Recapping the Inaugural Sand In My Boots Music Festival

Sand In My Boots Festival: A Harmonious Triumph in Gulf Shores

The inaugural Sand In My Boots music festival, held May 16–18, 2025, in Gulf Shores, was an overwhelming success—bringing together tens of thousands of music lovers in an event that was not only well-attended and economically impactful but also remarkably peaceful. With over 40,000 festival goers, the event proved that large-scale festivals can be both fun and well-managed when community, planning, and safety take center stage.

A Model for Festival Safety

One of the most impressive takeaways from the weekend was the festival’s extremely low number of arrests and behavioral issues. According to the Gulf Shores Police Department, only 37 arrests and 45 charges were reported over the three-day event—a dramatic decrease from previous years, including over 200% fewer arrests than the 2024 Hangout Festival. Most charges were minor, such as possession of controlled substances or public intoxication, and there were no serious incidents. The orderly conduct of the crowd was praised by city officials and law enforcement alike, setting a new standard for future events.

Proactive Hospitality: Behind-the-Scenes Prep That Paid Off

From our perspective as local property managers and hosts to hundreds of visiting guests, the weekend ran incredibly smoothly due in large part to the proactive steps we took in advance. In the days leading up to the festival, we dispatched multiple teams to conduct thorough inspections of every vacation rental. Each unit was evaluated to ensure it was cleaned to our standards, properly stocked with toiletries, and equipped with essential items like key cards, wristbands, parking passes, and fobs.

Understanding that the 4:00 p.m. check-in rush can become a pinch point—especially during a festival weekend—we took a strategic approach. As soon as we confirmed a unit was fully ready for occupancy, we personally contacted those guests to offer early check-in as a surprise and delight moment. This not only enhanced the guest experience but also allowed us to stagger arrivals, reduce strain on operations, and quickly address any needs that arose. The results spoke for themselves: minimal service issues, excellent guest feedback, and one of the quietest major weekends we’ve experienced—a rarity in our line of work.

Economic Impact and Community Reception

The festival didn’t just bring good vibes—it brought serious economic momentum. With an estimated $70 million in local economic impact, Sand In My Boots outpaced the previous year’s Hangout Fest by nearly $10 million. Local shops, restaurants, and tourism-based businesses reported booming sales, with some breaking single-day revenue records. The success rippled beyond Gulf Shores as well. Pensacola International Airport, the primary airport for incoming festival traffic, reported its busiest day in history, a testament to how far visitors were willing to travel for the event.

A Festival Beyond Music

Curated by country superstar Morgan Wallen, the lineup blended genres and generations—from Wallen himself to Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, T-Pain, Diplo, Wiz Khalifa, and more. The festival went beyond concerts, offering guests creative touches like pop-up weddings, a graduation ceremony for students skipping commencement, and tailgates at “98 Braves Park.” These experiences helped the festival feel deeply personal and unforgettable for attendees.

A Bright Future for Festivals in Gulf Shores

Given its overwhelming success, Gulf Shores city officials are already evaluating the possibility of future franchise agreements for Sand In My Boots and similar events. The city is actively collecting public feedback to ensure community voices are part of the process.

In all, the Sand In My Boots festival proved that a thoughtfully planned, well-executed music event can benefit everyone—from the artists and attendees to the local businesses and residents. And for those of us behind the scenes, the quietest weekend we’ve ever had during a major event spoke volumes about what happens when preparation meets opportunity.