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.
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. 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 – Troy Vollhoffer, CEO & President of Country Thunder.
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.
Festival goers 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.
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.
If you are looking for a place to stay for Country Thunder Florida 2026 then check out our interactive accommodation map below. Just add in the dates you want to stay and the venue and you will be able to see what’s available nearby!
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