News Summary

The City of St. Petersburg is celebrating the five-year anniversary of the St. Pete Pier with a month-long series of events known as ‘PierFest’. Starting on July 4th, families can enjoy a variety of activities including themed weekends, music festivals, health events, and a grand finale with a spectacular drone show. Community engagement is highlighted throughout the celebrations, making PierFest a significant event for both locals and visitors alike.

St. Petersburg Celebrates Five Years of the St. Pete Pier with Month-Long “PierFest” Events

The City of St. Petersburg is commemorating the five-year anniversary of the St. Pete Pier with a month-long series of events known as “PierFest”. The celebration began on July 4th and features a variety of family-friendly activities scheduled throughout July. The impressive 26-acre waterfront destination reopened in July 2020 and has since become a significant hub for dining, recreation, and community gatherings.

Kickoff Events on July 4th

The festivities kicked off with a series of events on July 4th, which included the St. Pete Pier Run, a four-mile race along the scenic waterfront. Participants had the chance to experience live performances from the 13th U.S. Army Band, culminating in a dazzling fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Following the Independence Day celebrations, July 5th featured an all-day music festival, showcasing patriotic entertainment alongside exciting demonstrations such as waterskiing, jet skiing, and flyboarding.

Themed Weekends Throughout July

Each weekend throughout July will have its own theme designed to engage different segments of the community. On July 12th, “Beats on the Pier” will highlight local talent with live performances across six stages, providing a platform for emerging artists.

The weekend of July 19th is dedicated to health and wellness under the “Fit Fest” theme. Attendees can participate in various classes including yoga, Pilates, and Zumba, all set in the stunning environment of the pier.

Additionally, the highly anticipated Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival is scheduled for July 20th. This event will bring together over 30 ice cream trucks and dessert vendors, offering treats and entertainment for kids through games and activities.

Grand Finale on July 27th

The month-long celebration will conclude on July 27th with “727 Day.” This event is set to impress with a spectacular drone show featuring over 1,000 drones—including pyro drones—along with live music from DJs and bands, an array of food trucks, games, and giveaways for attendees.

Community Engagement and Support

Caitlin Ferkile, Events Operations Manager at the St. Pete Pier, emphasized that the events are designed to cater to both locals and tourists, enhancing community spirit while highlighting the Pier as a versatile venue. Support for PierFest comes from multiple partners, including Visit St. Pete Clearwater and Duke Energy, reflecting strong community involvement and collaboration.

Staying Updated on PierFest Activities

As the celebrations continue, attendees are encouraged to stay updated on upcoming events through the St. Pete Pier’s social media channels and the official PierFest website. This ensures that both regular visitors and newcomers can enjoy the full range of activities planned throughout the month.

Background on the St. Pete Pier

The St. Pete Pier is a renowned waterfront destination that has transformed the St. Petersburg coastline since its reopening in 2020. With its expansive space for recreation, dining options, and community engagement, the Pier continues to attract locals and tourists alike, solidifying its place as a key landmark in Florida’s vibrant cultural scene.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 13 News
• Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
• I Love the Burg
• Google Search: St. Pete Pier
• St. Pete Rising
• Google Scholar: St. Pete Pier
• St. Pete Rising: Events
• Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg
• St. Pete Rising: Drones
• Google News: St. Pete Pier

Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.