The second annual Pinball at the Beach event drew enthusiasts from across the globe to the sun-drenched shores of St. Pete Beach, Florida, from February 6th to 9th, 2026. Hosted once again at the sprawling TradeWinds Island Grand resort, this unique pinball gathering distinguished itself from traditional trade shows by prioritizing a relaxed, social atmosphere over seminars and extensive vendor halls. Attendees were treated to a vibrant display of modern and classic pinball machines, ample opportunities for social interaction, and the picturesque backdrop of the Gulf Coast.

Event Overview and Unique Format

Pinball at the Beach (PatB) is the brainchild of Marshall Dickson of Little Shop of Games and Edward VanderVeen, formerly of the Texas Pinball Festival. Their shared vision, conceived at the FreePlay Florida show, was to create a more laid-back pinball experience. This philosophy was evident throughout the event, which eschewed single-day tickets in favor of a $199 three-day pass, encouraging attendees to immerse themselves fully in the experience. The event’s focus on social engagement and playing machines, rather than formal presentations, resonated with a segment of the pinball community seeking a different kind of convention. The inaugural PatB in February 2025 laid the groundwork for this year’s expanded event, demonstrating a growing appetite for this specialized format.

The TradeWinds Island Grand: A Resort Oasis

The choice of the TradeWinds Island Grand as the venue proved instrumental to the event’s relaxed ambiance. This expansive resort complex offers a plethora of amenities designed for leisure and entertainment. Guests enjoyed access to numerous swimming pools, miniature golf, tennis courts, a boating lake, and a variety of dining and bar options, all situated along the stunning beachfront. The resort’s adjacent sister property, RumFish Beach, further extended the available facilities for Pinball at the Beach attendees, who could stay at either location and utilize the amenities of both. While hotel rooms at the Island Grand sold out rapidly at the show rate, availability at RumFish Beach persisted at the time of reporting, indicating continued opportunities for future attendees. The strategic location on St. Pete Beach itself offered attendees the classic Florida coastal experience, with picturesque views and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Pavilion: The Heart of the Pinball Action

The core of the Pinball at the Beach experience unfolded within "The Pavilion," a large tent situated on the Island Grand grounds. This dedicated space housed the extensive collection of pinball machines and a select number of vendors. The setup process began on Thursday, February 5th, allowing for early preparations and a sneak peek at the machines that would be available. By midday Thursday, a significant number of machines were already in place, with more arriving throughout the day and into Friday.

A Diverse Lineup of Pinball Machines

Pinball at the Beach 2026 boasted an impressive array of the latest offerings from leading manufacturers, alongside beloved classics. Spooky Pinball prominently featured their highly anticipated Beetlejuice machines, with twelve units available. These were divided into two configurations: a row of eight equipped with the Dante’s Inferno topper and an island display of four featuring the Beetlesnake animatronic topper. This provided ample opportunity for attendees to experience the game’s unique features.

Jersey Jack Pinball showcased their comprehensive catalog, including multiple editions of their Harry Potter titles, allowing fans of the wizarding world to immerse themselves in the magic of pinball. Barrels of Fun also presented their full lineup, with two Winchester Mystery House machines, two Dune pinballs, and a Labyrinth machine available for play. Stern Pinball’s presence was equally robust, with a wide selection of their popular titles set up, ensuring variety for all tastes. Notably, a guest Bally Dungeons & Dragons machine also made an appearance, adding a touch of retro charm. Beyond the newest releases, a dedicated row of earlier Spooky Pinball titles and other classics were available, ensuring a broad spectrum of pinball history was represented.

Event Chronology and Highlights

Thursday, February 5th: Setup and Anticipation

• Midday: The Pavilion began to fill with pinball machines as manufacturers and distributors started their setup. Early arrivals included Spooky Pinball, with their Beetlejuice machines taking center stage.
• Afternoon: Jersey Jack Pinball, Barrels of Fun, and Stern Pinball machines were delivered and began to be installed. The setup of electrical infrastructure and booth dividers also commenced.
• Evening: As the sun set over the Gulf, the setup crew continued their work, preparing for the official opening the following day.

