Following a sold-out debut in 2025, Morgan is bringing the beach festival back for another three days, with Morgan Wallen, Kings of Leon, and Ella Langley leading the way.

The lineup features a mix of country favorites, rock icons, hip-hop heavyweights, and electronic artists, bringing together some of Morgan’s closest collaborators, favorite artists, and musical influences. Fans can look forward to Koe Wetzel, Cole Swindell, Avery Anna, Midland, Gavin Adcock, Kameron Marlowe, Hudson Westbrook, Kashus Culpepper, Carter Faith, Corey Kent, Vincent Mason, and many more.

The festival is also turning up the variety with Nelly, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Juicy J, Project Pat, Ying Yang Twins, Flo Rida, Kygo, Empire of the Sun, Girl Talk, and alternative rock favorites Third Eye Blind.

Morgan is also looking forward to making this year’s experience even bigger and better, sharing that he’s excited to introduce new concepts on stage and elevate the overall experience for fans and fellow artists.

“One thing I’m looking forward to the most about bringing Sand In My Boots Festival back is being able to have new concepts on stage and trying to elevate the experience overall for the fans, myself and other artists on the bill,” Morgan shares. “I think it’s going to be really top-notch and we’re going to try to do it even better this time.”

Sand In My Boots Festival is set to bring together the energy of a major music festival with the laid-back feel of a beach vacation. Fans can choose from several pass options, including GA, Party Pit, VIP, Super VIP, and Livin’ The Dream, with perks depending on the package. Think premium viewing areas, exclusive lounges, in-ground swimming pools at the main stage, complimentary bars, gourmet food options, private restrooms, and exclusive merch. Passes for the 3-day music festival go on sale Friday, November 6 at 10am CST.

Taking it a step further, and in true Morgan Wallen fashion, this festival is more than just a 3-day event. Morgan is continuing his commitment to giving back through the Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports youth programs in sports and music. During the 2025 festival, the foundation donated more than $200,000 in musical instruments to five Alabama schools. Through its ongoing Tour Give Back initiative, the foundation has now contributed more than $2 million worth of instruments to schools in need across the country. Learn more about the Morgan Wallen Foundation at MorganWallenFoundation.org.

Sand In My Boots Festival takes place May 21-23, 2027, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Festival passes, hotel packages, and additional details are available at www.sandinmybootsfest.com.

Sand In My Boots 2027 Lineup
Avery Anna
Blake Whiten
Carter Faith
Cole Swindell
Corey Kent
Corey Smith
Ella Langley
Empire of the Sun
Flo Rida
Gavin Adcock
Girl Talk
Gucci Mane
Hudson Westbrook
Jacob Hackworth
Jason Scott & The High Heat
Juicy J
Kameron Marlowe
Kashus Culpepper
Kenny Whitmire
Kings of Leon
Koe Wetzel
Kygo
Midland
Morgan Wallen
Nelly
Phil Kane
Project Pat
Rick Ross
Third Eye Blind
Vincent Mason
Waylon Wyatt
Ying Yang Twins
Zach John King

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This week, the award-winning trio surprised fans with the release of their heartfelt new track, which will be included on their forthcoming 10th studio album. Written by Trannie Anderson, Devin Dawson, Paul Sikes and Andy Albert, and produced by Jay Joyce, “Bigger Picture” found its way to the group unexpectedly. They weren’t even planning to release new music at this time, but sometimes, things happen for a reason. And in this case, the message behind the song feels especially meaningful.

Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood were nearly finished recording their next album when the song came along. Dave shared that the demo was sent to Hillary the day before they returned to the studio to wrap up the record. The trio connected with its message so deeply that they recorded it the very next day. Just a week later, the group learned of Charles’ cancer diagnosis, making the song’s message hit even closer to home.

