Clearwater, Florida, is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters, offering a picturesque backdrop for any visit. Music lovers will appreciate Clearwater’s lively cultural scene, which includes renowned festivals like the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival.
With its combination of incredible music and delicious seafood, the Sea-Blues Festival is not one to miss. Check out our range of Clearwater vacation homes to find the perfect base for your visit.
Planning to visit the Sea-Blues Festival for the first time? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to Clearwater and make the most of this lively event.
Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival in 2026
- Dates: Saturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1, 2026
- Location: Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL
- Cost: General admission is free
- Website: www.myclearwaterparks.com/Parks-Events/Clearwater-Sea-Blues-Festival
- Hours: Approximately 2 PM – 10 PM Saturday & 2 PM – 9 PM Sunday
The Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival returns to Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida, for another weekend of waterfront blues, fresh Gulf seafood, and laid-back vibes. This free event has become one of the city’s most beloved annual gatherings, drawing thousands of visitors to the shores of Clearwater Harbor each year.
Whether you’re a dedicated blues fan or just looking for a fun weekend outing with a loved one, this festival delivers soul-stirring music with live blues performances from national recording artists. The tasty bites, craft beer, wine, and local market vendors are just the cherry on top.
2026 Performers
Keep in mind that the lineup is subject to change right up until the event. As of the time of writing, these are the acts you can look forward to in 2026:
- Ben Prestage
- Angela Easley
- Selwyn Birchwood
- Mathias Lattin
- Robert Jon & The Wreck
- Parker Barrow
- Piper & The Hard Times
- Gypsy Blue Revue
- North Mississippi Allstars
Music Lineup & Headliners
The Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival is known for bringing nationally recognized blues artists and top regional acts to its waterfront stage each year. From electric blues to deep Chicago-style grooves, with notes of hip-hop, R&B, and rock represented, the festival curates a lineup that appeals to longtime blues enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Each year, between 4 and 6 sets per day on the Main Stage, and local talent is featured on the Locals Stage. The family-friendly daytime performances are suitable for all ages, and the evening headliners deliver high-energy, Grammy-caliber performances.
Past festivals have featured artists like Robert Randolph (ranked among the 100 greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone), Robben Ford, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Jarekus Singleton, Walter Trout, Fantastic Negrito, and Bryan Adams.
The 2025 Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival showcased incredible talent, with Eric Gales headlining Saturday night, delivering his signature virtuoso guitar performance that captivated the audience. Sunday featured standout acts like Ally Venable and the Blood Brothers, who brought dynamic energy and soulful blues to close out the weekend.
Seafood, Drinks & Festival Food
The “sea” in Sea-Blues reflects the festival’s strong seafood focus. Local Clearwater and Tampa Bay vendors set up throughout Coachman Park, serving fresh Gulf-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with an afternoon of blues.
Festival-goers can enjoy delectable seafood from the local area’s businesses. The food lineup typically includes festival favorites alongside creative Gulf Coast specialties. Think grilled shrimp skewers, jumbo lump crab cakes, mahi mahi tacos, and crispy battered fish and chips.
Beyond the delectable seafood, you’ll find a full range of beverage options to keep you refreshed throughout the day. Craft beer from Tampa Bay breweries flows freely, alongside domestic and import options. Wine selections are available for those who prefer, and non-alcoholic drinks like fresh lemonade and soda round out the offerings.
Food booths and beverage tents line the park walkways, creating a casual, walkable tasting experience between sets. You can also shop with local market vendors for everything from hot sauce to handmade crafts while waiting for the next band to take the stage.
Tickets, VIP & Seating Options
One of the best things about the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival is that general admission is completely free. You won’t need a ticket to enter Coachman Park and enjoy the main festival area, making this an accessible weekend for everyone.
For those who want to elevate their experience, VIP tickets and reserved seating packages are available for purchase. Packages and pricing are subject to change each year, but here’s an idea of what’s included:
- Reserved chair seating near the stage
- Access to a designated VIP hospitality tent
- Improved sightlines for headlining performances
- Premium viewing areas away from general admission crowds
- Drinks package and a meal
- Event swag
A portion of VIP ticket sales often supports local charities. In recent years, proceeds have benefited organizations like the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP), which provides housing, meals, and support services to those in need throughout the Clearwater community.
