Spring is one of the best times to experience the energy and variety of Clearwater Beach events. Mild weather, sunny days and a full calendar make the season ideal for families and couples planning a coastal getaway.
From a giant sand sculpture festival to spring training baseball and concerts on the bayfront, spring brings a mix of entertainment that pairs well with a beach focused vacation. Whether you are planning a long stay or a quick weekend, timing your trip around these events can add a lot to your visit.
Here are the spring 2027 dates that organisers have already announced. We will keep this guide updated as more are confirmed.
| Event | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Phillies spring training | Home opener Feb 20; 16 home games | BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater |
| Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival | March 26 to April 11 | Pier 60, Clearwater Beach |
| Spring concerts | March and April dates | The BayCare Sound, Coachman Park |
| Sunsets at Pier 60 | Nightly | Pier 60, Clearwater Beach |
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is one of the most recognized spring attractions in the area. It celebrates the beach’s famous white sand with a large exhibit of sand sculptures created by professional sculptors, right next to Pier 60. In 2027 it runs from March 26 to April 11. Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.
Past festivals have added much more around the sculptures, including beach concerts, fireworks, speed sand demonstrations, sculpting competitions, sand sculpting classes, a giant sandbox for kids and a sunset dance party, so check the festival’s activities page closer to the time for the 2027 lineup. For many families it becomes the highlight of a spring visit.
Phillies spring training
Clearwater is the spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies, and 2027 marks the team’s 81st spring training here. The Grapefruit League home opener is on Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Phillies will play 16 of their 30 spring games at BayCare Ballpark, with home opponents including the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees. MLB press release.
BayCare Ballpark is about 7 miles from Pier 60, roughly a 16 minute drive. Spring training games are relaxed, sunny afternoons out, and tickets for popular opponents and weekends go quickly, so buy them as soon as they go on sale and check the Phillies’ site for the latest schedule.
Concerts at The BayCare Sound
Clearwater’s bayfront amphitheater, The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park, is about 3 miles from the beach. Its announced spring 2027 shows include Little River Band on March 6, Little Feat on March 7, Ben Folds Five on April 17, Goose on April 18 and Leonid & Friends on April 24, with Roger Waters Presents Legacy: A Pink Floyd Show on February 17 if you come early. More are added through the year. The BayCare Sound events.
Good to know: Earlier versions of this guide listed the Clearwater Jazz Holiday as an April event. It is held in October at Coachman Park, so plan a fall trip for that one. Clearwater Jazz Holiday.
Sunsets at Pier 60
You do not need a big event to find something going on. Sunsets at Pier 60 is a nightly festival at the pier with street performers and local artisans, and it is a lovely, free way to end a spring beach day. Sunsets at Pier 60. For more ideas, see our things to do in Clearwater Beach guide.
Local markets and community events
Beyond the large festivals, spring also brings smaller markets and neighborhood gatherings across Clearwater, Dunedin and the nearby beach towns. These give visitors a chance to meet local vendors, artists and residents, from open air craft markets to seasonal farmers markets, community concerts and art walks.
Dates for these smaller events are usually announced only a few weeks ahead, so check the city and town calendars once your trip is booked. Staying in one of our vacation rentals gives you the flexibility to explore them at your own pace, especially when traveling with family or friends.
Tips for planning your trip
Spring is busy, so check event dates early, because popular festivals, spring training weekends and spring break all affect availability. Choose a home close to the activities you want, so you can walk to Pier 60 instead of hunting for parking. During spring break, PSTA has offered free park and ride service to Clearwater Beach, according to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is worth checking before you drive. Our parking and transportation tips cover the trolleys and ferry.
Build free time into your schedule for beach days, too. If you are staying a little further south in Indian Shores, mixing quieter beach time with a day trip to the Clearwater events works well.
Where to stay for spring events
Ready to experience these Clearwater Beach spring events for yourself? Here are three homes that suit a spring trip. Eldorado Beach Retreat has three bedrooms, three baths and a heated pool, steps from the sand on the north end of Clearwater Beach. Sandy Shores 2 sleeps seven in two bedrooms, steps from the beach, with free parking. Sea Board Pool House in Clearwater has two bedrooms, sleeps four and has a pool, a good choice for baseball fans.
Eldorado Beach Retreat
Sandy Shores 2
Sea Board Pool House
Questions we get asked
When is the Sugar Sand Festival in 2027?
March 26 to April 11, 2027, at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.
When does Phillies spring training start in 2027?
The Grapefruit League home opener is Saturday, February 20, 2027, at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater.
Is the Clearwater Jazz Holiday in spring?
No. It takes place in October at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater.
What is there to do on Clearwater Beach every night?
Sunsets at Pier 60 is a nightly festival with street performers and artisans at the pier.
Let’s plan it
Plan Your Spring Getaway
Spring delivers a strong mix of culture, music and family fun. Pair the big events with plenty of beach time from one of our homes.
See you on the sand.