Overview Authentic Live at Country Thunder is a VIP hospitality experience that Authentic Live, the events arm of Authentic Brands Group, built into Country Thunder Florida, the three-day country festival that played the Clearwater waterfront in May 2026 with Kane Brown, Zach Top and Gavin Adcock headlining. Authentic's own roadmap describes it as a first-of-its-kind hospitality experience at a major country music festival, pairing premium access with better amenities. Country Thunder's other festivals have run in Arizona, Wisconsin, Saskatchewan and Alberta. On site The 2026 festival ran at Coachman Park, around BayCare Sound, the park's amphitheater, which opened in 2024; a planned move onto the beach at the TradeWinds resort in St. Pete Beach was dropped in April 2026 over sea turtle nesting season. Premium tickets bought a private lounge, VIP restrooms, faster entry and viewing close to the main stage, and table packages came with their own server. One of the 2026 premium tiers was the Frye Lounge, named for the boot brand Authentic owns, with VIP deck access and private table service. Talent and Influencers Randy Houser, Shaboozey, Max McNown, Dasha and Gretchen Wilson played under the 2026 headliners, with Braxton Keith, Cole Goodwin, Elizabeth Nichols and Jay Webb further down the bill. Brand presence Authentic Live runs its events end to end: production, staffing, talent booking, influencer programs, food and beverage and content. Partnerships are sold as entry packages built around branding, visibility and an on-site presence. Behind it sits Authentic's portfolio of more than 50 brands, from Reebok and Champion to Guess and Nautica.