UPDATE: DECEMBER 9, 2025

FROM MAYOR ROBERT CRAFT:

The city’s initial 10-year franchise agreement for the Hangout Music Festival was scheduled to conclude following the 2025 event. The city elected to defer consideration of the requested extension until the festival’s outcomes could be evaluated, with input from our residents.

This year’s festival received overwhelming community support, and in late July, the City Council approved a two‑year extension. However, the compressed timeline created by this decision did not provide organizers sufficient runway to produce a successful festival in 2026. As a result, the producers have elected not to proceed with a 2026 event.

We’re thankful that festival leadership has taken our community’s comments about the event seriously and is committed to delivering a world-class festival. We appreciate that they are being thoughtful in creating a lineup that will be impactful to our local economy. All parties are focused on planning a strong and well‑executed music festival, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2027.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

The popular Hangout Music Festival will not take place in 2026, according to last night’s announcements from Gulf Shores city officials. The cancellation comes after the festival organizers were unable to secure the required musical acts in time. Despite this setback, plans are already underway to bring the event back in 2027.

The decision was made public during the Gulf Shores City Council meeting on December 9, 2025. Officials explained that the festival’s organizers delayed their application and could not meet the city’s standards for the 2026 lineup. The city emphasized that the festival must feature the right talent to maintain its success and reputation.

City leaders made it clear that the 2026 cancellation is not the end for the festival. The event is already approved for 2027, giving organizers time to secure the desired artists and audience. “We will refuse to let them go back to the acts that we’ve had before,” a city official said, highlighting the commitment to a high-quality event.

The Hangout Music Festival has been a major economic driver for Gulf Shores since its inception in 2010. It typically draws tens of thousands of attendees and generates millions in revenue for the city. Last year the festival was rebranded as the “Sand in My Boots” event, which sold out quickly and attracted a more mature and well-behaved crowd.

The city council has expressed a strong desire to maintain the festival’s positive impact while addressing community concerns such as noise, traffic, and safety. The 2025 event served as a benchmark for future festivals, with the city requiring organizers to work closely with local officials to mitigate any negative effects.

While the cancellation is disappointing for fans and local businesses, city officials remain optimistic about the festival’s future. The extra year will allow organizers to plan a high-quality event that meets the community’s expectations. Gulf Shores continues to support events that bring economic benefits and enhance the city’s reputation as a top tourist destination.