Atlantic Beach council reviews Beach Music Festival finances, eyes public access changes for 2027

The Atlantic Beach Town Council on June 10 reviewed a post-event summary of the 2026 Beach Music Festival and discussed options for the 2027 festival schedule and ticketing.

Staff reported BMF totaled $76,051 in revenue, $61,027 in expenses and $7,987 in in-kind sponsorships, with individual line items including $9,396 for souvenirs, $10,500 for the Wednesday preview party and $3,935 in paid parking the day of the event. Council members said the Dunes Club venue for the sponsor preview received positive feedback but disagreed on whether the preview should remain a sponsor-only occasion or be opened to the public at a lower ticket price than the $100 charged this year. Councilmember Austin Waters favored returning the preview to the Doubletree and selling lower-price public tickets; Mayor Danny Navey said the town should open the Wednesday event to the public because "we already have one sponsor-exclusive event on Friday night." Mayor Pro Tem Harry Archer suggested contracting an outside organization, such as the Women's Club, to sell tickets so local groups could benefit.

Council gave staff direction to explore ticket-selling partners, secure a taller stage and raised speakers for better sightlines and sound in 2027 if the town stage is not yet constructed, and to publish festival dates once band contracts are signed. Staff will report back with cost estimates and any proposed changes to the festival layout and ticketing plan.