The sugar-white sand shimmered under the Florida sun as music and laughter danced in the air. Along Clearwater Beach by Pier 60, thousands of visitors kicked off their shoes and stepped into the annual Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.
This is the festivals 12th year and it has grown into more than a local celebration. The event is expected to draw more than 118,000 visitors.
Guests can enjoy towering sand sculptures, live entertainment and beach games. Along with delicious food and tropical drinks to keep guests energized while they dance barefoot in the sugar sand.
“When I founded the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, the vision was always to create something that would become a true annual tradition and destination event for Clearwater Beach,” said Lisa Chandler, founder of the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.
Inside a 24,000 square-foot tent, guests wander through a gallery unlike any other. Instead of sculptures made of clay, sculptures made with the sugar sand from the beach. This year's theme is United in Sand: Celebrating Sports and Spirits.
“We wanted to honor the athletes and competitors whose drive and dedication inspire all of us, while also celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence," Chandler said.
As the sun starts to set, the experience transforms. The sculptures glow next to a large fire and the sand is lit up by the stage and vendors as if the sun never went away.
Beyond the exhibit, the festival stretches down the pier, with local vendors selling handcraft goods. There are seashell decor tables to custom license plate art. Nearby, families gather in a lively play area filled with a ferris wheel and inflatable slides, where children climb, race and laugh.
“We’ve built something here that brings together volunteers, artists, businesses and visitors in a way that feels genuinely community-driven,” Chandler said.
Opening day was March 17 and it captured this spirit. Guests danced all day and night with a DJ who set the tone while the sun was up, followed by a live performance from the Fulcos band when the sun set. There were smiles on everyone's face as visitors embraced the celebratory atmosphere that honors Clearwater Beach.
“With 17 days to explore, there is ample time for locals and visitors to make it. This year’s festival is our most expanded and elevated yet and every detail from the sculptures to the entertainment reflects how much this event has grown,” Chandler said.
With 17 days, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the festival. From free nightly concerts to fireworks displays, the festivities seem to never end.
Free Beach Concert list:
-March 28: Cutty Jones & Jay Slay at 8 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
-March 29: Kenny Barcenas & Destiny Bachata Band at 5:30 p.m., Orquesta Infinidad at 7:00 p.m.
-April 3: 22N at 8 p.m.
-April 4: The Black Honkeys Band at 8 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
-April 10: Aubrey Wollett at 5:30 p.m., Homegrown the Zac Brown experience at 8 p.m.
-April 11: Whosoever South at 5:30 p.m., Crossfire Creek at 8 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
-April 12: Soul Circus Cowboys at 4:30 p.m., Kenny Chesney Tribute with Pirate Flag at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
The Fulcos performing on the Frenchy's stage.
The festival runs through April 12 and is free to attend, but there are some paid experiences. The walk-through sand sculpture exhibit is $16, with free admission for children five and under. The VIP lounge is $75 online or $80 at the gate.
“With 17 days to explore, there is ample time for locals and visitors to make it. This year’s festival is our most expanded and elevated yet and every detail from the sculptures to the entertainment reflects how much this event has grown,” Chandler said.
The celebration didn’t stop at the shoreline. Surrounding shops, restaurants and bars were filled with guests, carrying the festival’s energy throughout the area.
As the waves crashed along the shore, the music filled the air and towering sand sculptures reminded guests why Clearwater Beach remains one of Florida’s most beloved destinations.
