The second annual Pinball at the Beach event took place from February 6th to 9th, 2026, returning to the picturesque TradeWinds Island Grand resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. This unique pinball gathering, designed for a more laid-back and social atmosphere, attracted enthusiasts from across the globe, offering a blend of classic and modern pinball machines set against the backdrop of the Gulf Coast.

A Unique Pinball Experience

Unlike traditional pinball expos that often feature extensive seminar schedules and a heavy emphasis on vendor sales, Pinball at the Beach prioritizes a relaxed social environment. Organizers Marshall Dickson of Little Shop of Games and Edward VanderVeen, formerly of the Texas Pinball Festival, conceived this event with the goal of fostering camaraderie and pure enjoyment of the game. The show’s philosophy is reflected in its ticketing structure, offering only full three-day passes for $199, encouraging attendees to immerse themselves in the experience rather than making brief day visits.

The inaugural Pinball at the Beach in February 2025 was met with positive reception, paving the way for this second iteration. The choice of the TradeWinds Island Grand resort underscores the event’s commitment to a vacation-like atmosphere. This sprawling complex offers not only extensive hotel accommodations and conference facilities but also a wealth of recreational amenities. Guests can enjoy numerous swimming pools, miniature golf, tennis courts, a boating lake, and various dining and bar options, all situated along the pristine St. Pete Beach. This all-encompassing resort environment allows attendees to seamlessly transition from intense pinball sessions to relaxing beachside activities.

The Venue: TradeWinds Island Grand Resort

The TradeWinds Island Grand, along with its sister property, RumFish Beach, forms the interconnected TradeWinds resort. This synergy means that guests staying at either hotel have full access to the facilities of both. While the Island Grand’s rooms sold out quickly following the announcement of the show’s dates, RumFish Beach still had availability at the time of this report, offering attendees flexibility in their accommodation choices. The resort’s layout, as depicted in the event’s promotional materials, highlights its expansive grounds, featuring multiple accommodation blocks facing the Gulf, well-maintained swimming pools, and a scenic boating lake complete with a charming island. The resort’s prime location directly on St. Pete Beach provides a constant reminder of the idyllic setting, with picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico and opportunities for beachside relaxation.

Weather Conditions and Atmosphere

The event, held in early February, typically coincides with pleasant Florida weather. While the initial days of the event experienced cooler temperatures, peaking around 60°F (16°C) up until Friday, forecasts indicated a warming trend towards the weekend, with Saturday expected to reach 68°F (20°C). This provided a comfortable environment for both indoor pinball play and outdoor activities, although attendees were advised to prepare for potentially cooler evenings. The initial scarcity of people in early visual reports from the resort grounds was attributed to these milder temperatures, contrasting with the heatwave experienced during the previous year’s event.

The Pavilion: The Heart of the Action

The core of the Pinball at the Beach experience is housed within "The Pavilion," a large, dedicated tent on the Island Grand grounds. This venue serves as the central hub for the pinball machines and a select number of vendors. Preparations for the event began well in advance, with setup crews working diligently to install machines, set up room dividers, hang drapes, and establish electrical feeds.

A Glimpse into the Setup: Thursday and Friday

Pinball News began its coverage on Thursday afternoon, a day before the official opening, to capture the setup process. By midday Thursday, a significant number of pinball machines were already in place, with more scheduled to arrive throughout the day and into Friday.

Thursday’s Preparations:

The first manufacturer to establish their presence was Spooky Pinball. Despite their popular Beetlejuice machine being sold out for direct purchase, they brought a substantial collection of twelve units for the event. These were strategically arranged: eight machines featured the Dante’s Inferno topper, while another four were equipped with the unique Beetlesnake animatronic topper, offering distinct visual and interactive experiences for players.

Other major manufacturers also began setting up their latest offerings. Jersey Jack Pinball showcased their Harry Potter series, alongside their full catalogue of games. Barrels of Fun also had their machines on display, including their newer titles like Winchester Mystery House, alongside Dune and Labyrinth. Stern Pinball’s extensive lineup of machines was also being prepared for the show floor.

Friday: The Show Floor Takes Shape

By Friday morning, the Pavilion was rapidly transforming into the vibrant pinball arcade envisioned by the organizers. While last-minute touches were still being made, the layout was becoming clear, and the majority of machines were in place. The array of available games promised a diverse playing experience, catering to various preferences, from the latest releases to beloved classics. Notably, alongside the new machines, a guest Bally Dungeons & Dragons machine was spotted among the Stern offerings, adding a touch of nostalgia.