Friday, February 6th: Opening Day and Initial Impressions

• Morning: The Pavilion was nearing completion, with machines being tested and final adjustments made. The registration area opened opposite The Pavilion, allowing early attendees to collect their passes.
• Afternoon: A distinctive fleet of vehicles arrived, including a Batmobile replica, a Jurassic Park jeep, and a unique Tuk-Tuk, adding a touch of novelty to the event grounds.
• 5:00 PM: The doors to The Pavilion officially opened, with a queue of eager attendees ready to experience the games. The Pinball at the Beach tournament also commenced in the Tarpon Key room, with qualifying rounds beginning.
• Evening: The atmosphere in The Pavilion was lively, with many attendees drawn to the new Beetlejuice machines. The beachside area offered a more relaxed setting, with music provided by Casey Allen and fire pits for warmth as the temperature dropped. A movie screening of "Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game" was held, featuring an introduction and Q&A with Roger Sharpe himself.

Saturday, February 7th: Peak Activity and Competition

• Morning: The show opened at 10:00 AM, and the weather showed signs of warming, promising a pleasant beach day. The Pavilion saw increased activity, with lines forming for popular machines like the two Winchester Mystery House units.
• Afternoon: A highly anticipated autograph session took place in the Breckenridge building. The event drew an exceptionally long queue of fans eager to meet industry VIPs and have their memorabilia signed. The session lasted for several hours, with organizers eventually having to close the room to manage the flow.
• Evening: The "Drinks on the Beach" event provided a social gathering with complimentary refreshments and snacks. Despite the warming day, the evening brought a chill, prompting attendees to gather around fire pits. The popular karaoke session provided entertainment, while inside The Pavilion, the pinball machines remained a focal point of activity. Tournament play continued, with qualifying rounds concluding and playoff brackets being set.

Sunday, February 8th: Final Day and Wrap-up

• Morning: Pinball at the Beach opened at 9:00 AM, offering guests a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary. This final day provided an opportunity for attendees to revisit their favorite machines or try those they had missed. The Beetlejuice machines and Stern Pinball titles remained popular, though many other machines were readily available.
• Afternoon: As the official closing time of 2:00 PM approached, machines were gradually powered down. Attendees continued to play until the last possible moment, with some lines persisting even as the teardown process began. The organizers, Marshall Dickson and Ed VanderVeen, were presented with gifts of appreciation from Pinball News.

Weather Conditions and Impact

The weather throughout the event presented a mixed picture. Early days saw cooler temperatures, with highs around 60°F (16°C), a noticeable contrast to the heatwave experienced at the previous year’s event. By Saturday, temperatures rose to approximately 68°F (20°C), contributing to a more pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. The cooler temperatures on Friday evening did necessitate warm clothing for those enjoying the beachside events, but did not deter the enthusiastic participation in activities like karaoke.

Tournament Results

The Pinball at the Beach tournament, organized by Colin MacAlpine and Phil Grimaldi, offered a competitive element to the event. Qualifying rounds were split into Early and Late groups over Friday and Saturday. The top 16 players from each group advanced to playoff rounds.

• A Division: Shannon Stafford emerged victorious, successfully defending his 2025 title. Donovan Stepp secured second place, Eric Stone took third, and co-organizer Colin MacAlpine finished fourth.
• B Division: Malik Berger claimed first place, followed by JT Thomas in second, Cody Hilliard in third, and Tony Pierce in fourth.

Analysis and Future Implications

Pinball at the Beach 2026 reinforced the success of its unique, relaxed approach to pinball conventions. The event successfully catered to a growing segment of the pinball community that values social interaction and playtime over traditional industry showcases. The strong attendance and positive feedback suggest a sustainable model for this type of event. The organizers’ commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, combined with the prime resort location, creates a compelling proposition for pinball enthusiasts seeking a vacation-style experience centered around their passion. The continued partnership with venues like the TradeWinds Island Grand and the engagement of major manufacturers indicate a strong future for Pinball at the Beach, potentially inspiring similar events in other leisure-focused locations. The event’s emphasis on playing machines, rather than just showcasing them, ensures a vibrant and engaging experience for all participants. The seamless operation of new titles, particularly Spooky Pinball’s Beetlejuice, suggests a maturing pinball manufacturing sector capable of delivering reliable products for such events. The success of the autograph session, despite its logistical challenges, highlights the enduring appeal of meeting the personalities behind the games. As the pinball industry continues to grow, events like Pinball at the Beach play a crucial role in fostering community and celebrating the hobby in diverse and engaging ways.