“The day before we went into the studio to finish up our next record, this song was sent to Hillary. We felt its message so deeply and knew it needed to be on the next record, so we cut it the next day,” Dave Haywood shared. “Then, a week later, we learned of Charles’ cancer diagnosis. God’s timing in allowing this song to find us and the message behind it is truly carrying us right now. We can’t help but think there are more people who might need to hear it too. We trust there’s a bigger picture.”

“Bigger Picture” is available now here, and watch the very special behind-the-scenes studio footage in the song’s lyric video here.

While the new music offers comfort through life’s difficult moments, Lady A is also getting ready to bring some holiday joy to fans with THIS WINTER’S NIGHT TOUR 2026, kicking off December 10 at Northfield Park Racino in Northfield, Ohio. Following the success of last year’s inaugural run, the limited holiday tour will visit major cities, including New York and Greensboro, before wrapping up December 21 with two shows at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium.

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Move over Charlie Brown, there’s a new great pumpkin in town and this one is making Halloween history! Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves brought a massive 3,156 pound pumpkin to Salem Common, had it carved by a talented team and now holds a Guinness World Record for the world’s heaviest jack-o’-lantern!

Celebrating Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts is pretty special in its own right. Add in Raising Cane’s, a record-breaking pumpkin, and a city celebrating its 400th anniversary and you’ve got one unforgettable experience!

“This Guinness World Record Heaviest Jack-o’-Lantern is seven years in the making! It’s incredible to be in Salem for the 400th anniversary and experience all the history in the town,” Todd Graves shared on site in Salem Common. “More than 1,000,000 come through Salem during the Halloween season and I couldn’t think of a better place to share something this incredible. Each year, I put these giant pumpkins in places where many people will visit because I want kids to be inspired and experience the magic. I want kids to see that they can do anything they set their mind to and could one day cook Chicken Fingers like me, or grow giant pumpkins like Ron, or create incredible designs like Eric, Monique and William.”

The massive pumpkin was grown by champion pumpkin grower Ron Wallace of Green, Rhode Island, who spent 123 days growing the giant gourd before it weighed in at an incredible 3,156 pounds earlier this month.

Taking it a step further, Graves teamed up with world renowned carvers Eric Jones, Monique Hawk and William Wilson to turn the record-breaking pumpkin into an epic Halloween creation showcasing intricate details such as skeletons, witches, and plenty of Raising Cane’s touches. The design also included more than a dozen fruits and vegetables, including carrots, radishes, beets, apples, eggplants, parsnips and turnips. If one thought the turnips were a random addition, just know they were not! Fun fact, the turnips paid tribute to an old Halloween tradition, when people carved lanterns out of vegetables like turnips long before pumpkins became the go-to choice.

To make things official, Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric was on hand to confirm all the necessary details were fulfilled and shared the incredible news that the jack-o-lantern displayed in Salem Common was officially the world’s heaviest jack-o’-lantern.

“This is an incredible pumpkin and work of art. I saw the renderings of what it might look like, but to see it in person is incredible,” said Empric. “The previous world record for heaviest jack-o’-lantern was 2,749 pounds. Today, I’m proud to say Todd’s 3,156-pound jack-o’-lantern is the new Guinness World Record!”

Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo was also on hand for this celebration, and even marked October 27th as “Great Pumpkin Day” in Salem. “It’s our 400th birthday and we’re still out here making history! It’s an honor to be here and such a thrill as I’m issuing a proclamation today as Great Pumpkin Day in Salem,” said Pangallo. “I’m so thankful to Todd and Cane’s for sharing this pumpkin with us.”

The Raising Cane’s founder shared that the journey behind this pumpkin has been seven years in the making, and bringing it to Salem during the city’s 400th anniversary made the moment even more special. With more than a million people visiting Salem during Halloween season, he wanted to bring something truly unforgettable to a place where so many people could experience it.

