The second annual Pinball at the Beach event commenced from February 6th to 9th, 2026, returning to its popular beachfront location at the TradeWinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach, Florida. This unique pinball gathering, distinguished by its emphasis on leisure and social interaction over formal seminars and extensive vendor halls, aims to provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience for attendees. The event’s unique format, which only offers three-day passes priced at $199, underscores its commitment to fostering a communal atmosphere, encouraging attendees to immerse themselves in the games and the resort’s amenities.

Organized by Marshall Dickson of Little Shop of Games and Edward VanderVeen, formerly associated with the Texas Pinball Festival, Pinball at the Beach was conceived from a shared vision to create a different kind of pinball show. Their collaboration, which began at the FreePlay Florida show, led to the inaugural event in February 2025, establishing a precedent for this distinct approach to pinball conventions. The TradeWinds Island Grand, a sprawling resort complex situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico, offers a picturesque backdrop for the event, boasting numerous swimming pools, miniature golf, tennis courts, a boating lake, and a variety of dining and recreational options, all accessible to guests. The adjacent RumFish Beach resort property is also integrated into the attendee experience, allowing guests to utilize facilities across both locations.

The event kicked off with pre-show setup on Thursday, February 5th, allowing organizers and early arrivals a glimpse into the preparations. The main hub for the pinball machines and select vendors is "The Pavilion," a large tent on the resort grounds. By Thursday afternoon, a significant number of machines were already in place, with more arriving throughout the setup period. Manufacturers like Spooky Pinball were among the first to establish their presence, showcasing twelve of their popular Beetlejuice machines, featuring both the Dante’s Inferno and Beetlesnake animatronic toppers. Representatives from Jersey Jack Pinball and Barrels of Fun also began setting up their latest offerings, including multiple editions of Harry Potter and their Winchester Mystery House, Dune, and Labyrinth titles, respectively. Stern Pinball also began its setup, promising a comprehensive collection of their popular machines.

Event Chronology and Key Activities

Thursday, February 5th: Pre-Show Preparations

• Midday: Arrival and initial setup at The Pavilion. Several pinball machines from various manufacturers, including Spooky Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, Barrels of Fun, and Stern Pinball, were being installed.
• Afternoon/Evening: Continued machine setup and installation of infrastructure like room dividers and electrical feeds. The resort’s amenities, including its beachfront and recreational facilities, were noted as a significant draw for attendees.
• Evening: Organizers finalized preparations as the sun set over the Gulf.

Friday, February 6th: Official Opening and Tournament Launch

• Morning: The Pavilion continued to take shape, with machines being tested and final adjustments made. The atmosphere was one of anticipation for the official opening.
• Afternoon: Registration opened for attendees in a building opposite The Pavilion. Unique vehicles, including a Batmobile replica, a Jurassic Park jeep, and a tuk-tuk, arrived, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• 5:00 PM: The Pavilion officially opened its doors to attendees, marking the beginning of Pinball at the Beach 2026. A queue formed, with enthusiasts eager to play the array of machines.
• 5:00 PM: The Pinball at the Beach tournament, managed by Colin MacAlpine and Phil Grimaldi, commenced in the Tarpon Key room. Qualifying rounds were scheduled across multiple sessions.
• Evening: Attendees explored the game floor, with high demand noted for popular titles like Beetlejuice. Autograph sessions were held, featuring numerous VIP guests from the pinball industry, drawing significant queues. A "Drinks on the Beach" event offered a social gathering by the ocean, accompanied by live music from Casey Allen.

Saturday, February 7th: Peak Activity and Tournament Play

• Morning: The show floor buzzed with activity as the day promised warmer weather. Attendees enjoyed the resort’s amenities and the extensive pinball collection.
• Throughout the Day: Lines formed for popular machines, particularly those with limited units, such as Barrels of Fun’s Winchester Mystery House. The Spooky Pinball Beetlejuice machines remained a major attraction. A comprehensive walkthrough video of The Pavilion was produced, showcasing the available games.
• Afternoon: The "Ice Cream Hearse" made an appearance, catering to the warmer conditions. The autograph session continued to be a major draw, with long lines persisting.
• Evening: The "Drinks on the Beach" event returned, offering a relaxed atmosphere by the fire pits, though the evening air turned chilly. A karaoke session provided entertainment, while attendees socialized within The Pavilion. Tournament play progressed, with qualifying rounds concluding and playoff brackets beginning.

