The second annual Pinball at the Beach event unfolded from February 6th to 9th, 2026, returning to the picturesque TradeWinds Island Grand resort at 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, Florida. This unique pinball gathering, known for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on social interaction, once again drew enthusiasts and industry figures to the sun-drenched shores of the Gulf Coast.

Event Overview and Unique Philosophy

Pinball at the Beach distinguishes itself from more traditional pinball expos through its deliberately casual ethos. Organized by Marshall Dickson of Little Shop of Games and Edward VanderVeen, formerly of the Texas Pinball Festival, the event prioritizes socializing, playing pinball machines, and enjoying the resort amenities alongside fellow enthusiasts. Unlike many other shows, there are no seminars or a heavy emphasis on vendor sales. The admission price of $199 for a three-day pass underscores this inclusive, all-access approach, with no single-day tickets available.

The inaugural Pinball at the Beach in February 2025 set the stage for this distinctive format, conceived by Dickson and VanderVeen after they met at the FreePlay Florida show. Their shared vision was to create an event where the joy of pinball could be experienced in a laid-back, vacation-like setting.

The TradeWinds Island Grand: A Premier Venue

The choice of the TradeWinds Island Grand as the venue played a significant role in the event’s appeal. This expansive resort complex offers a wealth of amenities, including numerous swimming pools, miniature golf, tennis courts, a boating lake, and a variety of dining and bar options, all set against the backdrop of St. Pete Beach. Guests of Pinball at the Beach had the flexibility to stay at either the Island Grand or its sister property, RumFish Beach, with full access to the facilities of both. While hotel rooms at the Island Grand quickly sold out at the show rate, availability remained at RumFish Beach for later bookings.

The resort’s location on Florida’s Gulf Coast provided a pleasant, albeit sometimes unseasonably cool, environment for the event. Temperatures in the days leading up to the main event hovered around 60°F (16°C), warming slightly to 68°F (20°C) by Saturday. This weather, while not typical of a Florida winter, allowed for comfortable exploration of the resort’s outdoor offerings.

The Pavilion: The Heart of the Pinball Action

The central hub for all pinball activities was "The Pavilion," a large tent situated within the Island Grand complex. This versatile space housed the extensive collection of pinball machines and a select number of vendors. Setup for the event began on Thursday, February 5th, allowing for a preview of the machines being prepared for the weekend’s festivities.

Machine Lineup: A Showcase of Modern and Classic Pinball

The Pavilion was populated by a diverse array of pinball machines, representing the latest offerings from leading manufacturers alongside beloved classics.

• Spooky Pinball: The manufacturer was prominently featured with twelve Beetlejuice machines. These were divided into two configurations: eight equipped with the Dante’s Inferno topper and four showcasing the unique Beetlesnake animatronic topper. This significant presence highlighted the popularity of their latest release, which had quickly sold out in its initial production run.

  

• Jersey Jack Pinball: A comprehensive collection of Jersey Jack Pinball titles was on display, including multiple editions of their Harry Potter game, demonstrating the manufacturer’s continued success and diverse portfolio.

  

• Barrels of Fun: This newer manufacturer presented its full range of titles, including two Winchester Mystery House machines, two Dune pinball machines, and one Labyrinth. The availability of these newer titles offered attendees a chance to experience the latest innovations in the industry.

  

• Stern Pinball: The dominant force in modern pinball manufacturing, Stern Pinball, had a substantial presence with a long row of their latest machines. Titles such as Star Wars, Godzilla, and Rush were among the many available for play, attracting significant attention throughout the weekend.

  

• Guest Machines: Adding to the variety, a Bally Dungeons & Dragons machine was also present as a guest title, offering a nod to a classic era of pinball design.

  

The setup process, observed on Thursday, involved the meticulous installation of machines, room dividers, drapes, and electrical feeds, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.