And in true Todd Graves / Raising Cane’s fashion, there’s even a bigger reason behind it all. Inspiring kids to dream BIG. Graves hopes seeing something this extraordinary encourages kids to believe they can do anything they set their minds to, whether that’s growing giant pumpkins like Wallace, creating incredible designs like the carving team, or even building a business of their own. It’s a pretty great reminder that big things can start with a single seed, a little patience, and a whole lot of dedication. Just look at  how Raising Cane’s has grown and what it is today.

Raising Cane’s is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and recently opened its 1,000th restaurant. From the first restaurant to now a nationwide presence, Cane’s has grown into much more than a place to grab its signature Chicken Fingers. Through community partnerships, charitable efforts, and creative experiences, just like this one, Graves continues to find ways to bring people together and is consistently making an impact nationwide.

The post Raising Cane’s Owner & Founder Todd Graves Sets World Record in Salem With Heaviest Jack-o’-Lantern appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

The 36th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids returned to Memphis last week bringing together the country music community in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This year, Russell and Kailey Dickerson were honored with the Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award, highlighting their dedication to St. Jude. Founded by ALABAMA’s Randy Owen in 1989, Country Cares has spent decades bringing country music and a meaningful cause together.

“Country music carries stories of family, faith, resilience and hope from one generation to the next,” said Ike Anand, President and CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude. “In many ways, that is what you are creating tonight. Every gift to St. Jude creates something lasting — not for a single quarter or a fiscal year, but for generations. When you support St. Jude and share our story with your audiences, that generosity does not stop with a single patient. It fuels research, clinical trials, technology, global partnerships and future breakthroughs we cannot yet imagine. One act of kindness becomes many acts of healing. And ultimately, it becomes a legacy carried forward in every birthday celebrated, every milestone reached and every child who grows up and gets the chance to dream about their future.”

The country couple delivered heartfelt speeches upon acceptance of the Angels Among Us Award. Russell’s moving speech ultimately came down to one simple yet powerful word, “yes,”  and Kailey also sharing her sentiment of the cause.

“What have Russell and Kailey Dickerson done to deserve this beautiful award?” said Russell Dickerson from stage. “I’m not the biggest superstar in country music by any means, nor am I the biggest donor to St. Jude by any means either. And the only thing I can really think of why it would be us up here is the word ‘yes.’ We get pulled in a lot of directions in this industry and business. We get a lot asked of us to be there, fly there, play here, call here. And honestly, as we have built a family, it’s become a lot more ‘no’s.’ But if I ever hear the two magical words ‘St. Jude’ – yes. And it’s that same ‘yes’ that these St. Jude families get every day. St. Jude is going to do everything within their world class power to make sure there are as many ‘yeses’ while you’re here as possible.”

“You meet these kids and these families and you cannot leave St. Jude the same as when you walk in, it’s impossible,” added Kailey Dickerson from stage. “So we want to say thank you to Randy and Kelly. Thank you for paving the way for this calling in country music. It’s such an honor to be a part of it.”

The incredible and moving event also featured performances from HARDY, Anne Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Deerock and St. Jude cancer survivor Darren Warren.

Learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and how you can help make a difference at musicgives.org.

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Music is special for so many reasons, but one of the most powerful is its ability to bring people together, no matter where you come from or what language you speak. This past weekend, Kip Moore gave us all a beautiful reminder of that.

Kicking off the South African leg of his Reason To Believe Tour on Saturday night in Centurion, Moore welcomed the Mzansi Youth Choir to the stage at SuperSport Park for a very special performance of “Faith In The Wind,” , a track from his latest album Reason to Believe.

The result of this performance was powerful. It was a one of a kind moment that brought two worlds together through music. It’s a performance like this that is an incredible reminder of how powerful music can be as it can connect us even when cultures and languages are different.

For Moore, the collaboration was about much more than sharing a stage. “Having the Mzansi Youth Choir join me on stage in Centurion was something really special” Kip shared. “Music has a way of bringing people together, bridging cultural gaps, washing clean any differences that hinder communication etc., in a way that nothing else can. Getting to share that moment with such a talented group of kids made the night even more meaningful for me personally. There’s an energy and a spirit they bring that’s very tangible and I’m grateful we got to create something together that I think we’ll all remember for a long time.”

