The Gulf Shores community will not see the return of the Hangout Music Festival or the Sand in My Boots festival in 2026. Mayor Robert Craft confirmed the cancellation during a city council meeting on Monday evening. He stated, “We will not have an event in 2026. We are already approving the event in 2027.”
Context Behind the Cancellation
This news follows a unique period for the festival. The Hangout Music Festival has been a staple event in Gulf Shores since 2010, known for its diverse, pop-oriented lineup and attracting a young audience. However, changes began in the fall of 2024 when the festival was rebranded as Sand in My Boots. This event, curated by country star Morgan Wallen, sold out its 40,000 tickets rapidly, marking a significant success for the organizers.
Impact of Sand in My Boots
The Sand in My Boots festival, a one-time change from the original iteration, was a notable success. It featured major acts, including Wallen, Post Malone, and Brooks & Dunn, and received acclaim for its well-behaved and affluent audience.
Despite this success, the city council faced challenges in negotiating a new franchise agreement in time for the 2026 event. Mayor Craft noted the scheduling difficulties, stating, “We delayed too long in their application to be able to get the kind of acts that we required them to have to be successful in 2026.” He emphasized the need for high-quality talent to attract the right audience to Gulf Shores.
Franchise Agreement Details
The agreement, reached in July, allows event organizers to choose the festival name and genre. However, it is subject to scrutiny by city officials, which raises questions about the city’s influence over the lineup. While there is a guarantee of no specific audience composition, the council expects organizers to use the success of the 2025 Sand in My Boots festival as a benchmark.
- Cancelled Event: Hangout Music Festival and Sand in My Boots in 2026
- Mayor: Robert Craft
- Key Acts: Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn
- Event Success: 40,000 tickets sold for 2025 edition
- Agreement Type: Two-year deal requiring review of 2026 event
Moving forward, the city remains focused on ensuring that future festivals deliver a positive economic impact and uphold the community’s values and expectations. The council is determined to uphold high standards for the lineup and audience composition, setting the stage for a successful 2027 event.
