Your Ultimate Guide to Sand in My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores

Big changes are blowing in with the Gulf breeze this spring. After more than a decade of music, memories, and barefoot dancing in the sand under the name Hangout Fest, Gulf Shores is turning the page. Enter the Sand in My Boots Festival, set to debut on the Alabama coast May 16–18, 2025.

This fresh take brings a country twist to the coast—still laid-back, still beachy, but now with a soundtrack that leans heavy on boots, ballads, and backroads. Whether you’re a seasoned festivalgoer or just here for a good time and great music, this guide will help you make the most of your weekend.

From Hangout to Sand in My Boots: A New Chapter

For years, Hangout Music Fest drew crowds from across the country with its beachside stages and genre-hopping lineup. But 2025 marks a bold reboot. Now flying under the Sand in My Boots banner, the festival steps into new territory—both literally and musically.

This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a whole new vibe. With the name inspired by Morgan Wallen’s hit, the event leans into Southern flair while still offering the same stunning Gulf Shores backdrop that fans know and love.

2025 Lineup Highlights

You better believe the inaugural year is coming in strong. Headliners include:

• Morgan Wallen – The man behind the song that inspired the name.
• Post Malone – Bringing a genre-bending set to the sand.
• Brooks & Dunn – Country legends who know how to work a crowd.
• HARDY – High-energy, hard-hitting, and a fan favorite.

With supporting acts still to be announced, the whole weekend is set to be wall-to-wall music with the salt air blowing through your hair.

Getting There and Getting Around

Parking: There’s no general parking at the festival site itself. Attendees should use the shuttle service from official Park-and-Ride lots around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Shuttle passes can be added when you purchase your tickets.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft will be available, but plan for delays and surge pricing—especially after dark.

Best Bet: Stay within walking or biking distance of the venue. Gulf Place-adjacent rentals make it easy to skip the traffic, skip the stress, and stroll (or pedal) straight to the gates.

What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

Packing smart keeps your festival vibes high and your stress low.

Festival Must-Haves:

• Clear bag (12” x 6” x 12” max)
• Non-aerosol sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle (hydration stations are free!)
• Portable phone charger
• Hat or bandana (style and sun coverage—win-win!)

Leave It at Home:

• Outside food or drinks
• Coolers
• Beach umbrellas or tents
• Professional cameras or drones
• Pets (except certified service animals)

Beat the Heat, Y’all

May on the Gulf Coast is no joke—sunny, salty, and sticky in the best (and sweatiest) way. Here’s how to thrive, not just survive:

• Hydrate often: Water stations are plentiful. Use ’em.
• Sunscreen up: Apply before you leave and reapply throughout the day.
• Dress light: Think breathable fabrics, comfy shoes (or boots that are broken in), and clothes that let the breeze in.

When the Music Pauses: Local Spots Worth the Detour

If you’ve got a little downtime between sets or want to explore post-festival, Gulf Shores and nearby Orange Beach have plenty to offer—especially for folks who like their country music with a side of cold beer and salty breeze.

• Bahama Bob’s – The seafood joint you came to Gulf Shores for! Here’s your beach-going stop where flip flops feel at home.
• Lauria’s – An Italian Beach Bar & Bistro that you could fit in your pocket with charcuterie boards and flatbread pizzas.
• The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails – A casual setting with fresh seafood and quality American cuisine.
• Flora-Bama – Part honky tonk, part beach shack, 100% iconic. Straddling the Alabama-Florida line, this legendary spot serves up live music, bushwackers, and a whole lotta local flavor.
• CoastAL – Right on the beach, this laid-back hangout is perfect for seafood, cocktails, and catching your breath between concerts. Stylish but relaxed, with views that just won’t quit.
• The Pink Pony – This beachfront classic offers drinks, seafood, and maybe the best sunset seat in town.
• Pirates Cove – A little off the beaten path, this no-frills spot is known for chill vibes, cheeseburgers, and dogs playing in the sand.

Where to Stay: Close, Comfortable, and Festival-Ready

By now, most folks have snagged their spots for the weekend—and if you’re lucky enough to be staying within walking or biking distance of the festival grounds, you’re already winning. Staying nearby means less time in traffic and more time soaking in the music, the sunshine, and the salty breeze. Rentals near Gulf Place put you right in the heart of the action, with just enough distance to kick back between sets.

If you’re looking for a place that feels like home, BEACHBALL PROPERTIES has you covered. From cozy one-bedroom condos to spacious beach houses perfect for groups, our team knows the Gulf Coast like the back of our hand and go the extra mile to make sure your stay is smooth, seamless, and stress-free. Use Promo Code WALLEN for 15% off 3-7 nights stays between May 14 – 21, 2025.

From First Note to Final Sunset

The first-ever Sand in My Boots Festival is more than just a rebrand—it’s the start of something special on the Alabama coast. With a stacked lineup, sugar-white sand, and a weekend full of Southern charm and country soul, it is set to be unforgettable.

Whether you’re here for the headliners, the hometown feel, or just the chance to dance barefoot under the stars, one thing’s for sure: this is a weekend you won’t forget. We’ll see y’all out there—boots, beach, and all.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson