Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft announced Monday that there will be no beach music festival, neither Hangout Fest nor Sand in My Boots, in 2026. Though, one is planned for 2027.
The long-running Hangout Fest, known for diverse pop lineups, rebranded in 2025 as Sand in My Boots, curated by Morgan Wallen with a country focus. It sold out quickly and drew praise.
Delays in approving a new contract left too little time to book suitable acts for 2026 that matched the city’s preferred style. Craft said the city won’t allow a return to past formats and wants organizers to target the same successful audience type.
The new deal uses 2025 as a benchmark, with 2027 approval depending on satisfaction
