The vibrant atmosphere of St. Pete Beach, Florida, once again played host to the eagerly anticipated Pinball at the Beach (PatB) event, marking its second successful iteration from February 6th to 9th, 2026. Returning to the luxurious TradeWinds Island Grand resort, the show cemented its reputation as a unique and relaxed gathering for pinball enthusiasts, offering a refreshing departure from the more traditional, seminar-heavy conventions. This year’s event, held under the warm Florida sun, underscored the growing appeal of a more social and experiential approach to pinball fandom.

A Unique Venue for a Unique Event

The TradeWinds Island Grand, with its sprawling grounds and prime beachfront location at 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA, provided the perfect backdrop for Pinball at the Beach. The resort’s extensive amenities, including multiple swimming pools, miniature golf, tennis courts, and a serene boating lake, complemented the core pinball experience. Guests staying at either the Island Grand or its sister property, RumFish Beach, enjoyed full access to both complexes, fostering an inclusive and relaxed environment. The picturesque setting, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, was a significant draw for attendees seeking a blend of their passion for pinball and a tropical getaway.

The Philosophy of Pinball at the Beach

Organized by Marshall Dickson of Little Shop of Games and Edward VanderVeen, formerly of the Texas Pinball Festival, Pinball at the Beach was conceived with a deliberate focus on community and play. The organizers met at the FreePlay Florida show, recognizing a shared vision for an event that prioritized social interaction and hands-on experience with pinball machines over formal presentations. This philosophy is evident in the event’s structure: no single-day tickets are available, reinforcing the commitment to a multi-day, immersive experience. The all-inclusive three-day pass, priced at $199, reflects this dedication to fostering a communal atmosphere.

While the event welcomes special guests from across the pinball industry, the emphasis remains firmly on playing the games and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. The absence of extensive seminars and a limited number of vendors further highlights this focus, ensuring that the primary attraction remains the vast collection of pinball machines available for play. The inaugural PatB in February 2025 set a strong precedent, and the 2026 edition aimed to build upon that success, attracting a diverse range of players from seasoned collectors to newcomers.

Weathering the Florida Climate

The weather at Pinball at the Beach 2026 presented a mixed but generally pleasant experience for attendees. While the initial days, leading up to Friday, saw temperatures peaking around 60°F (16°C), a welcome warmth began to build as the weekend progressed, with Saturday reaching an anticipated 68°F (20°C). This was a welcome change from the significant heatwave experienced during the inaugural event in 2025, allowing attendees to comfortably enjoy both the indoor pinball hall and the resort’s outdoor amenities. The mild temperatures, particularly on Saturday, even hinted at a potential for a "decent beach day," encouraging some attendees to take advantage of the resort’s coastal offerings.

A Deep Dive into The Pavilion: The Heart of the Action

The main hub for the pinball festivities was "The Pavilion," a spacious tent within the TradeWinds Island Grand complex. Preparations for the event were already underway by Thursday afternoon, with the Pinball News team on-site to capture the setup process. The Pavilion was envisioned as a dynamic space, housing a vast array of pinball machines from leading manufacturers and independent creators.

The Arrival of the Machines

By Thursday midday, a significant number of machines had already been installed, with many more expected to arrive throughout Thursday and Friday. The visual spectacle of rows upon rows of pinball cabinets being carefully positioned and powered up set an exciting tone for the upcoming days.

Spooky Pinball was among the first manufacturers to establish their presence. Despite their recent "Beetlejuice" machine having sold out quickly upon its initial release, Spooky Pinball ensured a substantial presence at PatB 2026 by bringing a dedicated batch of games. Attendees were treated to twelve "Beetlejuice" machines, strategically arranged: a primary row of eight featuring the "Dante’s Inferno" topper, and an additional island display of four machines equipped with the impressive "Beetlesnake" animatronic topper. This ensured ample opportunity for enthusiasts to experience the highly sought-after title.

The presence of other major manufacturers was also notable. Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) showcased their impressive lineup, including multiple editions of their "Harry Potter" series, drawing considerable attention. Similarly, Barrels of Fun presented their full catalog, featuring two "Winchester Mystery House" machines, two "Dune" titles, and one "Labyrinth," offering a diverse selection of modern and unique pinball experiences.

Stern Pinball, a dominant force in the industry, also had a significant setup within The Pavilion. Their machines, ranging from recent releases to popular classics, occupied a substantial section, ensuring that attendees had access to a wide variety of their offerings. The sheer number of machines from these manufacturers underscored the event’s commitment to providing a comprehensive pinball playground.

Pre-Show Preparations and Infrastructure

The setup process extended beyond just machine placement. The installation of room dividers, drapes, and intricate electrical feeds was crucial for creating the immersive environment of The Pavilion. Power cables and outlets were meticulously installed to ensure the smooth operation of the numerous machines, highlighting the logistical effort involved in hosting such a large-scale event.

A Packed Schedule of Pinball Fun

Pinball at the Beach officially opened its doors to attendees at 5 PM on Friday, February 6th, but the preparations and early access provided a glimpse into the weekend’s activities.

