Top Things to Know about the 2026 Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
Mark your calendar, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival returns March 27 - April 12, 2026!
Head to Clearwater Beach to explore the expansive 24,000-square foot sand sculpture museum featuring the theme, “United in Sand: Celebrating Sports & Spirit.” Eighteen professional sand sculptors will journey from around the world work their magic to transform the world-famous sugar sand into breathtaking sculptures.
There’s more fun to have during the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival than grains of sand on Clearwater Beach. Bring your camera and create your own story, or take advantage of the complimentary souvenir photo with your general admission ticket. The festival offers free sand sculpting classes, 8 nights of FREE beach concerts, fireworks, artisans, food vendors and more! Additionally, Pier 60 Park features a Ferris Wheel and amusements for added thrills.
Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit Hours:
- Sundays through Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tickets
Skip the lines and visit the Sugar Sand Festival website to purchase tickets online. See pricing below.
- General Admission: $16 per person, plus tax
- Children 3 & Under: Free
- Baystar VIP Lounge: Online $75 per person, plus tax ($80 plus tax at the gate)
All on-site ticket purchases will be cashless payment options.
Food & Drink
Sweet treat and snack vendors bring all the fun flavors to the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. From classic festival favorites to indulgent treats, there is something to satisfy every craving. Plus, visit the festival bar for beer, wine, liquor, frozen drinks, and specialty cocktails.
Tropico/Hyatt Sand Bar offers the happiest of hours!
- Thursdays: noon - 9 p.m.
- Fridays: noon - 10 p.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
The Baystar VIP Lounge is available Fridays and Saturdays 5 - 10 p.m. and Sundays 5 - 9 p.m. (closed on Easter Sunday, April 15). VIP Lounge tickets include:
- Fast Lane entrance and ticket admission to the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit
- Complimentary souvenir photo
- Admission to the Baystar VIP Lounge
- Beer, wine, seltzer beverages and soda
- Festival theme t-shirt
- Access to air-conditioned VIP restrooms
- An enhanced dinner menu is available 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. A vegetarian option will be available each evening. Please choose your dinner selections when purchasing your tickets online.
Live Entertainment at the Sugar Sand Festival
There will be eight nights of FREE beach concerts! Afterwards, you can continue the celebration at Shephard’s Beach Resort, the official after-party destination.
- Friday, March 27 at 8 p.m.: The Fulcos
- Saturday, March 28 at 8 p.m.: Cutty Jones x Jay Slay, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 29 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Kenny Barcenas and Destiny Bachata Band, followed by Orquesta INFINIDAD at 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 3 at 8 p.m.: 22N
- Saturday, April 4 at 8: p.m.: The Black Honkeys Band, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 10 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Aubrey Wollett, followed by The Zac Brown Experience at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, April 11 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Whosoever South, followed by Cross Fire Creek Band from 8 - 10 p.m.
- Sunday, April 12 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Soul Circus Cowboys, followed by Kenny Chesney Tribute with Pirate Flag from 7 - 9 p.m.
Parking
This event is super-popular, and parking can be challenging, so knowing about alternative parking and transportation options can make a difference!
The closest public parking lot to the event is the Pier 60 lot ($3.50/hr.) located just southwest of the roundabout, beachside.
There are three public parking garages located near the event venue on Coronado (Hyatt Regency, Opal Sol and Surf Style) and one public parking garage located on North Beach in the Pelican Walk Plaza. Check out this map for a full list of parking spots on Clearwater Beach.
Ferry & Trolley Service
Skip the parking hassle and ride the Clearwater Ferry or the Jolley Trolley to the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Both offer an easy, stress-free way to get to Clearwater Beach while enjoying the ride. Arrive relaxed, skip the traffic, and focus on the fun once you step off.
Park-and-ride information will be updated as it becomes available.
Where to Stay
The best way to experience the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is to stay on Clearwater Beach. You'll be able to bask in the sunshine and enjoy all the beach has to offer while having easy access to the event. Consider nearby options like the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Opal Sands, or Pier House 60.
Check out more places to stay on Clearwater Beach
More Food & Drink Nearby
There are so many great food options in Clearwater Beach. You can never go wrong with a stop at the famous Frenchy's Rockaway Grill. Enjoy fresh seafood with your feet in the sand and a side of Gulf-front views. Stop in at Jimmy's Crow's Nest for a drink and panoramic views of Clearwater Beach. Soak in the picture-perfect sunset views overlooking Pier 60. For another waterfront favorite, Crabby’s Dockside offers casual coastal dining with open-air seating right along the marina. And the best part is, you’re just steps away from the festival.
Event Category
- Annual Festivals & Events
- Arts & Crafts
- Festivals
Guest Information
- Family-Friendly