The Mzansi Youth Choir shared that same sentiment. “These are the nights that we live for, and they are moments that never fade away” the choir shared on Instagram. “It was an incredible honour to share the stage with the amazing Kip Moore. From the moment we began working on the song to the final seconds on stage, our hearts were filled with joy and gratitude. Two worlds came together, and magic was created. Here’s to memories that will always be etched in our hearts.”

With a special connection to South Africa, Moore is continuing his Reason To Believe Tour with two more performances in Cape Town this weekend.

The post Kip Moore and Mzansi Youth Choir Deliver Special ‘Faith In The Wind’ Performance in South Africa appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is returning to Music City, with HARDY, Little Big Town and The Red Clay Strays announced as the first performers set to take the stage to celebrate the new year. We can already tell we’re in for a big night with these three artists announced, and this is just the beginning. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

Whether you plan to head to Nashville for the FREE live celebration at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park or ring in 2027 from the comfort of your own home, the nearly five-hour special will bring country music straight to fans across the country on Thursday, December 31. Expect live performances throughout the evening, all leading up to the iconic Music Note Drop at midnight.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash will air on the CBS Television Network from 8–10 p.m. ET/PT and 10:30 p.m.–1:05 a.m. ET/PT. The special will also stream live on Paramount+ Premium and be available to stream the following day.

The post CBS Presents New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash Featuring HARDY, Little Big Town & The Red Clay Strays appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

Country music is coming together to celebrate one of its biggest icons, Dolly Parton.

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton airs Wednesday, October 21, bringing together some of the biggest names in country music and entertainment to honor the legendary artist and her incredible career.

Good Morning America initially revealed the lineup which includes Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Zac Brown, Lady A, Little Big Town, and many more. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will join as special guests, with additional surprise tributes from friends across the entertainment world.

A Belmont University student ensemble will also take part in this incredible tribute special, highlighting the school’s Dolly U programming, which gives students the opportunity to learn from Dolly’s career, artistry and entrepreneurial legacy.

The two-hour special airs Wednesday, October 21, from 9–11 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with the special available on Hulu the following day. Filmed in front of a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the celebration will honor Dolly’s lasting impact on music and entertainment.

Proceeds from the special will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the beloved program that provides millions of children with a free book every month and encourages a lifelong love of reading. Disney is also supporting the organization’s mission to inspire children to imagine what’s possible. Learn more or donate to Dolly’s Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.

The post CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton Airs October 21 appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

Continuing its connection with both artists, Raising Cane’s is joining the tour as the official partner. The brand has been part of some memorable moments with both Koe and Parker. From Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves personally giving Koe a tattoo to Parker clocking in for a shift in Austin to celebrate 20 years of Raising Cane’s serving Box Combos in Texas, this tour partnership feels like a natural fit.

“It’s been a long time coming for us to run it back with this tour,” notes Wetzel. “It felt right to end the year in Texas and make it a party.”

McCollum shares, “Koe and I did this tour for the first time way back in 2017 when we were still just some kids with a dream. Proud to say we’ve both come a long way since then, and getting to bring this back after some years off is really special. Looking forward to us both being back in Texas again, and I’ll do my best to keep Koe from gettin’ too rowdy.”

The Naughty or Nice Tour kicks off December 2 at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, then heads to Houston, Corpus Christi and Round Rock before wrapping up December 10 at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Fans can expect hits from both artists, along with holiday favorites from Koe’s Wetzel’s Wonderland and Parker’s take on “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” Jackson Wendell and Logan Jahnke will join the lineup as support.

There’s also a chance to give back while getting in on the fun! The Naughty or Nice Tour is teaming up with Fandiem to support causes close to both artists’ hearts. Fans who donate to Koe’s Kids and/or The Ruger Fund will be entered for a chance to win a grand-prize flyaway package to the December 10 show at Billy Bob’s Texas. Details to donate can be found HERE.