You can buy tickets on the City of Clearwater events page closer to the date of the festival.
How to Get There: Parking, Boating & Transportation
Getting to the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival is straightforward, whether you’re arriving by car, boat, or rideshare. Coachman Park’s prime waterfront location on Clearwater Harbor makes it accessible from multiple directions.
Arriving by Water
One unique advantage of this festival is boat access. Festival-goers can dock at Clearwater Harbor Marina, where day dock facilities are available from 8 AM to 9 PM (no overnight mooring permitted). The Dunedin Boat Club has organized group outings in the past, with members anchoring offshore and using dinghies to come ashore.
Arriving by Car
Downtown Clearwater offers several parking options, including municipal garages and surface lots within walking distance of Coachman Park. Parking fees may apply on festival days, and spaces fill up quickly, especially before evening headliners.
Rideshare and Public Transit
Using Uber, Lyft, or local trolleys can help you avoid parking hassles entirely. Check for any special event drop-off zones or road closures near the festival area before requesting your ride.
Festival Experience: What to Expect
Picture this: a sea breeze rolling off Clearwater Harbor as blues riffs echo across the green. The aroma of grilled seafood mingles with the sound of laughter, and the Florida sun dips toward the horizon, casting golden light across the crowd. That’s the Clearwater Sea-Blues experience.
Guests commonly bring low-lying lawn chairs or blankets for the open seating areas. Small personal coolers and sealed bottled water may be permitted, but check posted festival rules before arriving. Only service animals are allowed within the fenced event space.
The festival is family-friendly, with daytime sets suitable for all ages. Kids can run around the open walking areas while parents enjoy the music, and the casual vibe makes it easy to stay for multiple hours without feeling rushed.
Nearby Attractions
Clearwater and the greater St. Petersburg–Clearwater area offer plenty to do before and after the Sea Blues Festival weekend. Whether you want beach time, marine life encounters, or downtown exploration, you’ll find options within minutes of Coachman Park.
Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked among America’s most beautiful beaches, is just a short drive or trolley ride away. Pier 60 hosts nightly sunset celebrations with street performers and artisans. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium—home to Winter the dolphin—provides a memorable experience for families.
The Cleveland Street District offers restaurants, bars, and boutiques within walking distance of the festival grounds. For a more laid-back vibe, head north to Dunedin’s waterfront and marina district, where local breweries and shops line the streets.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to Sea Blues Festival
Attending the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival for the first time? A little planning goes a long way toward maximizing your enjoyment. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your weekend.
Choosing Accommodation
Lodging options abound within a short drive or trolley ride of Coachman Park. Beachfront vacation homes like ours on Clearwater Beach offer Gulf views and easy access to sand and surf. Our downtown Clearwater rentals put you within walking distance of the festival.
Be sure to book accommodation early because late February and early March are popular times for Gulf Coast travel. Consider homes with trolley access to avoid parking on festival days.
What to Wear and Bring
Florida weather in late February and early March can be warm during the day and breezy by the water in the evening. Pack lightweight clothing for sunny afternoons, but bring a light jacket or sweater for when the sun goes down.
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential—you’ll be outdoors for hours. Bring cash for food and beverages because many vendors don’t take cards, and ATMs may have long lines.
The festival uses open lawn seating, so folding chairs or blankets are highly recommended. Low-lying beach chairs work best for maintaining sightlines without blocking views for others.
Check official guidelines about outside food, drinks, and bag size restrictions before packing your gear.
Timing Your Arrival
Arriving early gives you the best chance at convenient parking and prime seating spots, especially if you want to be close to the stage for evening headliners. Festival grounds can fill up quickly on Saturday afternoons.
Savor the Sweet Sound of Blues With Us in Clearwater
The Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival offers a rare combination: world-class blues music, exceptional seafood, and one of Florida’s most beautiful waterfront settings. Plus, you can enjoy it all without an admission fee. This is one of many Clearwater events that you can’t afford to miss.
Mark your calendars, book your vacation home, and start planning your pilgrimage to the Sea-Blues Festival today. We’ll see you on the green!
