30th year.” Country Now professed, “With a strong history of selling out events across multiple countries, the brand continues to soar as one of the most influential live music experiences in the country genre.”
But that’s only the beginning for Country Thunder in 2026. As the global leader in Country music festivals, the brand recently announced Country Thunder Alberta (June 26-28), Country Thunder Saskatchewan (July 9-12) and Country Thunder Wisconsin (July 16-19) lineups. With an impeccable track record of sellouts in multiple countries and across borders, it has truly taken flight as an incomparable and influential global live music brand for Country music.
