Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The mayor of Gulf Shores, Alabama, announced this during a city council meeting on December 8.
Morgan Wallen’s music festival will not take place in 2026.
During a city council meeting on December 8, the mayor of Gulf Shores, Alabama, revealed that next year’s Hangout Music Festival had been canceled because the organizers were unable to secure the necessary artists, according to Gulf Coast Media. This year, the festival had been rebranded as Sand in My Boots when Wallen, known for his hit “Just in Case,” took over for a single year.
Mayor Robert Craft explained, “We will not allow them to return to the type of acts we’ve had previously, so they couldn’t proceed. They canceled the 2026 event, but this gives them time to attract the talent we want and draw the right audience to our beaches,” as reported by the outlet.
The city also approved permits for the festival to return in 2027, allowing the organizers more time to finalize the lineup.
Grant Brown, Gulf Shores’ Recreation and Cultural Affairs director, told Gulf Coast Media that the decision to skip 2026 was made by AEG Presents, the company behind Hangout, and was supported by the city. “It’s their choice. We want a safe, high-quality event and will back their decision if it benefits everyone involved,” he said.
Previously, the mayor had emphasized that the city would not approve a 2026 lineup that did not match the style of Sand in My Boots or appeal to a more mature audience. “They understand we won’t go back to the Boom Boom Tent or similar acts. The previous events attracted a younger, less mature crowd, which caused problems, and we can’t return to that,” Craft said, according to Gulf Coast Media. He added that attendees of Wallen’s festival were “more mature” and “better behaved” compared to typical Hangout Fest crowds.
The Sand in My Boots festival, hosted by Wallen from May 16–18, coincided with the release of his latest studio album, I’m the Problem.
Reflecting on the festival, Wallen told the audience, “My friends and I have been talking about starting a music festival for a long time. After a lot of effort and some amazing artists, we made it happen.” When the crowd cheered, he added, “Alright, cool. We’ll try to do it again sometime.”
At the event, PEOPLE spoke with Ella Langley, who described attending the festival as a “full-circle moment.” “I used to go to Hangout Music Festival for my senior graduation instead of a senior trip,” said Langley, 26. “I’ve been vacationing here every year, so it’s really special to be part of the first year of Sand in My Boots. This festival is definitely going to make its mark.”