Morgan Wallen’s Sand in My Boots Festival Will Not Return in 2026
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The mayor of Gulf Shores, Alabama, announced during a city council meeting on December 8 that Morgan Wallen’s Sand in My Boots festival will not be making a comeback in 2026. According to reports from local news outlet Gulf Coast Media, the decision was made due to a lack of confirmed artists for the event. The festival, which was previously known as the Hangout Music Festival, was rebranded as Sand in My Boots for a single year in 2025 when Morgan Wallen took over the reins.
It was revealed that the refusal to bring back the festival in 2026 was a strategic move to attract a different lineup of artists and audience demographics. Mayor Robert Craft stated during the meeting that they did not want to revert to the previous acts and audience profile, leading to the cancellation of the 2026 event. However, the city did approve permits for the Hangout Music Festival to make a return in 2027, allowing more time for organizers to secure suitable artists.
Grant Brown, the Recreation and Cultural Affairs director for Gulf Shores, shared that the decision not to hold the festival in 2026 was ultimately made by AEG Presents, the event organizer for Hangout, with the city’s support. Brown emphasized the importance of ensuring a high-quality and safe event for all parties involved. The mayor previously expressed that the Sand in My Boots festival in 2025 had attracted a more mature and well-behaved crowd compared to previous editions of the festival.
Morgan Wallen, 32, headlined the Sand in My Boots festival in May 2025, coinciding with the release of his latest studio album, “I’m the Problem.” The event marked a significant moment for Wallen, who had been contemplating the idea of hosting a music festival with his team for some time. The festival saw a mix of well-known artists and rising talents, creating a memorable experience for attendees.
One of the highlights of the Sand in My Boots festival was the performance by Ella Langley, who reflected on the significance of being part of the inaugural event. Langley, 26, shared her personal connection to music festivals like Hangout and expressed her excitement at being included in the lineup for Sand in My Boots. The festival aimed to provide a unique experience for country music fans and create lasting memories for both artists and attendees.
As plans for the Sand in My Boots festival in 2026 have been put on hold, fans and artists alike will have to wait until 2027 to potentially experience the event once again. The decision to take a hiatus in 2026 underscores the importance of curating a diverse and engaging lineup that resonates with the audience and aligns with the city’s vision for the festival’s future. Despite the temporary setback, the anticipation for the return of the Hangout Music Festival in 2027 is already building among music enthusiasts and festival-goers.
In conclusion, the announcement of the cancellation of Morgan Wallen’s Sand in My Boots festival for 2026 has sparked discussions about the future direction of the event and the potential for new opportunities in the coming years. The mayor’s decision to prioritize quality and diversity in the festival lineup reflects a commitment to delivering a memorable experience for music lovers and creating a positive impact on the community. As preparations begin for the return of the festival in 2027, stakeholders are eager to see how the event will evolve and continue to celebrate the best of country music in Gulf Shores, Alabama.