The 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival is a three-day Festival held from February 13-15, 2026 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. It is a fundraiser for Suncoast Charities for Children, raising money to support critical programs and services for local children, teens, and adults with special needs. National Headline Acts include Night Ranger, 38 Special and Montgomery Gentry Featuring Eddie Montgomery. The Festival is family-friendly and features live music, vendors, car & bike shows, a biker rodeo, charity car & motorcycle dice run, and so much more! On-site camping is available. Over the past 27 years, the Festival has raised over $3 Million for charity.
2026 Festival Gate Hours
Friday, February 13, 2026: 5:00pm – 10:00pm | Featured Headliner: Night Ranger
Saturday, February 14, 2026: Noon – 10:00pm | Featured Headliner: 38 Special
Sunday, February 15, 2026: Noon – 5:00pm | Featured Headliner: Montgomery Gentry Featuring Eddie Montgomery
*Please Note – Folding chairs provided under the VIP tent and Public Main Bar tent cannot be carried out of the tented area onto the festival lawn in front of the main stage.
Need A Seat? - We’ve Got You Covered!
This year, we have partnered with conCHAIRto to offer comfortable, convenient, and hassle-free rental chairs for lawn seating in front of the main stage —ready and waiting for you once you’re inside the gates.
Reserve early and save $5! Lock in your seat now for $15 (regularly $20) and enjoy the event without the lugging, waiting, or setup.
Reserve My Chair

Thank you for helping us create a safe, accessible, and enjoyable event for all!