Peter Frampton, Black Honkeys Concert To Highlight Coachman Park Opening Celebration

CLEARWATER, FL — The city of Clearwater and Ruth Eckerd Hall have announced a weeklong grand opening celebration packed with events, concerts and the return of "Clearwater Celebrates America" Independence Day fireworks over Clearwater Harbor.

"I am thrilled to kick off my first day as mayor by sharing the exciting week of events and activities planned for the park, which marks a significant milestone for our city," said newly appointed Mayor Brian Aungst Sr. "The grand opening of Coachman Park and The Sound represents a new era of entertainment and recreation in Clearwater."

To celebrate Clearwater's diverse attributes, each day will be themed to highlight a different aspect of the community and feature musical performances such as The Black Honkeys band, Rumbero's De Tampa Bay, Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw, Dave Koz' Summer Horns Tour with special guests Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius, Peter Frampton and The Florida Orchestra.

"Clearwater will truly be celebrating with a wonderful grand opening week that offers something for everyone," Susan M. Crockett, Ruth Eckerd Hall president & CEO, said. Ruth Eckerd Hall is managing The Sound amphitheater at Coachman Park. "We are very excited to play our part in bringing world-renowned artists to the festivities."

Schedule Of Events

• Daily recurring events will include health and fitness classes, food and beverage experiences, exhibitors, children's games, as well as activities and park amenities such as a splash pad, large playground and walking trails.
• Wednesday, June 28: The weeklong grand opening celebration of Coachman Park will begin with "Clearwater Celebrates Coachman Park." The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the park will occur at 5 p.m. followed by the first concert at The Sound. This will be a free-to-the-public event, with the artist to be announced soon.
• Thursday, June 29: Thursday's theme of "Clearwater Celebrates Diversity & Culture" will pay tribute to the rich diversity that exists in Clearwater, with a focus on promoting inclusivity and understanding across all communities.

There will be a multicultural market and crafters, as well as dance troupes and musicians showcasing their talents. The day will end with a free community concert at The Sound featuring Tampa Bay's favorite local group, The Black Honkeys. For the free concerts on June 28 and June 29, general admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Chairs are limited so bring a blanket for the lawn.

• Friday, June 30: Kicking off the weekend, Friday's theme will be "Clearwater Celebrates Music." There will be a craft beer garden, local musicians on The Green and street entertainment. The day will close out with a concert at The Sound featuring Grammy winner Colbie Caillat and Grammy nominee Gavin DeGraw, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $9 to $99 and go on sale Friday, April 14 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, by calling 727-791-7400 or visiting TheSoundFLA.com.
• Saturday, July 1: The "Clearwater Celebrates Community" will begin with a 5K running event. Following the race, participants can enjoy the craft beer garden, performances on The Green, a farmers market and events honoring Clearwater's neighborhoods. There will be a concert at The Sound, featuring Grammy nominee Dave Koz and the Summer Horns Tour with special guests Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $9 to $50and go on sale Friday, April 14 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, by calling 727-791-7400 or visiting TheSoundFLA.com.
• Sunday, July 2: "Clearwater Celebrates Hispanic Culture" is dedicated to celebrating the large Hispanic community that makes up Clearwater. The day will feature dance classes with professional instructors, musical performances on The Green, such as Rumbero's De Tampa and DJs, and Hispanic cuisine from numerous food trucks.

The night will end with a concert at The Sound featuring Grammy winner Peter Frampton at 7 p.m., who returns to Clearwater for the first time in seven years on his Never Say Never Tour. Tickets range from $9 to $129.59 and go on sale Friday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall, by calling 727-791-7400 or visiting TheSoundFLA.com.

• Monday, July 3: "Clearwater Celebrates Wellness" will be a day highlighting the passive recreation areas of Coachman Park and promoting healthy and active living. Participants can join a community volunteer cleanup or host their local meet-up group outings at the park. To prepare for the Independence Day Celebration, there are no large events or concerts planned for July 3.
• Tuesday, July 4: Finally, "Clearwater Celebrates America" will start the holiday with a classic car show featuring vintage cars and trucks. Shop local at the farmers market, enjoy the sounds of street entertainers and let the kids burn off energy with family-friendly entertainment.

As the day comes to a close, witness the grand finale — the largest fireworks display in Clearwater's history accompanied by The Florida Orchestra. Following the fireworks, stick around for an immersive silent disco party. Tickets are required for the free concert on July 4 and are available in advance at TheSoundFLA.com beginning Tuesday, May 2. General admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Chairs are limited, so bring a blanket for the lawn.

All shows will be presented rain or shine. Dates, times and event descriptions are subject to change.

Related:

• Coachman Park Community Outreach Meetings Hosted By City of Clearwater
  
• Imagine Clearwater Project Hits Major Construction Milestone
• Clearwater Amphitheater Topping Out Ceremony Set For Friday
• Here's What Clearwater Imagines It Will Get For $84 Million
• Skanska Awarded Contract For $57M Imagine Clearwater Project
• Video: City Invites Public To View Imagine Clearwater Designs
• Clearwater Residents Invited to 'Imagine' Downtown Waterfront's Future
• Clearwater Officials Want To Tap Into Residents' Imaginations

The renovated Coachman Park, part of the Imagine Clearwater initiative, is a 19-acre downtown waterfront public park set to open June 28, 2023.

A longtime favorite spot for concerts and other community activities, the park has been closed for an $84 million renovations project including a grand entrance and walkway, public art spaces, a waterfront pedestrian promenade, a marina amenity building, a scenic lake overlook with rentable pavilions, a playground area, splash pad and a 9,000-capacity concert venue.