Sand in My Boots is coming back. Morgan Wallen’s beach festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama took 2026 off, and nobody involved has said a word about it since. Then last week, a city official told the room at a coffee shop town hall that it returns in 2027. One local reporter wrote it down, and by the weekend all of country music knew. James and Laura break down how the news slipped out, why there was no festival this year, and the 2027 dates that were agreed to back in 2025. They also share their day one recap from the first Sand in My Boots. Plus, they explain why they need Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line and HARDY on the same stage, and lay out a sunset-shaped theory that a new Morgan Wallen album could arrive with the festival.

Megan Moroney opened the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, wings and all. We talk about what’s next for her in 2027 and why everyone should see her live at least once. Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” holds #1 on the Hot 100 for a third straight week with Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” right behind it. We ask whether Ella has one more run at the top before the CMA Awards and Mariah Carey take over. We also ask what country music’s next big hit is going to be, and we want your answer.

Then the big announcement: after three years of trying, we’re going to Crash My Playa in Cancun, January 13 through 16, 2027. It’s Laura’s birthday weekend. We run through the lineup, including Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, HARDY, Brothers Osborne, Gavin Adcock, Brett Young, Drew Baldridge and Emily Ann Roberts, plus the legendary Dustin Lynch pool party.

About Country Minute
Country Minute is a country music entertainment platform run by husband and wife James and Laura Shotwell out of West Michigan. With over 40 years of combined music industry experience, they bring fans together through news, event coverage, and honest opinion. At the heart of it all is community.