Country megastar Morgan Wallen brought his genre-bending influence to the shores of Alabama by headlining and curating the rebranded Hangout Music Festival, now known as “Sand in My Boots.” Held from May 16 to 18, 2025, the inaugural event drew tens of thousands to the Gulf Shores beachfront for three days of music, celebration, and cultural fusion.
The transformation of Hangout Music Festival into “Sand in My Boots” marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of music festivals in the American South. Formerly known for its pop, indie, and electronic focus, the festival’s new identity mirrors Wallen’s own musical journey—an eclectic mix of country, hip-hop, rock, and EDM that defies conventional genre boundaries.
Wallen, who has dominated streaming charts and sold-out stadiums nationwide, took on the role of creative curator for the 2025 lineup. The result was a diverse musical experience designed to resonate with fans across multiple genres.
The three-day event featured Wallen as the Friday night headliner, performing hits like “Last Night,” “Whiskey Glasses,” and the festival’s namesake, “Sand in My Boots.” Post Malone closed out Saturday with a surprise mash-up of country and rap, while Brooks & Dunn and HARDY energized the Sunday crowd with nostalgic anthems and modern country grit.
Supporting acts included a broad spectrum of talent: Diplo, 2 Chainz, The War on Drugs, Wiz Khalifa, T-Pain, and EDM duo Sofi Tukker, among others. Wallen’s goal, according to organizers, was to represent the kind of music that inspires him—regardless of label.
“This isn’t just a country festival. It’s a music festival for everybody,” Wallen said in a video posted ahead of the event. “Country will always be home, but we wanted to invite all the sounds that shaped us.”
The lineup was only part of the festival’s allure. Organizers leaned into the beachy vibes of Gulf Shores to deliver immersive, Instagram-worthy experiences that extended well beyond the music.
A Beachside Spectacle
Set against a backdrop of white sand and blue ocean, the festival grounds offered activities that leaned into fun and flair. Fans could get hitched at the “Love Somebody Lane” wedding chapel, sip frozen cocktails in hammocks, or take selfies atop a massive ferris wheel overlooking the main stage.
VIP guests enjoyed shaded cabanas, craft food stalls, and access to Wallen’s exclusive backstage beach party, where surprise performances and meet-and-greets added a touch of celebrity dazzle.
Sustainability was another key focus. Festivalgoers received reusable water bottles, and food vendors prioritized biodegradable packaging. Local businesses also got a boost, with Gulf Shores hotels and restaurants reporting record-high bookings.
City officials praised the event’s planning and economic impact. “We’ve hosted festivals before, but this was on a different scale,” said Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. “The collaboration between Morgan Wallen’s team and local stakeholders was seamless. We’re already looking at 2026.”
Album Launch and Personal Milestones
Coinciding with the festival was the release of Wallen’s fourth studio album, I’m the Problem, which dropped on May 15, just one day before he took the stage. The 37-track record includes collaborations with Post Malone, Eric Church, and newcomer Megan Moroney. Tracks blend his signature Southern twang with modern trap beats, gospel harmonies, and alt-rock guitar riffs.
Wallen addressed the crowd on Friday night, thanking fans for sticking with him through a rollercoaster few years that included both controversy and comeback.
“This weekend is about celebrating how far we’ve all come,” he said. “Music brought us together, and this beach is proof we can make something beautiful out of anything.”
A New Template for Future Festivals
Industry insiders are calling “Sand in My Boots” a new blueprint for the modern American festival. The combination of artist-led curation, genre-fluid lineups, and immersive environments taps into evolving fan expectations.
“There’s no more one-size-fits-all music experience,” said Lizzie Harmon, a talent agent from Nashville who attended the festival. “Morgan’s brand has broad appeal, and he leveraged that to create something inclusive without diluting the core vibe.”
The success of this year’s event has already sparked interest from other artists considering hosting or co-curating festivals under their own brand umbrellas. Wallen, for his part, appears committed to growing “Sand in My Boots” into an annual tradition.
“We’re just getting started,” he teased on Sunday night. “Next year’s gonna be even bigger.”
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
On social media, fans flooded TikTok and Instagram with footage of the event, including surprise guest performances and scenic sunsets over the Gulf. Hashtags like #SandInMyBootsFest and #MorganWallenGulfShores trended nationally throughout the weekend.
First-time attendee Jasmine Clarke, 23, flew in from Denver. “It was like Coachella with cowboy boots,” she laughed. “There’s nothing else like it.”
Festival veteran and Gulf Shores native Trey Jennings, 35, was equally impressed. “I’ve been to Hangout for years. This felt more personal, more vibrant. Wallen gave it heart.”
What’s Next for Wallen and Gulf Shores
As cleanup crews dismantled the final stages and food trucks packed up, speculation turned toward the future. Will other artists follow suit and reshape iconic festivals into personal brand vehicles? Will Wallen expand “Sand in My Boots” to other coastal cities?
While the answers remain to be seen, one thing is clear: in April 2025, Morgan Wallen didn’t just headline a festival—he redefined what a beachside music experience can be.
Image Suggestion: A wide-angle photo of Morgan Wallen performing on the main beach stage with the ocean, ferris wheel, and crowd illuminated by golden-hour light.