Sand in My Boots Festival 2027: Gulf Shores' Biggest Country Music Weekend

Every May, Gulf Shores turns up the volume. Sand in My Boots is a multi-day country music festival held right on the beach, drawing some of the biggest names in country alongside rising acts worth knowing. The 2027 edition is shaping up to be the largest yet, with multiple stages, beachside food and drink, and the kind of crowd that comes back year after year.

What to Expect

The festival runs across several days in May on the white sand of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Stages are set up along the beach so you're watching live music with the Gulf of Mexico behind the performers. Daytime sets tend to be more relaxed; the headliners come out as the sun goes down and the crowd fills in.

Beyond the music, there's plenty to keep you busy between sets. Local food vendors line the grounds, cold drinks are easy to find, and the beach itself is right there if you need a break from the crowd. It's a well-run event with a laid-back Gulf Coast feel that makes it easy to spend the whole day.

Getting There

Gulf Shores is served by the Pensacola International Airport, about an hour's drive east, and the Mobile Regional Airport, roughly an hour to the west. If you're driving, Highway 59 runs straight into Gulf Shores from I-65. Festival weekend traffic can stack up on the causeway, so plan to arrive early in the day or the evening before.

Where to Stay

Accommodations book fast for festival weekend. Gulf Shores and nearby Orange Beach have a wide range of vacation rentals, from beachfront condos to houses with private pools a few blocks from the water. Staying in a rental gives you a kitchen, more space, and a place to decompress after a long day on the sand. Book as early as you can — May is peak season on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and festival weekends go first.

We have properties in Gulf Shores that put you close to the action: Resting Beach Face (sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms), 3BR Resting Beach Face (sleeps 8, 3 bedrooms), and 2 BR Resting Beach Face (sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms). Check availability early and reach out if you have questions about which fits your group.

Tips for the Weekend

• Bring sunscreen and reapply. The beach sun in May is strong, especially during afternoon sets.
• Wear comfortable shoes you don't mind getting sandy. Sandals work, but closed-toe shoes hold up better for a full day on your feet.
• Check the festival lineup and set times as soon as they're released and plan your days around the acts you want to see.
• Arrive early on the first day to get your bearings, pick up your wristband, and find a good spot before the crowd builds.
• Stay hydrated. It's warm, you're outside all day, and the drinks go down easy.

Plan Ahead

Sand in My Boots sells out. Tickets for the 2027 festival will go on sale well in advance, and early-bird pricing disappears fast. Follow the official festival channels for announcements on the lineup and ticket release dates. The same goes for your rental — the earlier you lock it in, the better your options.