Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Deep Purple will play their first-ever Clearwater show Saturday, Aug. 8, at The BayCare Sound, capping a full day at Coachman Park that starts with the monthly Market Marie farmers market.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the concert, with Deep Purple taking the stage at 6 p.m. alongside special guest KANSAS, the band behind "Carry On Wayward Son." The show is part of Deep Purple's 2026 North American Tour, which spans more than 40 dates across the U.S. and Canada.
The band formed in 1968 and built its reputation on songs that became cultural fixtures. "Smoke on the Water" remains one of the most recognized guitar riffs in rock history, a staple of classic-rock radio and the first thing countless guitarists learn. "Highway Star" anchored the soundtrack to the 2001 horror film Jeepers Creepers, and the band's broader catalog has appeared in films, TV shows and video games for decades. Deep Purple has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, and its current lineup features vocalist Ian Gillan and original drummer Ian Paice, the sole remaining founding member.
"Every hard rock band in the last 40 years, including mine, traces its lineage directly back to Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple," Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich said in April 2016, when he inducted the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after a 23-year wait.
Ruth Eckerd Hall, which handles ticketing for The BayCare Sound, called the concert Deep Purple's "Clearwater debut." Tickets are available at rutheckerdhall.com or by calling 727-791-7400. The outdoor amphitheater at 255 Drew St. holds about 9,000 between its 4,000-plus covered seats and expansive lawn section.
The venue is cashless. No umbrellas are permitted, blankets must be 30-by-60 inches or smaller, and the show goes on rain or shine.
Market Marie fills the morning
Before the amps warm up, the Market Marie opens at 10 a.m. with what organizers list as 125-plus local vendors selling handcrafted goods, fresh produce, artisan foods and sweet treats along the waterfront. Food trucks, a live DJ and kids' activities round out the free monthly market, which runs until 2 p.m. at 300 Cleveland St.
The timing gives families one last big outing before Pinellas County students head back to class Tuesday, Aug. 11, according to the district calendar reported by Bay News 9.
Getting there
Public parking is available at Coachman Park & Harbor Marina Parking (Lot 11), the Garden Avenue Parking Garage and Station Square Parking Garage. Ferry and trolley services also run to downtown Clearwater. Plan ahead.
Saturday at a glance
- Market Marie: 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St. Free admission.
- Deep Purple with KANSAS: Doors 4:30 p.m., show 6 p.m., The BayCare Sound, 255 Drew St. Tickets at rutheckerdhall.com or 727-791-7400.
