8 Reasons to Hangout at Hangout Fest 2023
Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is going on its 10th year, but already the music festival is attracting over 40,000 devoted fans a day, and some of the most popular entertainers in the world. Hangout Fest 2023 is gearing up to be the best yet, with production giant Goldenvoice (Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival) signing on to work the event, and an artist lineup that gives your favorite Spotify station a run for its money.
This beachside festival is considered one of the top destinations in the world for musical entertainment, and for reasons beyond good tunes. Location, weather, Gulf Shores things to do, festival perks, and management make the weekend-long Hangout Music Festival a top-tier celebration. We’ve compressed all the great things about Hangout Fest into '8 Reasons to Hangout at Hangout Fest 2023!'
Table of Contents
- Hangout Fest Takes Place in Alabama
- The Weather
- Takes Place on the Beach
- Fun Beach and Water Activities Available
- Nearby Beachfront Hotels and Condos
- Thursday Kickoff Party
- Transportation is Available
- Hangout Music Festival 2023 has the Best Lineup Yet!
1. Hangout Fest Takes Place in Alabama
Pictured above is just one of the many beautiful beaches Alabama has to offer
It’s easy to see why Gulf Shores ranks among the top places to see and visit! Low price lodging and shopping, a vibrant history, and natural scenic views make Alabama a prime choice for travel. Alabama is also a little known beach vacation destination. The Southernmost tip of the state offers less populated and visited beach communities than most other coastal states, but with some of the cleanest waters and most beautiful beaches in the country.
Between Gulf Shores, and neighboring Orange Beach, with everything from terrific theme parks to dolphin cruises, the area is packed with awesome things to do, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet (especially if you’re willing to talk Alabama or Auburn football). Gulf Shores, Alabama, may not have the big city culture of Chicago, IL, (Lollapalooza) or Austin, TX, (Austin City Limits, South by Southwest), but when it comes to traffic, congestion, costs, and finding your way around, you’ll be happy to be in Sweet Home Alabama! Some Cool Facts About Alabama from 50States.com:
- Alabama introduced the Mardi Gras to the western world. The celebration is held on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins
- Baseball player Henry Louis (Hank) Aaron was born in Mobile in 1934
- “Alabama” is the official state song
- The pecan is Alabama’s official nut (if you pass a public pecan tree make sure to grab some)
2. Weather
Image of beautiful weather in Gulf Shores, AL, taken by John Tuggle via Flickr
Gulf Shores, AL, in May is warm, but not stupid hot like Tennessee’s Bonarroo Music Fest in June, or Chicago’s Lollapalooza in July. Being as Hangout is stationed directly on the beach, swimsuits are welcomed, as well as plenty of places to lay out and catch some rays. According to gulfshores.com, the temperature in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in May is 75 on average, perfect for full days outside without overheating.
Watch out for cooler nights and ocean breezes during Hangout Fest. Even with the highs around 80, temperatures drop at night, so be sure to pack up a jacket (or push your way into a large crowd and warm up using the natural body heat of those around you). Weatherspark.com research shows there is about a 33% chance of rain in Gulf Shores, AL, in mid-May, so pack a poncho or umbrella, just in case! It’s too early to tell the exact Hangout Fest weather, but be prepared, cause rain or shine the festival goes on!
3. Takes Place on the Beach
Image of a group on the beach gearing up for the next performance at Hangout Festival from Wikimedia
Did I forget to mention that the festival is ON THE BEACH! Not many major music festivals take place directly on the beach, but Hangout Fest stays true to its name, providing festival goers top real estate for hanging out, lounging around, and rockin’ it to the best bands and artists in the world. This means swimsuits, sun, and an opportunity to throw down a towel when the crowds are thin. It’s not unusual to see a beach volleyball tournament at the nets, or dozens of boats anchored in the deep water enjoying bands on the beach stages.
Alabama beaches are famously clean and well kept, with warm Gulf of Mexico waters perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, or surfing. Plan on arriving early, or staying after the fest, to enjoy the beach with friends or family. Just remember the oldest beach rules of no glass, no feeding the seagulls, always obeying the beach flags, and that peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t actually neutralize the venom, it’s just gross!
4. Fun Beach and Water Activities Available
According to a recent Traveler Story, you will be in awe of the sights from above when parasailing over Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores, AL, is a premium spot for a music festival, but keep in mind what else the beachfront community offers! Enjoy exciting things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores during your stay for Hangout Music Fest 2023. Orange Beach parasailing is a popular attraction, or grab a few friends and book a morning fishing trip.
{Read Reviews & Book Gulf Shores Orange Beach Parasailing Online}
In town with your sweetheart? Try a romantic Gulf Shores hot air balloon ride, or get tickets on a relaxing boat cruise. There are hundreds of things to do near the Hangout Fest grounds, so make sure to experience more than just music during your trip!
5. Nearby Beachfront Hotels and Condos
With the top Orange Beach/Gulf Shores attractions right near your condo, the fun never stops when in town for Hangout Fest! Image from Wikimedia
At most music festivals, you’d be stuck with a campground plot, sleazy motel, or if lucky, a chain hotel, for lodging. At Hangout Fest, experience the finest in festival digs with beach side hotels, condos, and resorts within walking distance! Wake up to the waves out your window at a beachfront condo, and find rooms big enough for the whole group with full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and “sleeping arrangements” to put the strictest sleepover mom at ease.
Enjoy beach lodging amenities including resort style pools, grilling areas, workout facilities, and locations not only next door to Hangout Fest, but other activities, restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions you don’t want to miss! The lodging choices for Hangout Fest are unbeatable, and with affordable prices to satisfy the budget of any ramen-eating and disposable silverware-reusing college student.
6. Thursday Kickoff Party
Image of a crowd at Hangout Fest by Shannon McGee via Flickr
The Thursday Kickoff Party starts Hangout Fest with a bang! The event takes place in Gulf Shores at The Hangout Music Festival Grounds. The doors open at 6 pm on the Thursday before the festival, and the party features incredible acts to get your weekend started! Hangout Fest’s Thursday Kickoff Party Lineup for 2023 has not yet been released, but below are the headliners from 2022, as to get a general idea:
- Doja Cat
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Halsey
- Post Malone
- Jack Harlow
Tickets for the Kickoff Party can be purchased separately from the Hangout Weekend Pass, so anyone can attend!
7. Transportation is Available
Like most major musical festivals, parking is extremely limited, and equally chaotic. That is why Hangout Fest has implemented a shuttle service. The shuttle runs continuously starting at 11 am each day, with the final shuttle leaving 30 minutes after the final show of the evening.
The shuttle travels within 8 miles of the festival location, hitting 14 locations including popular condos, hotels, campgrounds, and lodging along the way. Check out the Hangout Fest Shuttle Map:
Image courtesy of Hangout Fest
Shuttle tickets are available for purchase online. Each shuttle ticket holder is automatically entered into the “Golden Shuttles” Contest. Winners are chosen at random, and receive VIP upgrades, and even delicious cupcakes!
8. Hangout Music Festival 2023 has the Best Lineup Yet!
Year after year, the Hangout Fest organizers assemble the greatest lineups on the festival circuit, and 2023 is sure to be the same. From the amazing band Red Hot Chili Peppers, to pop icon Billie Eilish, the amount of talent and fame that takes the stage at Hangout Fest is off the charts! This year’s lineup includes popular artists like Yung Gravy, SZA, