The Hangout Music Festival will not take over the beaches of Gulf Shores in 2025 as the “Hangout Music Festival.” Instead, one of country's most celebrated artists will debut his new, personally curated, multi-genre lineup in collaboration with Hangout producers to celebrate the event's 15th year.

Morgan Wallen is bringing his “Sand in My Boots” music festival to the Hangout Festival grounds May 16-18, 2025. This new beach event will feature some of Wallen's closest friends, favorite artists, people who have inspired him and artists he has always wanted to perform, according to a press release from AEG Presents, the company that has been producing Hangout since 2015 and locally managed, as well as with Stagecoach and California's Country Music Festival. Each artist, activity and experience is handpicked by the 15-time Billboard Music Awards winner and current CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year nominee. In addition to Wallen's 15 chart-toppers on country radio, he has played in 10 countries on four continents.

Wallen said in a video message announcing the festival that he and his team had been working on the event “for a while.” It will be “equal parts vacation and a deep dive into the inner world and inspirations of Morgan Wallen.”

“Hosting a festival with Morgan was a dream come true… and one of the most fun I’ve ever had booking a show,” Stacy Vee, EVP of Goldenvoice and producer of Stagecoach, said in the press release. “I can’t wait for fans to experience one of the most diverse and electrifying line-ups and on-site experiences the world has ever seen.”

Sand In My Boots' full line-up and ticketing details will be announced soon, AEG's release states.

“The opportunity to bring Morgan’s world to life on the beach in Gulf Shores is very special,” said Reeves Price, producer of AEG Presents and Hangout Festival. “The fact that it coincides with the 15th anniversary of Hangout Festival just makes it even more special.”

Grant Brown, Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs at Gulf Shores, echoed Price's enthusiasm, stating, “The concept that Music Fest is talking about is doing something special for the 15th anniversary. I think it will be a very successful endeavor.” He also noted that Wallen's influence will be a key factor in the success of the event.

“Morgan (Wallen) is the driving force behind this event. I’m not sure what kind of performances that will entail,” he added.

Brown also spoke about the city's partnership with AEG Presents, the company that oversees the festival.

“We enjoy working with them. You're talking about an incredibly professional group of people. They have been consistent for 10 years,” he said, praising AEG’s attention to safety and quality. Brown added that AEG is very responsive and is “on the right track” when it comes to safety and quality.

As for the festival's impact, Brown said the increased media exposure will benefit Gulf Shores.

“And we ask: What benefit does this have for the public? Well, the media presence has increased. The world now knows that Gulf Shores has beaches and how beautiful they are,” he said.

He also said the city expects a positive economic impact from the festival, although he did not offer specific predictions. According to Brown, the month of May is typically almost as successful as the month of July at the Hangout Music Festival.

But for those wondering about the future of the Hangout Music Festival, Brown noted that a public meeting will be held later this fall or spring to discuss the future of the Hangout Music Festival for residents to hear about the future of the Hangout Music Festivals in Gulf Shores.

GCM's Ruth Mayo and Whisper Edwards contributed to this story.