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pool party by the water at sunset in summer
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TAMU | Culture > Entertainment

Morgan Wallen Ruined Hangout Fest

Lainie Parker Student Contributor, Texas A&M University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TAMU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

While I have previously praised Hangout Fest for its fun style and diverse lineup, now I would have to say I am disappointed in Hangout Fest. Hangout Fest is a long standing tradition of bringing artists that might not visit the southern states as much, as our states are typically run by country artists. Festivals, at least good ones, are supposed to have artists of diverse genres. When I went in 2024, there were a variety of performers, this allowed us to jump around the stages and hear a little bit of everything. The people in attendance weren’t confined to one set genre, but were able to experience country, rock, indie, rap, and more. Where else can you go from Sexxy Red to David Kushner to Zach Bryan to Lana Del Rey but Hangout?

This year’s lineup is basically all country artists, rebranding our beloved Hangout Fest to Sand in my Boots. Hangout was supposed to be a chance for southern music lovers to get away from the constant slew of country concerts. Fans of the festival are furious as Hangout announces that they are celebrating 15 years of Hangout by not having Hangout. If Hangout continues to fully transition to Sand in my Boots, they will definitely see a drop in attendance. Last year especially the most full stages weren’t country artists, those were more empty than the others when there were other options. Hangout should reconsider this change and bring back our beloved Hangout the way it should be.  

As a fan of the festival, I will not be returning this year as I hate Morgan Wallen, and don’t want another country festival. Chilifest is my Hangout now I guess. It seems that people have forgotten the controversies surrounding Morgan Wallen, especially with his current behavior following his performance at SNL. He is known to use racial slurs like the n-word, drinking and driving, other public intoxication charges, and throwing a chair off a bar roof. Looking past his obvious alcohol issues, his music sucks, like seriously it is so bad. His only good song is Cover Me Up, which is a cover of Jason Isbell. I hope they return to their previous form next year, but I am not hopeful.

Lainie Parker

TAMU '26

Lainie Parker is a second-year member of Her Campus at the Texas A&M Chapter. She is the Editor-in-Chief and is the head of the Writing and Editing Committee. In this committee, she writes articles, helps other writers plan theirs, and edits and publishes all articles. She is excited to write articles about her favorite books, must-watch movies, and her personal college experiences. Her favorite thing to do is read the members' articles.

Lainie was born and raised in a town in East Texas called Lufkin. She graduated from Hudson High School. Lainie is currently continuing her education as a Junior at Texas A&M University. She is currently a double major, studying both English and Sociology. With her undergraduate degree, Lainie hopes to continue her education in Law School.

Lainie is a reader, cook, baker, movie enthusiast, and cat mom who loves to try new things. Some fun facts about her are that she can say the alphabet backwards and wants to own her own library. Lainie loves to hang out with friends when she isn’t napping between classes. Lainie is the epitome of an Aries and loves to learn more about her astrological chart.