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

• Morning (9:00 AM): The final day of Pinball at the Beach opened with complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary vouchers for attendees. Guests had the opportunity to revisit favorite machines or try those they had missed.
• Throughout the Day: The Beetlejuice machines and Stern Pinball titles continued to be popular. Opportunities to play head-to-head games with friends were abundant.
• 2:00 PM: The official closing time arrived. Machines were gradually powered down, and vendors began packing up. Despite the official closure, a queue remained for some of the most popular games, indicating the enduring appeal of the event.
• Post-Event: Organizers Marshall Dickson and Edward VanderVeen were presented with gifts of appreciation from Pinball News. A recap of the event, including discussions on the games, guests, and overall atmosphere, was announced for the upcoming Pinball News and Pinball Magazine PINcast.

Resort Ambiance and Amenities
The choice of the TradeWinds Island Grand as the venue for Pinball at the Beach significantly contributes to its relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere. The resort, along with its sister property RumFish Beach, provides a vast array of amenities designed for leisure. These include multiple swimming pools, a lazy river, waterslides, miniature golf, tennis courts, and direct access to St. Pete Beach. The picturesque beachfront setting offers opportunities for attendees to enjoy the Florida sunshine and sea breeze between pinball sessions. The resort’s layout, featuring interconnected properties and extensive grounds, facilitates a seamless experience for guests, allowing them to move freely between the main pinball hall, dining options, and relaxation areas. The relatively mild February weather, with temperatures hovering around 60°F (16°C) early in the weekend and warming to 68°F (20°C) by Saturday, was conducive to outdoor activities and enjoying the resort’s surroundings, though evening temperatures necessitated warmer attire.

The Pavilion: The Heart of the Show
The Pavilion, a large, dedicated tent, served as the central venue for the pinball machines and the few select vendors present. This setup allowed for a focused pinball experience, distinct from more traditional shows with expansive vendor halls. The layout of The Pavilion was carefully managed, with manufacturers strategically placed to offer a diverse range of machines. Spooky Pinball occupied a prominent area with their dozen Beetlejuice units. Stern Pinball’s extensive collection was also a focal point, as were the offerings from Jersey Jack Pinball and Barrels of Fun. The presence of numerous machines, particularly multiple units of popular titles, generally ensured that wait times were manageable for most games, except for highly sought-after new releases. The setup also included dedicated areas for the tournament and a screening room for the movie Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game.

Tournament and Special Events
The Pinball at the Beach tournament, overseen by Colin MacAlpine and Phil Grimaldi, adopted a flexible format with qualifying rounds spread across Friday and Saturday. This structure allowed participants to engage with the main show while still competing. The tournament culminated in playoff rounds, with separate divisions (A and B) to accommodate varying skill levels. Shannon Stafford successfully defended his A Division title from the previous year, while Malik Berger secured first place in the B Division.

Beyond the tournament, the event featured several other notable activities. A screening of the film Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game was held, with director Roger Sharpe in attendance to introduce the movie and engage with the audience. Sharpe also discussed his co-designed game, Sharpshooter. Evening entertainment included "Drinks on the Beach" gatherings, providing a relaxed social setting with music by Casey Allen, and a popular karaoke session. The autograph session on Saturday afternoon proved to be a major highlight, drawing an unexpectedly long queue of attendees eager to meet and get signatures from prominent figures in the pinball industry. The sheer volume of interest necessitated closing the room temporarily to manage the crowd and ensure everyone received their autographs.

Manufacturer Presence and Machine Lineup
The show featured a strong representation from major pinball manufacturers, highlighting recent and popular titles. Spooky Pinball’s Beetlejuice was a standout, with twelve machines available for play, showcasing the game’s popularity. Jersey Jack Pinball offered their full catalog, including multiple Harry Potter machines. Barrels of Fun presented their titles: Winchester Mystery House, Dune, and Labyrinth. Stern Pinball’s diverse lineup also drew significant attention. The availability of multiple units for many of these popular games ensured a steady flow of players throughout the weekend, though some of the newest or most limited releases experienced longer wait times. The general consensus regarding the machines was positive, with reports of minimal technical issues, particularly for the new Spooky Pinball Beetlejuice units, contributing to a smooth playing experience.

Atmosphere and Attendee Experience
Pinball at the Beach cultivates an atmosphere of camaraderie and relaxation. The "live coverage" style of reporting, which began on Thursday with setup observations, emphasized the event’s ongoing nature and its focus on attendee experience. The resort’s amenities, combined with the dedicated pinball hall, allowed for a balanced approach to the weekend, encouraging attendees to enjoy both the games and the vacation setting. The decision to sell only three-day passes reinforced the event’s goal of fostering a community and encouraging sustained engagement rather than a transient visitor experience. This inclusive approach, evident in the organizers’ efforts to create a comfortable and engaging environment, contributed to the positive reception of the second annual event. The blend of competitive tournament play, casual gaming, social events, and unique attractions like the themed vehicles underscored the show’s commitment to offering a multifaceted experience for pinball enthusiasts.