Morgan Wallen Brings the Heat to Gulf Shores with Inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival

Gulf Shores, Alabama turned into the epicenter of country and genre-blending music as Morgan Wallen launched his first-ever Sand In My Boots Festival, a sold-out spectacle that left fans talking long after the last chord rang out. The three-day event, curated by Wallen and produced by AEG Presents, marked his first live performance of 2025 and it was nothing short of a seismic statement.

Image by Alive Coverage for Sand In My Boots

With an entire news vertical from Gulf Coast Media Group tracking the action, Sand In My Boots wasn’t just another music festival. It was a hand-picked celebration of Wallen’s musical inspirations and favorite collaborators. More than 30 artists took the stage across the weekend, from country icons like Brooks & Dunn to genre-defiers like Post Malone, T-Pain, The War On Drugs, and Three 6 Mafia. Wallen closed the festival with a commanding 23-song set, taking the stage on the final night to roaring applause and his signature “Broadway Girls” walkout. But the energy had been building long before then.

Credit: Lexi Wheeler For All Country News

Day One: Fireworks from the Start

The opening night delivered a one-two punch of stardom and rising talent. Post Malone drew one of the largest crowds of the weekend with his ever-evolving blend of country, rock, and pop, while HARDY continued to prove why he’s one of country’s most electric performers. The night also gave the spotlight to promising newcomers like John Morgan, Kameron Marlowe, and Ole 60, names that fans will likely see much more of in the near future.

Day Two: Southern Soul and Big Moments

Day two leaned into the heart of Southern country with Ella Langley and Riley Green delivering their award-winning hit “You Look Like You Love Me” in front of a captivated audience. Their chemistry lit up the stage, setting the tone for an evening of crowd-pleasing performances. Langley’s raw power and Green’s boy-next-door charm blended seamlessly, while hitmakers Brooks & Dunn delivered a set that reminded everyone why they’re legends.

Day Three: Wallen Takes the Reins

By day three, anticipation for Wallen’s headlining set was at a fever pitch. The crowd was primed and ready, and Wallen delivered. His setlist spanned his discography, from early fan-favorites like “Whiskey Glasses” and “Chasin’ You” to newer cuts off One Thing At A Time. The performance also included five live debuts with songs like “I’m The Problem” and “Just In Case”, giving fans a taste of where Wallen’s sound is heading next.

Midway through his set, Wallen welcomed longtime collaborators Bailey Zimmerman and ERNEST to the stage. Zimmerman joined for a nostalgic rendition of “Up Down,” a track that helped launch Wallen’s career, while ERNEST lit up the crowd with their joint anthem “Cowgirls.”

Sand In My Boots Setlist Highlights

• Live Debuts: “I’m The Problem,” “Kick Myself,” “Don’t We,” “I’m A Little Crazy,” “Just In Case”

• Fan Favorites: “Sand In My Boots,” “You Proof,” “Last Night,” “More Than My Hometown”

• Collaborations: “Up Down” (feat. Bailey Zimmerman), “Cowgirls” (feat. ERNEST)

• Finale: “The Way I Talk”

As the final notes of “The Way I Talk” rang out, Wallen took a moment to address the thousands gathered. “Thank each and every one of you guys for making this possible… for supporting me, for supporting my new album,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I love each and every one of y’all.” Wallen didn’t just headline a festival, he created a moment. Sand In My Boots was a genre-crossing, boundary-breaking, deeply personal experience. And if this inaugural year was any indication, the Gulf Shores stage may have just gained a new annual tradition.