Five Texas shows, two country stars, Raising Cane’s on board and a chance to support some great causes? Sounds like one rowdy way to close out the year!

The Naughty or Nice Tour:
December 2 — Helotes, TX | Floore’s Country Store
December 3 — Houston, TX | 713 Music Hall
December 4 — Corpus Christi, TX | Concrete Street Amphitheater
December 5 — Round Rock, TX | Round Rock Amp
December 10 — Fort Worth, TX | Billy Bob’s Texas

Tickets for the Naughty or Nice Tour are on sale now. Visit Koe Wetzel’s official website and Parker McCollum’s official website for ticket information and updates.

The post Koe Wetzel & Parker McCollum Revive Naughty or Nice Holiday Tour Presented By Raising Cane’s appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

Zach Top is bringing his signature western style to a new collaboration with Kimes Ranch. The Zach Top x Kimes Ranch Collection officially launched today, October 15, 2026, combining Top’s personal style with Kimes Ranch’s take on timeless Western apparel for a collection that feels classic yet elevated for today’s modern look.

In true Zach Top fashion, the country star took this project seriously. Top was involved from the start, working with the Kimes Ranch team to shape the vision for the collection and ensure each piece reflected his personal style and taste. From the fit and fabrics to the colors and finishing details, every element was carefully chosen with Zach’s style in mind, creating a collection that feels authentic to who he is and how he dresses.

“Working on this collection has been a really cool experience because I got to be involved in the process from the beginning,” said Zach Top. “I wanted the clothes to feel like things I’d actually wear, and we were able to take some classic Western ideas and put our own spin on them. I’m proud of how it all came together.”

“We wanted this collection to feel natural to Zach,” said Amanda Kimes, co-founder of Kimes Ranch. “His personal style is such a big part of who he is, so it was important that the collection came from his perspective. Zach was involved throughout the process, and that collaboration is what makes the final product feel genuine.”

Fans can shop a wide range of pieces from this new collection that includes a long-sleeve Western button-up shirts, short-sleeve polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, a Western-inspired vest and a classic denim jacket.

Zach Top has built a reputation for bringing a classic country sound back into the spotlight, and his style follows a similar approach. It’s Western, it’s timeless, and it feels authentic without trying too hard. This not only describes his music, but also this collaboration with Kimes Ranch. Rather than chasing trends, the collection focuses on quality, fit and pieces that can be worn season after season, making it a natural fit for the country star.

The Zach Top x Kimes Ranch Collection is available now online at kimesranch.com, as well as through Kimes Ranch retailers. Stop by a store near you or head to kimesranch.com to explore the collection.

The post Zach Top Launches New Western Wear Collection With Kimes Ranch appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

Florida Georgia Line is BACK and heading to the beach! The duo is set to headline Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival April 2–4, 2027, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alongside fellow headliners Eric Church and Megan Moroney.

There’s even MORE big news for the duo! Tortuga will mark FGL’s FIRST headlining festival performance since announcing their return to touring in 2027! If that doesn’t get you excited for next year, we don’t know what will!

The three-day beachfront festival features an incredible lineup including Stella Lefty, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tucker Wetmore, Dylan Scott, Chase Matthew, Willow Avalon, Tyler Nance, Zach John King, Goo Goo Dolls, Train and SO many more!

With three days of live music, sunshine and country music on the beach, what more could one ask for? Tortuga Music Festival 2027 is already looking pretty EPIC!

Tickets go on sale Friday, October 23, at 10 AM ET. Fans can choose from three-day passes, single-day passes and select VIP options.

Start making those plans now, because FGL is BACK, the lineup is STACKED, and Tortuga 2027 is shaping up to be one epic weekend!

Head to TortugaMusicFestival.com for tickets and more music festival information.

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