Friday: The Grand Opening and Initial Impressions

As Friday evening approached, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. Registration had been available since midday, allowing early arrivals to secure their credentials. The opening of The Pavilion doors at 5 PM saw a growing queue of eager pinball fans, ready to dive into the sea of machines. Adding to the excitement, three distinctive vehicles made an appearance outside the venue: a replica Batmobile, a Jurassic Park jeep, and a unique Tuk-Tuk, adding a touch of pop culture flair to the event’s entrance.

Inside The Pavilion, the "Beetlejuice" machines quickly became a focal point, with many guests making a beeline for them. However, the abundance of other high-quality machines ensured that no one was left wanting. Stern Pinball titles, in particular, were popular, with many of them being actively played throughout the evening. The availability of show merchandise also proved popular, with a steady queue forming at the sales stand.

The Tournament Kicks Off

Beyond the open play area, the competitive spirit of the pinball community was catered for with the commencement of the Pinball at the Beach tournament. Held in the Tarpon Key room, the tournament, expertly managed by Colin MacAlpine and Phil Grimaldi, adopted a relaxed, multi-day format. Qualifying rounds were split into four three-hour slots across Friday and Saturday, allowing participants ample opportunity to achieve their best scores. The tournament offered two divisions, A and B, ensuring a competitive environment for players of varying skill levels.

Saturday: Warmer Weather and Full Immersion

Saturday, February 7th, dawned with warmer temperatures, enhancing the overall experience. The Pavilion buzzed with activity from its 10 AM opening. Lines began to form for highly anticipated games like "Winchester Mystery House," which featured only two machines, emphasizing its exclusivity. However, with multiple copies of most titles, wait times for other games were generally manageable, allowing attendees to experience a wide variety of machines.

The impressive collection of Spooky Pinball’s "Beetlejuice" machines remained a major draw, as did the extensive rows of Stern and Jersey Jack Pinball titles. A particular highlight was the near-absence of technical issues reported on the new Spooky "Beetlejuice" machines, a testament to the manufacturer’s quality control and the organizers’ meticulous setup.

Autograph Session: A Star-Studded Affair

A significant event on Saturday afternoon was an autograph session held in the Breckenridge building. The session, running from 3 PM, attracted a substantial crowd, with attendees bringing a variety of items – from posters and jackets to playfields and backglasses – to be signed by the attending VIPs. The sheer volume of interest exceeded expectations, leading to the room being temporarily closed after two hours, with a further thirty minutes required for those already inside to complete their signings. Notable personalities present included Jack Danger and Dwight Sullivan, among many other industry figures.

Evening Entertainment and Relaxation

As the sun began to set, the event offered a dual experience. For those seeking relaxation, a "Drinks on the Beach" event provided complimentary refreshments and hot snacks, accompanied by live music from Casey Allen. However, the evening chill soon set in, drawing groups towards the warmth of the fire pits. Meanwhile, the more dedicated pinball players continued their sessions indoors. A movie screening of "Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game," featuring an introduction and Q&A with director Roger Sharpe, offered an alternative form of entertainment in a nearby room. The night also included the ever-popular karaoke session, showcasing the diverse talents of the pinball community.

Sunday: A Farewell to the Machines

Pinball at the Beach concluded on Sunday, February 9th, opening at 9 AM. Attendees were greeted with vouchers for a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary, a fitting start to the final day. This allowed for a final opportunity to play favorite machines or discover those they hadn’t yet experienced. The "Beetlejuice" machines remained popular, as did the numerous Stern titles, all of which continued to be actively played.

Tournament Conclusions and Awards

The tournament reached its climax on Saturday evening and Sunday. The A Division saw Shannon Stafford successfully defend his 2025 title, with Donovan Stepp securing second place, Eric Stone third, and co-organizer Colin MacAlpine in fourth. In the B Division, Malik Berger took first place, followed by JT Thomas in second, Cody Hilliard in third, and Tony Pierce in fourth. The awards ceremony recognized the top four players in each division, celebrating their achievements.

Winding Down and Departure

As the official closing time of 2 PM approached, the atmosphere shifted towards packing up. Machines were gradually powered down, and display stands were dismantled. Despite the official end, a dedicated line persisted for the Barrel of Fun machines until explicitly asked to cease new games. The organizers, Marshall and Ed, were presented with tokens of appreciation from Pinball News for their successful execution of the event. The second Pinball at the Beach concluded, leaving attendees with fond memories and anticipation for future gatherings.

Broader Implications for the Pinball Industry

Pinball at the Beach’s success highlights a growing trend within the pinball community: a desire for events that prioritize social interaction and hands-on gameplay. The model of a relaxed atmosphere, coupled with a high concentration of playable machines and engaging entertainment, appears to resonate strongly with enthusiasts. This approach could influence the planning of future pinball conventions, encouraging organizers to consider integrating more leisure activities and social elements alongside traditional competitive structures. The event’s emphasis on community building, particularly through shared experiences on the machines and during evening social activities, reinforces the idea that pinball is more than just a game; it’s a vibrant subculture with a strong social core. The continued popularity of such events suggests a healthy and evolving pinball market, driven by passionate players and innovative organizers.