The Grand Opening: Friday Evening

The official opening of Pinball at the Beach commenced at 5:00 PM on Friday. Even before the doors opened, a queue of eager attendees had formed, anticipating the opportunity to be among the first to play. Adding to the excitement, a fleet of unique vehicles arrived just as the doors were set to open: a Batmobile replica, the iconic Jurassic Park jeep, and an intriguing Tuk-Tuk, which, despite its unclear connection to pinball, added a quirky visual element to the event’s entrance.

As the Pavilion opened, attendees surged towards the machines. While a wide variety of games were available, there was a notable concentration of interest around the new Spooky Pinball Beetlejuice machines, particularly those with the impressive toppers. Lines quickly formed for these highly anticipated titles, indicating their popularity. Simultaneously, the demand for show merchandise was high, with a noticeable queue for T-shirts and other branded items.

Evening Activities and Entertainment

The evening offered a variety of entertainment options beyond the main arcade floor. A pinball tournament, organized by Colin MacAlpine and Phil Grimaldi, kicked off in the Tarpon Key room. This tournament adopted a relaxed format, with qualifying rounds spread across Friday and Saturday, followed by playoffs.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, a movie screening was held in an adjacent room. The film featured was Roger Sharpe’s biopic, "Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game." Roger Sharpe himself was present to introduce the film and engage with the audience afterward, sharing insights into his groundbreaking role in legitimizing pinball. He also spoke about the Sharpshooter pinball machine, co-designed by him and featuring his likeness on the backglass.

As the sun set over the Gulf, the resort’s beachfront came alive with a "Drinks on the Beach" event. This featured complimentary drinks and hot snacks, accompanied by live music from Casey Allen. Despite the warming trend during the day, the evenings brought a chill, prompting attendees to gather around fire pits for warmth and conversation. The tradition continued with a lively karaoke session, showcasing the diverse talents and enthusiastic spirit of the pinball community.

Saturday: A Day of Play and Competition

Saturday saw the show open at 10:00 AM, with expectations of warmer weather, which largely materialized, making it a more comfortable day for both indoor and outdoor activities. Inside The Pavilion, lines continued to form for popular machines, especially those with limited availability like the two Winchester Mystery House machines from Barrels of Fun. However, with multiple copies of many titles, the wait times for most games remained manageable, allowing attendees ample opportunity to play a wide range of machines.

The Stern Pinball area remained a focal point, with a continuous flow of players enjoying their diverse offerings. The Spooky Pinball section, featuring twelve Beetlejuice machines, also maintained strong player engagement. Throughout the day, the atmosphere was one of lively play, with attendees moving between machines, discovering new favorites, and revisiting classics.

The pinball tournament in the Tarpon Key room progressed through its scheduled rounds. The early and late qualifying groups completed their twelve rounds, with the top 16 players from each group advancing to the playoff stages. These playoffs were structured into groups of four, competing on three machines, with the top two from each group advancing further. The tournament featured two divisions: A and B.

In the A Division, Shannon Stafford successfully defended his 2025 title, securing first place. Donovan Stepp took second, Eric Stone finished third, and co-organizer Colin MacAlpine placed fourth. The B Division saw Malik Berger claim the top spot, followed by JT Thomas in second, Cody Hilliard in third, and Tony Pierce in fourth.

Sunday: A Farewell to the Pins

The final day of Pinball at the Beach commenced at 9:00 AM. Attendees were greeted with vouchers for complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary cocktails from The Pavilion’s bar, offering a celebratory start to the day. This final opportunity allowed guests to revisit their favorite machines, try games they may have missed, or simply enjoy more time playing in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Beetlejuice machines remained popular, as did the extensive lineup of Stern Pinball titles, with players continuing to engage with the machines throughout the morning. The availability of multiple copies of many games ensured that players could still find machines to play, even during peak times. The show also provided an excellent opportunity for head-to-head play, with friends and new acquaintances teaming up on two-player games.

As the closing time of 2:00 PM approached, a gradual winding down of activities began. Machines were systematically powered off, and vendors started packing up their displays. Even as the show officially concluded, a line persisted for the Barrel of Fun games, underscoring the enduring appeal of the machines. Event organizers eventually announced that no new games should be started, signaling the end of the playing session.

A Successful Second Year

The second Pinball at the Beach concluded on a high note, with organizers Marshall Dickson and Ed VanderVeen receiving tokens of appreciation from Pinball News for their successful execution of the event. The show’s unique blend of a relaxed atmosphere, a prime beachfront location, and a vast array of pinball machines continues to attract a dedicated following. The event’s focus on social interaction and pure pinball enjoyment has solidified its place as a must-attend for enthusiasts seeking a different kind of pinball experience. The organizers have demonstrated a clear vision for this event, prioritizing the attendee’s enjoyment and fostering a strong sense of community within the pinball world.

Details of the event, including interviews and discussions with organizers and attendees, are slated to be featured in the upcoming edition of the Pinball News and Pinball Magazine PINcast, scheduled for release in early March.