Events

Clearwater is open for fun 365 days a year! Due to Clearwater’s location and mild climate, a wide variety of special events throughout the year can help compliment visitors’ experiences. From events that celebrate the arts, culture and gastronomy, to indoor and outdoor entertainment and sporting activities, Clearwater always provides its guests with something fun and interesting to do. Because the area is home to so many special events, visitors should check out the events calendar at www.visitclearwaterflorida.com. Below are highlights.

WINTER

Florida Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon
The Florida Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon (13.1 miles) begins in Madeira Beach and heads north (passing through several beach communities along scenic Gulf Blvd.) to Indian Shores, before heading inland to Seminole, and then north along the Pinellas Trail to the lakefront finish line at Taylor Park in Largo. For more information call (727) 347-4440.

Outback Bowl Beach Day
A weeklong series of events, including “Beach Day,” precedes the New Year’s Day Outback Bowl game which matches two of college football's best teams from the SEC and Big Ten Conference. The public is invited to join the teams, their cheerleaders and marching bands at this free event on Clearwater Beach as they enjoy the sun and fun activities including live music, skydivers, a tug-of-war and other contests. Call (813) 874-2695 for more information.

Outback Bowl
One of the premier college football bowl games, the Outback Bowl features two of the nation's top teams from the SEC and Big Ten Conference. The game takes place on New Year’s Day at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. For more information call (813)874-2695.

Clearwater Halfathon
The Clearwater Halfathon (13.1 miles) starts and finishes at Coachman Park, on Clearwater's downtown waterfront. The course tours through downtown Clearwater, over the Clearwater Causeway, along Gulf Boulevard in Clearwater Beach, through Sand Key Park before returning to Coachman Park. For more information call (727) 347-4440.

Florida African American Heritage Celebration
This countywide celebration of African American history and culture takes place the last weekend of February at Pinewood Cultural Park. The activities include a variety of African influenced musical performances including jazz, gospel, rhythm & blues and reggae, African American art show and marketplace, dance, storytelling and puppetry, historical exhibits and presentations, ethnic cooking demonstrations and food vendors, and interactive family activities. Call (727) 582-2123 for more information.

SPRING

Major League Baseball Spring Training
Several MLB teams train in and around Clearwater including the Philadelphia Phillies at Clearwater’s Bright House Networks Field, the Toronto Blue Jays at Dunedin’s Knology Park, and the New York Yankees at Legends Field in Tampa. The Tampa Bay Rays spring train at Progress Energy Park’s Al Lang Field in downtown St. Petersburg and are at home in St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field during the regular season.

PODS Championship
Top golfers from around the world come to the area for this official 72-hole PGA Tour event held at the world-famous Copperhead Course (par 71) at Palm Harbor’s luxurious Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. Call (727) 942-5566 for tickets and information.

Highland Games and Military Tattoo
Dunedin celebrates its Scottish heritage annually during a multi-week series of events that includes the Highland Games and Festival, culminating in the Military Tattoo. Events include receptions, competitions and piping, drumming and dancing exhibitions, and free workshops. For more information phone (727) 733-3197.

Kingfish Tournament
Presented by the Rotary Club of Clearwater, and sanctioned by the Southern Kingfish Association, sport fishing's largest saltwater tournament trail, the annual Kingfish Fishing Tournament takes place at the Clearwater Yacht Club on Clearwater Beach. The event also features live music and food. Proceeds benefit Rotary Club of Clearwater charities. For more information call (727) 510-4812 or visit www.clearwaterrotary.org.

Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the first street-circuit race on the IndyCar Series schedule, features three days of concerts, air shows, parties, celebrity appearances … and fast-action racing through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg. Qualifying and practice sessions precede the main race. Call (727) 898-INDY for tickets and information.

Fun ‘n Sun Festival
This long-running, annual, multi-week festival attracts tens of thousands of participants and features a variety of events including fishing and golf tournaments, concerts and live theater, races and other contests, disc golf, baseball, and antique and arts and crafts fairs. The Festival culminates in early May with the Illuminated Night Parade through downtown Clearwater. The parade, the original event of the first Fun ‘N Sun Festival held in 1953, remains one of Clearwater’s most popular events for people of all ages. Call (727) 562- 4800 or visit www.myclearwater.com for more information.

FALL

Taste of Clearwater
Dozens of area restaurants participate in this annual event held at the Harborview Center. Attendees can sample food and drinks for the price of one single ticket. The event also includes live musical performances, kids’ entertainment and raffles. For more information call (727) 461-0011 or visit www.clearwaterflorida.org.

Clearwater Jazz Holiday
This major jazz festival, held the third week of October in downtown Clearwater’s picturesque Coachman Park, brings internationally-renowned jazz artists to the area and attracts tens of thousands of jazz’s biggest fans. The event is free to the public and administered by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, which benefits jazz education through scholarship and educational activities. Call (727) 461-5200 for more information.

Make A Difference Fishing Tournaments
This Clearwater-based organization, dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for handicapped children, produces events throughout the year including two annual fishing tournaments at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach: a Kid’s Tournament for "special anglers" under 18 and an Adult Tournament for "special anglers" 18 years and older. Trophies are awarded in several interesting categories, including prettiest, and most unusual, fish. For more information, call (727) 449-9820.

Ironman World Championship 70.3
This event, a collaborative effort between the World Triathlon Corporation, the city of Clearwater and Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, is the culmination of the global Ironman 70.3 Series and attracts up to 1,800 domestic and international athletes. Starting and finishing in the heart of Clearwater Beach, the event consists of a 1.2-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 56-mile bike race and 13.1-mile run throughout Pinellas County.

Florida State Chili Cook-off
“Chiliheads” compete in a variety of categories in this International Chili Society event while raising funds for local charitable organizations. The fun takes place in downtown Clearwater’s Coachman Park overlooking Clearwater Harbor and includes live music and vendors. For more information, call (727) 562-4800.

Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic
Clearwater Beach comes alive with three days of live Dixieland jazz and swing music performed by nationally prominent musicians. Call (727) 536-0064 for more information.

Florida Pirate Festival
Swashbucklers and gypsies celebrate the Golden Age of Piracy with games, contests, displays, crafts, artisans and educational booths. Unique entertainment, stage shows and food are all part of the fun. The festival takes place in the waterfront Vinoy Park in downtown St Petersburg. For more information: (727) 644-6028.