The second annual Pinball at the Beach event unfolded from February 6th to 9th, 2026, returning to the scenic TradeWinds Island Grand resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. This unique pinball gathering, known for its laid-back atmosphere and focus on social interaction, drew enthusiasts from across the globe to the sun-drenched shores of the Gulf Coast.

A Unique Pinball Experience

Pinball at the Beach distinguishes itself from traditional pinball conventions by prioritizing a relaxed and social environment. Organizers Marshall Dickson of Little Shop of Games and Edward VanderVeen, formerly of the Texas Pinball Festival, envisioned an event that eschewed formal seminars and a heavy vendor presence in favor of ample playtime and camaraderie. This philosophy is reflected in the event’s ticketing structure, which exclusively offers three-day passes priced at $199, encouraging attendees to immerse themselves fully in the experience. The inaugural event in February 2025 laid the groundwork for this distinct approach, and its successful return in 2026 solidified its place in the pinball calendar.

TradeWinds Island Grand: A Prime Location

The TradeWinds Island Grand resort served as the idyllic backdrop for Pinball at the Beach. This expansive complex offers a wealth of amenities, including numerous swimming pools, miniature golf, tennis courts, a boating lake, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, all set against the backdrop of the pristine St. Pete Beach. The resort’s sister property, RumFish Beach, is also accessible to guests, providing an integrated experience across the combined TradeWinds resort. While hotel rooms at the Island Grand sold out quickly following the show’s announcement, availability at RumFish Beach remained for those seeking accommodation.

The resort’s location on the Gulf Coast is a significant draw, offering attendees the chance to enjoy the coastal scenery and warmer climate. However, early attendees noted that the weather in the days leading up to the event was cooler than anticipated, with temperatures hovering around 60°F (16°C). By Saturday, the forecast indicated a pleasant rise to 68°F (20°C), promising a more comfortable weekend for outdoor activities.

The Pavilion: The Heart of the Action

The main hub for the pinball festivities was "The Pavilion," a large tent erected on the Island Grand grounds. This spacious venue housed the extensive collection of pinball machines, as well as the event’s limited vendor presence. Preparations for the show began in earnest on Thursday, February 5th, with the arrival of machines and the setup of essential infrastructure like room dividers and electrical feeds.

Machine Highlights and Manufacturer Presence:

• Spooky Pinball: The company made a significant impact with twelve Beetlejuice machines, a highly anticipated title. These were divided into two configurations: eight featuring the Dante’s Inferno topper and four equipped with the Beetlesnake animatronic topper. The Beetlejuice machines, though sold out for home purchase, were a major draw at the event, showcasing the company’s latest offerings.

  

• Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP): JJP presented its full catalog of games, with multiple editions of their popular Harry Potter title drawing considerable attention. The company’s commitment to providing a diverse range of playable machines underscored their support for the event.

  

• Stern Pinball: The industry giant was well-represented, with a lengthy row of their latest and greatest titles available for play. Games such as Deadpool, Stranger Things, and Iron Maiden were among those on offer, attracting a steady stream of players throughout the weekend.

  

• Barrels of Fun: This manufacturer showcased all three of their current titles: two Winchester Mystery House machines, two Dune pinballs, and one Labyrinth. The limited number of Winchester Mystery House machines, in particular, led to queues forming.

  

• Guest Classics: In addition to the new releases, the event featured a selection of classic machines, including a notable Bally Dungeons & Dragons title, offering a nostalgic contrast to the modern offerings.

  

A Chronological Look at the Event

Thursday, February 5th: The event officially kicked off its setup phase. By midday, a considerable number of machines were already in place within The Pavilion, with more expected to arrive throughout the day and into Friday. Manufacturers and their teams worked diligently to uncrate, set up, and test their machines, ensuring they were ready for play. Early setup revealed the impressive scale of the pinball floor.

Friday, February 6th: The doors to The Pavilion opened to attendees at 5:00 PM, marking the official start of Pinball at the Beach 2026. A significant queue had formed by opening time, with enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the machines. Adding to the excitement, several unique vehicles, including a Batmobile replica, a Jurassic Park jeep, and a Tuk-Tuk, were on display outside, adding a touch of novelty. The registration area was also busy, with guests collecting their credentials.

The evening saw The Pavilion fill with players. The highly anticipated Beetlejuice machines quickly became popular, as did the latest offerings from Stern Pinball. Beyond the main gaming hall, the Tarpon Key room hosted the start of the Pinball at the Beach tournament, featuring a relaxed qualifying schedule. Later, a screening of the biopic "Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game" took place, with director Roger Sharpe in attendance to introduce the film and engage with the audience. The evening concluded with "Drinks on the Beach," a social gathering with live music provided by Casey Allen, allowing attendees to relax and connect by the ocean.

Saturday, February 7th: The show resumed at 10:00 AM, with noticeably warmer weather contributing to a more vibrant atmosphere. The Pavilion buzzed with activity as players vied for turns on popular machines, especially those with limited availability like Winchester Mystery House. A significant event was the autograph session held at 3:00 PM, which drew an unexpectedly large crowd. VIP guests, including well-known figures from the pinball industry and the creators of Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game, were present to sign memorabilia, leading to queues that extended for hours and necessitated the closure of the room to new arrivals.

The tournament continued with its qualifying rounds, culminating in playoff matches. Meanwhile, the evening featured another "Drinks on the Beach" event, offering complimentary refreshments and snacks. Despite the dropping temperatures, attendees gathered around fire pits, and the popular karaoke session commenced. Within The Pavilion, JJP and Stern Pinball representatives were seen socializing and playing games, highlighting the event’s emphasis on community.

Sunday, February 8th: The final day of Pinball at the Beach began at 9:00 AM, with guests receiving vouchers for a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary. This offered a relaxed start for attendees to revisit their favorite machines or try those they had missed. The Beetlejuice machines remained a consistent draw, and the extensive collection of Stern Pinball titles saw continuous play. The tournament concluded with the awarding of prizes to the top players in both Division A and Division B. As the official closing time of 2:00 PM approached, machines were gradually powered down, and the dismantling of the show began. Despite the impending closure, players continued to enjoy the games until the very end.

Tournament Results

The Pinball at the Beach tournament, expertly managed by Colin MacAlpine and Phil Grimaldi, offered a competitive yet accessible experience. Qualifying rounds were split into Early and Late groups, with the top 16 players from each group advancing to the playoffs.

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

Broader Implications and Event Success

Pinball at the Beach 2026 demonstrated the growing appeal of a more relaxed, social approach to pinball conventions. By focusing on playability and community, the event successfully attracted a dedicated fanbase. The organizers, Marshall Dickson and Edward VanderVeen, have cultivated a unique niche that prioritizes the attendee experience over commercial pressures. The high engagement levels observed throughout the weekend, from the packed tournament room to the consistently occupied machines, indicate a strong demand for this style of event. The successful execution of the second iteration suggests that Pinball at the Beach is poised to become a staple in the annual pinball circuit, offering a refreshing alternative to more traditional conventions.

The event’s success also highlights the resilience and passion of the pinball community, which continues to support gatherings that foster connection and shared enjoyment of the game. The presence of industry leaders from major manufacturers engaging with players and fellow enthusiasts further reinforces the event’s status as a significant gathering for the pinball world.

The coverage of Pinball at the Beach 2026 will be further discussed in the upcoming edition of the Pinball News and Pinball Magazine PINcast, scheduled for release in early March.