This May, the sugar-white beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, pulsed with celebration as the Hangout Music Festival marked its 15th anniversary—highlighted by Morgan Wallen’s live performance of “Sand in My Boots” on the very beach where it all began. The three-day event drew tens of thousands of fans and delivered another unforgettable, economically impactful weekend for the Gulf Coast. 

But as the final notes faded and stages came down, a key question lingered: Will the festival return next year? As of now, its agreement with the city has not been renewed. 

Over the past decade and a half, Hangout Fest has consistently delivered top-tier talent and significant economic impact—filling hotels, boosting restaurant traffic, and turning a quiet shoulder-season weekend into a tourism surge. Previous reports estimate the festival has generated tens of millions annually for the local economy. 

Businesses are already seeing the effects of this year’s success. 

“This year’s music fest was incredible for our business — we had to buy a brand-new shuttle and even rent additional vehicles just to keep up with the demand. We had over 150 calls in a single day! It brought in first-time visitors from all over the country and created a real buzz around Gulf Shores. The energy was amazing, the crowd was great, and everything felt safe and well-organized. I truly hope the city brings it back — it’s such a powerful boost for local businesses and a celebration of what makes our community special,” said Casey Buckner, Owner of Surfside Shuttle. 

“The music fest is the kickoff to summer — it brought a huge wave of business to our restaurants, with our Fort Morgan and Orange Beach locations up over 20%. It also creates real opportunities in the community. If it goes away, jobs go with it. People rely on this event,” said Ken Kichler, CFO of Tacky Jack’s Restaurants. 

The festival’s impact goes beyond dollars—it’s personal. 

“I attended the Hangout Music Festival for the first time a couple of years ago after hearing about it for so long, and it completely exceeded my expectations,” said local resident Penny Hughey from Gulf Shores. “I felt safe, welcomed, and surrounded by the kindest people, all coming together for the love of music. After that, I felt so confident in the experience that the very next year, I sent my daughters on their own as a high school graduation gift. I can’t wait for them to come back down next year so we can experience it together, creating memories I hope they’ll one day be able to share with their own daughters. It’s the kind of experience that stays in your heart forever.”

This year’s format—curated by Morgan Wallen’s team under Hangout Music Festival Presents: Sand In My Boots—garnered national attention. The emotional, beachside performance of Wallen’s signature song became a defining cultural moment, further embedding the festival into the identity of Gulf Shores. 

And while some confusion has emerged, it’s important to clarify: Hangout Fest and Sand In My Boots are not competing events.  They are two formats from the same production team. This year's country-themed weekend was simply a new chapter from the organizers who’ve brought music to Gulf Shores for over a decade. 

Looking ahead, the city's franchise agreement with Hangout has expired, and officials are now considering renewal. A community input meeting will be held Thursday, June 5th at 6:00 PM at the Gulf Shores Cultural Center, where residents and businesses will have an opportunity to weigh in. 

Festival founder Shaul Zislin emphasized the importance of this year’s shift: 

“We’ve heard the feedback and recognize that this year’s format struck a chord. The crowd was slightly older, more mature, and incredibly respectful. They weren’t just here for the music—they were spending money at local businesses before and after the festival, and treating locals with kindness and hospitality. Hotels and Airbnbs told us they had great experiences with guests, and we want to see that momentum continue into next year.” 

So, will there be another music festival in Gulf Shores? That remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the love for live music on Alabama’s coast is strong. 

At a time when cities across the country are competing for cultural relevance and economic renewal, Gulf Shores already has a proven success story. Keeping the Hangout Music Festival is not just about music—it’s about momentum, community identity, and sustained local growth. 

For fifteen years, it’s been more than a party on the beach. It’s been a celebration of everything Gulf Shores has to offer. And for many, it should stay that way for years to come. What is your opinion?

If you would like to tell the City of Gulf Shores your opinion HERE is the link to the official survey.