Sand In My Boots music festival took over the beaches of Gulf Shores for a few days in May. An estimated 40,000 attendees came to the area and enjoyed the concerts, dined at local restaurants and lodged in local hotels and condo rentals. So what did local residents and business owners think of the event? Will it return as an annual festival?

As promised, the City of Gulf Shores conducted a survey of local residents and businesses. The result were not only in approval of the festival, more than 70% approved of the impact it had in Gulf Shores.

The results of the survey and a official press release were published by the city:

On Thursday night, the City of Gulf Shores hosted a community input meeting at the Cultural Center to discuss the future of the Hangout/Sand In My Boots Music Festival. More than 100 residents and business owners turned out to share their thoughts on whether the City should extend its agreement to keep the festival in Gulf Shores. In addition to the public input meeting, the City also launched an online survey last week to ensure all residents and businesses had an opportunity for their voices to be heard.

Director of Economic Development and Public Affairs Blake Phelps opened the meeting by presenting the festival’s history and economic impact on the community and the results of the business and resident surveys. Data presented showed the music festival has grown a once slow weekend in May into a significant economic event, with paid occupancy of hotels and vacation rentals increasing from 25-30% before the festival to 85-90% in 2025.

A total of 1,431 residents participated in the online survey, with 75.89% expressing support for extending the festival’s contract, while 19.64% stated they did not want the event to continue. In addition to resident feedback, 403 businessowners responded to the survey with 86% in support of the City continuing to host the festival. While nearly 84% said they had not had a booth or direct partnership with the festival, 77% reported that their business revenue increased during the festival weekend, underscoring the event’s positive impact on the local economy.

During the meeting’s public comment portion, 22 individuals spoke, and 19 favored the festival returning to Gulf Shores. Residents and business owners alike highlighted both the cultural excitement and the economic benefits the festival brings to the area.

The City Council will carefully review all feedback from the survey and last night’s meeting before determining the next steps for the festival’s future. The City remains committed to informing the community as this process progresses and will provide public notice if any formal proposal is scheduled on a City Council agenda for formal consideration.

SURVEY RESULT SLIDES: GULF SHORES MUSIC FESTIVAL