Alabama’s Iconic Music Festival, Hangout Fest, Canceled for 2026: What This Means for Gulf Shores Tourism- Know More New Information

Published on December 9, 2025

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is facing a significant shift in its annual tourism events, as two major music festivals—the Hangout Music Festival and the Sand in My Boots festival—have both been canceled for 2026. This decision was announced by the city’s mayor on December 8, 2025, and is set to have a ripple effect on local tourism and the economy. Although the Hangout Music Festival will not take place in 2026, plans are already in motion for its return in 2027. The cancellation of these events marks a significant pivot for Gulf Shores, which has relied on music festivals like these to attract thousands of visitors each year.

The Hangout Music Festival and Its Influence on Gulf Shores Tourism

The Hangout Music Festival has been a cornerstone of Gulf Shores’ tourism scene since its inception in 2010. Known for its eclectic lineup, featuring a mix of pop, rock, and electronic music, the festival has become synonymous with young, diverse audiences and the lively beach atmosphere that the region is famous for. The festival brought in tourists from across the United States and internationally, with many attendees choosing to stay in the local hotels, dine in Gulf Shores’ restaurants, and enjoy other local attractions.

The event became a major economic driver, with its visitors significantly impacting the hospitality, retail, and service industries in the region. The festival not only boosted hotel bookings but also encouraged other businesses to capitalize on the influx of visitors. Local shops, bars, and restaurants saw significant increases in sales during the festival weekends, helping to sustain the local economy during the off-peak seasons.

Despite this, the future of the Hangout Music Festival now appears uncertain for 2026. Mayor Robert Craft announced that the festival would not occur in 2026, citing the challenges of approving a new franchise agreement for the event. The announcement was made towards the end of a city council meeting, signaling that the timeline for approval had become too tight to ensure a successful festival with the caliber of acts that Gulf Shores typically attracts.

Sand in My Boots: The Shift in Music Festival Direction

The 2025 iteration of the Hangout Music Festival took a surprising turn, rebranding as Sand in My Boots and pivoting to a more country-focused lineup. Headlined by country megastar Morgan Wallen, the event was a huge success, selling out its 40,000 tickets almost instantly. This marked a departure from the typical pop-oriented lineup of previous years, and the change was not without controversy.

While some embraced the new country-focused format, others questioned the event’s shift in audience demographic. The Sand in My Boots festival attracted a different crowd—one that was described as more affluent and better-behaved. The audience was largely characterized as whiter and straighter than the traditional Hangout crowd, with local business owners reporting that the atmosphere was notably calmer and more family-friendly. This shift also aligned with the broader trend of targeting a wealthier clientele, which is appealing to Gulf Shores’ desire to cultivate a more premium tourism experience.

Although the Sand in My Boots event was a success in 2025, the timing and logistics of re-signing the franchise agreement with the event organizers became problematic for the city. The delayed approval of the new agreement led to the ultimate cancellation of the 2026 festival. The city council cited insufficient time to secure the high-profile talent needed to make the event a success, effectively halting plans for 2026.

Implications for Gulf Shores’ Tourism Industry

The cancellation of both the Hangout Music Festival and Sand in My Boots for 2026 will undoubtedly affect Gulf Shores’ tourism in the short term. Music festivals like these have played a significant role in shaping Gulf Shores’ identity as a premier tourist destination. Their cancellation leaves a gap in the region’s event calendar, which could impact tourist attendance and local revenue.

The absence of these festivals could lead to a decline in tourism revenue during what has become an important time of year for the local economy. Local businesses that depend on the influx of visitors may experience reduced sales, and hotels that cater to festival-goers may face lower occupancy rates. The hospitality industry, in particular, will feel the sting as the absence of these events removes a major source of tourism-related income.

However, the city’s tourism strategy may pivot to embrace new events or shifts in focus. Mayor Craft’s statement emphasizes that Gulf Shores is committed to securing the right type of audience and talent for future festivals. This could mean more selective, niche music festivals that align better with the city’s vision of promoting quality tourism over quantity. In this way, the absence of Hangout Fest and Sand in My Boots in 2026 could mark a rebranding opportunity for Gulf Shores.

Potential New Festival Concepts for Gulf Shores

While the cancellation of these iconic festivals might appear as a setback, it also opens the door for new opportunities. Gulf Shores could look into the possibility of hosting new, unique events that cater to different audiences or highlight the region’s natural beauty. For example, Gulf Shores could consider developing more sustainable tourism events that focus on outdoor activities like beach clean-ups, eco-tourism, and water sports competitions. This would appeal to eco-conscious travelers who are increasingly seeking sustainable travel experiences.

Moreover, Gulf Shores could explore the potential for arts and culture festivals, which could add a more diverse dimension to the region’s tourism calendar. Hosting art fairs, film festivals, or cultural celebrations could attract a different type of visitor—one that is more interested in local culture, craftsmanship, and entertainment beyond music. These types of events could fill the void left by the absence of the large-scale music festivals and attract tourists who are looking for a more refined and culturally rich experience.

The Role of the Local Community in Tourism Shifts

The Gulf Shores community has expressed a mixed response to the changes in the music festival lineup. While some welcome the idea of a more exclusive, high-end audience for events like Sand in My Boots, others have expressed concern about the potential loss of diversity in the region’s festival offerings. The shift away from more inclusive, eclectic events could affect the community’s sense of identity, especially in terms of its reputation as a beach destination with a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.

To address these concerns, Gulf Shores will need to foster greater community engagement and dialogue about the direction of its tourism. Residents and business owners should have a platform to voice their opinions and participate in discussions about the future of Gulf Shores’ tourism and the types of events they want to see. This would not only help the city align its tourism efforts with community values but also ensure that future festivals remain inclusive and welcoming to all types of visitors.

Looking Ahead: Gulf Shores’ Tourism Future

As Gulf Shores navigates through this transition, the city has the opportunity to redefine its tourism model and potentially position itself as a more exclusive and high-quality destination. The cancellation of the Hangout Music Festival and Sand in My Boots for 2026 could be a catalyst for change, encouraging the city to take a more strategic approach to tourism. The key will be to strike a balance between attracting a high-end audience and preserving the town’s welcoming and diverse character.

As the city moves forward, it will be important for Gulf Shores to reassess its event portfolio and find new ways to showcase its beauty and culture. Whether through smaller, more targeted events or entirely new festival concepts, Gulf Shores has the potential to continue drawing tourists from across the country and beyond. The 2027 Hangout Music Festival may just mark the beginning of a new era for Gulf Shores, one that reflects both the city’s growth and its commitment to delivering the right kind of tourism experience.

Conclusion

While the cancellation of the Hangout Music Festival and Sand in My Boots in 2026 is a significant blow to Gulf Shores’ tourism, it also opens the door for new opportunities. The city can use this time to reflect on what it truly wants to offer tourists and explore more sustainable, inclusive, and culturally enriching events that align with both its natural assets and the desires of its community. The future of Gulf Shores’ tourism is not defined by the absence of these festivals, but by the ways in which the city adapts and innovates to meet the evolving needs of visitors.