ONE OF ST. PETE'S LONGEST-RUNNING SHOPPING TRADITIONS RETURNS: THE 53RD ANNUAL SUNRISE SALE
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 • SUNRISE: 6:43 A.M. Known as St. Pete's largest pajama party, everyone is welcome at the Sunrise Sale. No PJs? No problem. Come as you are, shop local, and support the small businesses that keep St. Petersburg unique.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Tony Loeffler
Board - Vice President
St. Pete Downtown Business Association (DBA)
Phone: (727) 873-3500
Email: hello@atlasbodyandhome.com
Website: www.stpetedowntownbiz.com
ONE OF ST. PETE'S LONGEST-RUNNING SHOPPING TRADITIONS RETURNS: THE 53RD ANNUAL SUNRISE SALE
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 • SUNRISE: 6:43 A.M.
Known as St. Pete's largest pajama party, everyone is welcome at the Sunrise Sale. No PJs? No problem. Come as you are, shop local, and support the small businesses that keep St. Petersburg unique.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The St. Pete Downtown Business Association (DBA) is inviting the community to put on their pajamas and shop local at the 53rd Annual Sunrise Sale on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Beginning at 6:43 a.m.—the official time of sunrise—47 locally owned businesses throughout downtown St. Petersburg will offer special promotions to encourage residents and visitors to support small businesses during one of the slowest shopping seasons of the year.
Established in 1973, the Sunrise Sale was created by the DBA to help locally owned businesses during the slower summer months—one of the most challenging times of the year for many small businesses. More than 50 years later, that need remains just as real. As businesses continue to navigate seasonal slowdowns, rising operating costs, and changing consumer spending habits, the Sunrise Sale reminds us that every purchase made locally helps strengthen the businesses that make St. Petersburg unlike anywhere else.
This year's participating businesses include 19 businesses along Beach Drive and the surrounding waterfront, 22 businesses on and just off Central Avenue, and 6 businesses along the 4th Street corridor. Look for the Sunrise Sale's signature yellow flags and colorful balloons outside participating businesses.
"Sunrise Sale is more than a shopping event—it's a St. Pete tradition," said David Delrahim, President of the DBA. "For more than 50 years, our community has come together to support locally owned businesses. Every purchase helps strengthen the businesses that make our downtown vibrant."
While many participating businesses will offer specials throughout the day, some of the biggest savings and limited-time offers are available during the early morning hours. Each business sets its own hours and promotions, so shoppers are encouraged to check with individual stores for details.
This year's Sunrise Sale will also feature a special limited giveaway available at participating businesses while supplies last, giving early shoppers one more reason to set their alarms and join the fun before sunrise.
Visitors will find plenty of convenient parking throughout downtown due to the early morning start. A complete list and map of participating businesses, and event details are available at www.stpetedowntownbiz.com/sunrise-sale.html, with updates posted on the Sunrise Sale Facebook Event page.
The St. Pete Downtown Business Association welcomes community support to help continue this long-standing tradition. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring or donating to the Sunrise Sale are encouraged to contact Matt Shapiro at matt@skillmaninsurance.com.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
What: The 53rd Annual Sunrise Sale featuring 47 locally owned businesses, shoppers in pajamas, colorful balloons, and signature yellow flags.
When: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Sunrise: 6:43 a.m. | Best visuals: 6:15–8:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown St. Petersburg, including Beach Drive, Central Avenue, and the 4th Street corridor.
ABOUT THE ST. PETE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1973, the St. Pete Downtown Business Association is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting downtown St. Petersburg's business community through advocacy, events, and initiatives that strengthen the local economy.
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