Clearwater Super Boat National Championship and Seafood Festival: What to Know Before You Go

CLEARWATER, FL – For three days each year, Clearwater Beach becomes the epicenter of the speed boat world – flavored with some of the world’s best seafood.

Clearwater will play host to the eighth annual Bright House Clearwater Super Boat National Championship and Seafood Festival this weekend. With events and festivals scattered throughout the area, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of this national championship event.

Here’s what area residents need to know before you go to the 2016 Bright House Super Boat National Championship and Seafood Festival:

Dates and Times

The 2016 Bright House Super Boat National Championship and Seafood Festival is scheduled to take place from Friday, Sept. 30 at noon and goes through Sunday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Locations

Locations vary depending on the event, but all events take place in and around downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.

Parking

Parking at the beach and Pier 60 will be limited due to the crowds. Beach parking is available throughout the festival weekend at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach parking garage, 301 S. Gulfview Blvd., for $40 for self and #50 for valet.

The Jolley Trolley will be available on Saturday and Sunday from all locations. The Clearwater Ferry will also offer service all weekend long between Clearwater Beach and Coachman Park.

There will also be a designated spectator area for boaters. Click here for the map and coordinates.

Tickets

Most public events during the Bright House Super Boat National Championship are free to attend. Businesses around Clearwater are also celebrating the weekend with paid-admission events. However, VIP tickets are available for the weekend, offering free admission into VIP parties, autograph signings, and many of the supporting events.

VIP tickets are $100 for adults and $20 for children 16 and younger, and are available at the Clearwater Beach Chamber, 429 Poinsettia Ave., and the Clearwater Regional Chamber, 600 Cleveland St. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.clearwaterflorida.org.

There will also be two cruises that will offer up-close views of the featured races. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to see the cruise offerings.

Schedule

The schedule of events for the 2016 Bright House Clearwater Super Boat National Championship and Seafood Festival is:

Friday, Sept. 30

• Noon to 10 p.m.: Baystar Race Village, free admission. Spectators can see the boats and teams up close plus get autographs and photos. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from Baystar Restaurant Group. There will also be vendors and live entertainment.
• 5:30 to 10 p.m.: Cleveland Street District Block Party, free admission. Contests, games, prizes and vendors. Live entertainment provided by T Blue Band and The Stringerz.
• 6 p.m. Big Storm Brewing Boat Parade, free admission. The Super Boats and their drivers will parade down Cleveland Street.
• 6:30 to 10 p.m.: Baystar Race Village VIP Party, Clearwater Harbor Marina Promenade. Meet race teams and special guests for autographs and photos. Steel drum cocktail party with heavy appetizers. VIP tickets will be available to purchase at this event.
• 7:15 p.m.: Free bike giveaway. During the Cleveland Street District Block Party, businesses will sell raffle tickets for the free bike giveaway. Ten children’s bikes will be given away. The drawing will take place in front of Capitol Theatre. Must be present to win.
• 8 to 11 p.m.: The Black Honkeys, free VIP admission. Performance at the Capitol Theatre.
• 8 to close: Shephard’s Kick Off Party featuring Sister Hazel, free VIP admission. Lineup includes: All The Answers, 8 to 10 p.m.; Sister Hazel, 10:30 p.m. to midnight; DJ Ray, midnight to close. Click here to order individual tickets.

Saturday, Oct. 1

• 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Seafood Festival at Baystar Race Village, free admission. Local restaurants will offer seafood. Food and beverages are available to purchase. Spectators can see super boat practice runs. See boats and teams close up, and get autographs and photos. There will also be vendors and live entertainment.
• 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.: Shephard’s VIP Party: Live entertainment (band to be announced) and light refreshments.
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Sunsets at Pier 60 fireworks display. VIP event hosted by Pier 60 Concessions.

Sunday, Oct.2

• 10 a.m.: Race viewing at Pier 60. Tickets will be available on the day of the race at Pier 60 only. Tickets are $5 and $20.
• 10 a.m. to noon: Boat launches
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Baystar Race Village, free admission.
• Noon: Super Boat Race Heat 1: Superboat Stock, Superboat Vee, Production 3 and 4
• 1:30 p.m.: Super Boat Race Heat 2: Superboat Unlimited, Superboat Extreme
• 3 p.m.: Super Boat Race Heat 3: Superboat
• 4 to 7 p.m.: After Race Party and Awards Ceremony at Marina Cantina. Happy Hour specials feature tacos, margaritas and craft beer.
• 4 p.m. until close: Shephard’s Largest After Beach Party Ever, free VIP admission.

Charities

Proceeds from the event support Tampa Bay Charities, Inc., which includes the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and Sailability Greater Tampa Bay. The Clearwater Community Sailing Center provides safe and enriching sailing opportunities for the community’s youth, seniors and disabled people. Sailability provides affordable, accessible sailing activities and education to children and adults of all abilities.

For more information, visit http://www.clearwatersuperboat.com/.

Images via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, Flickr, used under Creative Commons