Clearwater Beach After Dark: Kick Off with Pier 60 Sunset Festival, Dinner Options, Dessert Bliss & Dancing – Your Guide to Tonight & Beyond the Sugar Sand Spectacle

Don't miss out on tonight's fun in Clearwater Beach! Dive right into the vibrant beach scene starting tonight.

Head over to the iconic Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival — our world-famous nightly sunset celebration in Pier 60 Park. It runs every evening (weather permitting), typically from about two hours before sunset until two hours after, with street performers, local artisans, live entertainment, and unbeatable Gulf views as the sun dips below the horizon. It's free, family-friendly, and the perfect way to soak up the magic of Clearwater Beach after dark.

After soaking in the sunset vibes, keep the energy going with dinner nearby. Here are some top options within easy walking distance of Pier 60:

• Frenchy's Rockaway Grill — A Clearwater Beach classic for fresh Gulf seafood like their famous grouper sandwich, casual vibes, and beachy atmosphere.
• Marina Cantina — Great for Mexican-inspired dishes with a rooftop option for sunset views if you time it right.
• The Salty Crab Bar & Grill (North Beach location) — Seafood-focused with a fun, laid-back feel.
• Badfins Food + Brew — Tacos, fresh seafood, and craft beers on a spacious patio — perfect for groups.
• Island Way Grill or Columbia Restaurant - SandKey (nearby) — For something a bit more upscale with excellent seafood and Spanish influences.

Top it off with a sweet treat! Swing by The Mint Fox Cookies and Ice Cream for fresh-baked cookies paired with super-premium ice cream (try a cookie sundae or milkshake), or Ice & Cream Creamery for creative flavors and waffle cone bowls. Parlor Doughnuts is another local favorite if you're craving something doughy and indulgent.

Then, cap the night with drinks and more entertainment. Check out these spots for cocktails, live music, and dancing:

• Jimmy's Crow's Nest (rooftop at Pier House 60) — Stunning panoramic views, tropical drinks like Piña Coladas or Rum Runners, light bites, and a lively atmosphere.
• Jimmy's on the Edge (rooftop) — Beach-vibe live music or DJ sets (often Thursdays-Sundays), great for dancing under the stars.
• Shephard's Beach Resort (Tiki Bar & nightclub) — Nightly entertainment with live bands, DJs, and a massive dance floor for high-energy fun.
• Badfins or Coco's Crush Bar — Casual beachfront bars with live music and drinks into the night.

This weekend (March 21-22, 2026) and through next weekend, expect the usual Pier 60 nightly festivities with live music, performers, and that signature beach energy — check local spots for schedules, as many feature acts on weekends.

Local tips and tricks:

• Arrive early for Pier 60 sunset spots — it gets crowded on nice evenings!
• Parking can be tricky; use public lots or walk if you're nearby.
• Bring cash for some artisans and small vendors.
• Wear comfy shoes for strolling the beach and boardwalk.

But here's the best part: whether you're craving a high-energy night out or a chill wind-down, Blue Wave Suites is the ultimate spot to stay — your perfect home base steps from the action, where the fun never really ends.

Fancy a night in? Top your epic evening off right at our BBQ patio and upper deck! Fire up the full outdoor kitchen with gas grill, cooktop, sink, and utensils for a casual DIY BBQ feast — think grilled shrimp skewers, burgers, or fresh veggies while the ambient lighting glows softly around you. Gather family and friends on the comfy seating for laughs, stories, and stargazing under the tropical sky. The upper deck's cozy vibe with loungers and lights makes it ideal for unwinding with your own drinks (mix up some mojitos or sip something cold from the suite fridge). It's private, relaxed, and just steps from your door — pure beach bliss without leaving the property!

Fancy a night out instead? No problem — Blue Wave Suites puts you right in the heart of it all. Families love the easy access to Pier 60's kid-friendly performers and free fun, then heading back for a quick snack on the patio. Couples can steal romantic sunset moments nearby, followed by upscale dinners and rooftop cocktails, returning to your suite for quiet deck time with ocean breezes. Adults-only groups? Hit the live music and dance spots, then bring the party home to the upper deck for late-night chats and nightcaps under the stars — no need to drive or deal with crowds at the end of the night.

And when you're ready to head "home," look for the glowing surfboard as your beacon — it's our custom, vibrant landmark at Blue Wave Suites, lighting up at night to guide you right back to your beachfront suite after a perfect evening out. Rest up in style, because whether you're grilling under the stars or dancing till midnight, Blue Wave Suites makes every moment feel like the best vacation ever.

What's upcoming next week? Get ready — the highly anticipated Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival kicks off on March 27 and runs through April 12, 2026! Featuring incredible sand sculptures themed "United in Sand: Celebrating Sports & Spirit," live music, fireworks, free concerts, artisans, food vendors, and more — it's the #1 sand sculpting festival in Florida. Stay tuned for even more excitement right here on Clearwater Beach!

Come join the fun — Clearwater Beach is calling, and Blue Wave Suites is the spot to make unforgettable memories!