Sand In My Boots Festival Makes Waves with Three Days of Genre-Bending Music
The sold-out Gulf Shores festival brought together 40,000 fans for a weekend of music, emotion, and economic impact—with a lineup spanning country, hip-hop, and alternative rock.
The inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival, held from May 16-18, 2025 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, was a resounding success. Just ask any of the 40,000 attendees who sold out the event in two hours, spending the weekend soaking up everything this incredible festival had to offer.
Fans enjoying Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
From Country Classics to Rap Icons: A Genre-Defying Roster
Curated by country music star Morgan Wallen, the festival showcased a diverse lineup that blended country roots, with cross-genre appeal featuring some of his closest friends and favorite artists including Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, Hardy, T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa, Diplo, The War On Drugs, 2 Chainz, and Three 6 Mafia among others.
Three Days, Countless Highlights
There was Three 6 Mafia’s very explicit performance. Ella Langley reminiscing about being in the crowd just a few years ago watching Kendrick Lamar — now performing on that same stage. There were also multiple musical tributes to Toby Keith, who passed away a year ago, and concern for Brad Arnold from Three Doors Down, whose serious health issues caused the band to pull out of the festival. The weekend was packed with memorable and emotional moments.
For three beautiful days, every act brought their own flavor to the sun-kissed festival, with no two performances alike.
Fans enjoying Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Day One
Post Malone headlined Day 1 with an explosive set showcasing his recent turn toward country music. The man doesn’t do anything halfway and it was evident from the music and the performance that he’s taking it very seriously and having a great time!
Post Malone at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Leading up to Post’s set was a full day of music on a beautiful, hot, humid beach. Thankfully there were clear blue skies all weekend. Stand-out performances came from HARDY, T-Pain, Treaty Oak Revival, Real Estate, and one of our new favorite bands, Ole 60. They have a raw, Americana sound but seamlessly worked in a cover of Coldplay’s Yellow during their set. Yes, this was an eclectic festival.
Ole 60 at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
T-Pain, HARDY, Treaty Oak Revival, and Real Estate at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Day Two
Country legends Brooks & Dunn ended Day 2, with a 90 minute set, playing hit after hit after hit. Staples like Neon Moon, Red Dirt Road and My Maria got the crowd swaying and singing along. The duo ended their set with Boot Scootin' Boogie, with Kix Brooks showing the attendees how it's done.
Brooh & Dunn at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Other highlights of Day 2 were recent multiple Academy of Country Music Award winners Ella Langley and Riley Green with wonderful individual sets that demonstrated why they are part of the new breed of country music stars. Plus Ella joined Riley during his set for their duets. Not unexpected but still great to see.
Day 2 was also a stellar hip-hop day with Big X Tha Plug, Three 6 Mafia, and 2 Chainz. Plus Diplo added top tier EDM to the mix that night.
Ella Langley at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Riley Green at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Three 6 Mafia, 2 Chainz, and Diplo at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Day Three
Ending Day 3, and closing down the festival was Morgan Wallen himself with what seemed like even more than the full 40,000 ticket holders packing the beach. He appeared to hint at one point that the festival may happen again so I’ll guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Morgan Wallen at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Alive Coverage for Sand In My Boots
The daytime sets on Day 3 were an indie music fans dream come true. Wild Nothing, Future Islands, and an incredible set by The War on Drugs were a bit of a departure from the country theme but somehow fit the vibe perfectly.
But of course the country side was well represented with sets by Morgan Wade, ERNEST, and the ball of energy that is Bailey Zimmerman. And just before Morgan Wallen took the stage, hip-hop icon Wiz Khalifa gave it everything he had.
The War on Drugs, Wild Nothing and Future Islands at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Morgan Wade, Ernest, and Bailey Zimmerman at Sand in My Boots Fest - Photos by Brian Butler
Tourism, Traffic, and Takeaways: What the Festival Meant for the Coast
Local businesses experienced a significant boost, with some reporting record-breaking sales. One restaurant owner noted surpassing her all-time daily sales record by several thousand dollars on Sunday alone. It's estimated that the festival injected $70 million dollars into South Baldwin's economy, and Pensacola International Airport reported its highest single day passenger count, with 15,400 travelers passing through on Sunday.
Smooth Sailing: Behind the Scenes of a Well-Run Festival
The festival this year has been noted for its well behaved crowd and efficient organization, and we can vouch for that. This was one of the most well run, and smoothest festivals we've been to. While there were a total of 37 arrests per Gulf Shore's police department, it was significantly less than previous years. Attendees also praised the city’s transportation planning, including shuttle services that facilitated easy access to the festival grounds.
And it's worth mentioning the production staff, consummate professionals that they are, made everything run on time and like clockwork. The Scene Pensacola team has covered a LOT of concerts and festivals and The Sand in My Boots team in charge of corralling, informing, and taking care of the media is one of the best we’ve encountered. Media folks can be a demanding group but they made this festival a joy to cover.
What’s Next for Sand In My Boots?
With the festival’s franchise agreement having expired, Gulf Shores city officials are seeking public input on the future of Sand In My Boots. Given the festival’s success, discussions are underway about renewing the agreement and potentially making the festival an annual event.