Revealed 2026 Details: Hang Out Music Fest/Sand in My Boots Fest

(KMDL-FM) The Alabama Gulf Coast has played host to one of the most iconic music festivals in the Gulf South for what seems like decades. You're probably familiar with the Hangout Music Fest, aren't you? Last year, that festival was "rebranded" as the Sand in My Boots festival with country star Morgan Wallen. The event was a huge success, so what are the plans for 2026?

Can you believe the first Hangout Music Fest was first introduced as a part of the Gulf Coast's music culture in 2010? In the 15 years that have followed that inaugural festival, there have been many multi-platinum acts to play the stages of the festival.

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As far as the reaction to the festival along the beaches of Gulf Shores, for the most part, it was positive, but many retailers, restaurateurs, and shopkeepers complained that patrons were just there to party, have fun, and not spend a lot of money.

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Which Version of the Festival, Hangout Fest or Sand in My Boots, Was More Popular?

Then came the 2025 version of the festival that was geared toward fans of country music as opposed to strictly pop, rock, hip-hop, and R&B, as it had been in the past. The reception by business owners was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, many of them were hoping that Sand in My Boots would return not only for 2026 but for many years in the future.

One business owner described the country crowd as more polite, better mannered, less intoxicated, and wearing more clothes than their counterparts in pop and rock music. So, what is the status for Sand in My Boots and or Hangout Fest 2026?

Will There Be a Hangout Music Fest or Sand in My Boots Fest in Gulf Shores in 2026?

Based on an announcement that was made last night by Robert Craft, the Mayor of Gulf Shores, Alabama, there will not be a music festival, Hangout or Sand in My Boots this year. However, approval has already been given for a 2027 festival.

Now, it's unclear what the "2027 festival" will be, whether it's Sand in My Boots or Hangout Fest. The reason for the decision not to hold a festival this year is quite simple: festival organizers did not feel that they could secure enough quality acts to fill out a lineup that people would want to come see.

Many acts of notoriety are now booking several months to years in advance, so it's hard to pick up a quality show on a moment's notice. So, that's why there will not be a Hangout Music Fest or Sand in My Boots festival this year in Gulf Shores.