Gulf Shores Mayor Announces Cancellation of Long-Running Alabama Beach Music Festival for 2026
The Gulf Shores Mayor, Robert Craft, made a significant announcement regarding future music festivals in the city. The Hangout Music Festival and Sand in My Boots festival will not take place in 2026. This news was shared during a city council meeting on Monday evening.
Cancellation of Alabama Beach Music Festival for 2026
Mayor Craft confirmed, “The Hangout Music Festival will not occur in 2026. We are already approving the event in 2027.” This decision follows an unusual year for the festival, which has gained popularity since its inception in 2010.
Changes in Festival Format
In autumn 2024, festival organizers announced a rebranding for the 2025 edition, naming it the Sand in My Boots festival. Curated by country star Morgan Wallen, this year’s event sold out its 40,000 tickets quickly, a feat the previous Hangout Fest had struggled to achieve. The 2025 festival featured big names like Wallen, Post Malone, and Brooks & Dunn, attracting a younger and more diverse audience.
Public Reception and Festival Dynamics
The Sand in My Boots format, which featured predominantly country music alongside some rock, rap, and pop, received positive feedback from the public and local businesses. The audience was perceived as more affluent and better-behaved compared to previous Hangout Fest attendees. However, there were discussions about the noticeable demographic differences in the audiences.
Challenges in Planning for 2026
Despite favorable sentiments for the Sand in My Boots format, the city council faced challenges in establishing a franchise agreement. A delay in the application process hindered the ability to secure talent required for a successful 2026 event. Mayor Craft emphasized the need for proper planning to attract the desired audience.
Future Implications
The council expects to maintain a high standard for the festival lineup in subsequent years. According to the agreement issued in July, while organizers have latitude in selecting festival names and genres, they must still align with the city’s vision for the event.
- City Council Meeting: Mayor Craft announced the cancellation during the meeting.
- Festival Names: Hangout Music Festival & Sand in My Boots.
- Years Impacted: No events in 2026, approval for 2027 already in place.
- Successful 2025 Event: Sold out 40,000 tickets, featured top artists.
- Community Impact: Positive response, but demographic concerns noted.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for Gulf Shores as it looks to reshape its music festival landscape. Moving forward, the focus will be on ensuring a successful festival experience that aligns with the community’s character and preferences.