Event Chronology and Key Highlights

Thursday, February 5th:

• Early setup and machine arrival at The Pavilion.
• Preview of machines from Spooky Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, Barrels of Fun, and Stern Pinball.
• Installation of infrastructure for the event space.

Friday, February 6th:

• Continued setup and preparation of The Pavilion.
• Registration opened for attendees.
• Arrival of themed vehicles, including a Batmobile replica, a Jurassic Park jeep, and a Tuk-Tuk, adding a playful element to the event’s exterior.
• Official opening of Pinball at the Beach at 5:00 PM.
• Immediate popularity of the Beetlejuice machines and high demand for show merchandise.
• The Pinball at the Beach tournament commenced in the Tarpon Key room, with qualifying rounds spread across Friday and Saturday.
• A movie screening of "Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game" was held, featuring an introduction and Q&A session with Roger Sharpe, the film’s subject and a renowned figure in pinball history.
• Evening "Drinks on the Beach" event offered a relaxed social atmosphere with music provided by Casey Allen.

Saturday, February 7th:

• Warmer weather contributed to a more inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities.
• High player engagement within The Pavilion, with queues forming for popular machines like Winchester Mystery House.
• Tournament play continued, with A and B divisions progressing towards playoffs.
• An autograph session in the Breckenridge building drew a significant crowd, with many guests waiting for hours to get items signed by pinball industry VIPs. The session had to be closed to new attendees after two hours due to overwhelming demand.
• Evening "Drinks on the Beach" event, followed by a well-attended karaoke session.

Sunday, February 8th:

• The final day opened at 9:00 AM with complimentary Mimosas or Bloody Marys for attendees.
• Guests had the opportunity to play machines they may have missed or wished to revisit.
• The Beetlejuice machines remained highly popular throughout the day.
• Tournament finals took place, concluding the competitive aspect of the event.
• The show officially closed at 2:00 PM, with a gradual shutdown of machines and dismantling of stands. Attendees continued to play until the last possible moment.

Tournament Results and Recognition

The Pinball at the Beach tournament, expertly managed by Colin MacAlpine and Phil Grimaldi, provided a competitive edge to the event. Qualifying rounds were split into four three-hour slots over the first two days, followed by playoffs.

• A Division: Shannon Stafford secured first place, successfully defending his title from the previous year. Donovan Stepp took second, Eric Stone third, and co-organizer Colin MacAlpine finished fourth.

  

• B Division: Malik Berger claimed the top spot, with JT Thomas in second, Cody Hilliard in third, and Tony Pierce in fourth.

  

Industry Presence and Networking

The event served as a valuable networking opportunity for industry professionals. Representatives from major manufacturers like Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, Spooky Pinball, and Barrels of Fun were present, engaging with players and fellow industry members. This informal setting fostered collaborations and discussions that are crucial for the growth and innovation within the pinball community. The presence of figures like George Gomez, Seth Davis, David van Es, and Brian Savage underscored the event’s significance within the pinball ecosystem.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

Pinball at the Beach 2026 successfully reinforced its position as a premier event for pinball enthusiasts seeking a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Its unique blend of a vacation resort atmosphere and a comprehensive pinball offering distinguishes it in the crowded event calendar. The organizers, Marshall Dickson and Edward VanderVeen, have demonstrably created a formula that resonates with the pinball community, emphasizing fun, friendship, and a shared passion for the game.

The event’s success, marked by high attendance and positive feedback, suggests a strong future for this unique gathering. The focus on social interaction, combined with access to the latest and greatest pinball machines, ensures its continued appeal. The organizers’ commitment to a laid-back yet engaging experience provides a refreshing alternative to more convention-centric events, solidifying Pinball at the Beach as a must-attend for pinball aficionados. The insights gathered from this year’s event will undoubtedly inform plans for future iterations, likely building upon the established strengths and exploring new avenues for attendee engagement. The continued growth and popularity of Pinball at the Beach underscore the vibrant and evolving nature of the global pinball community.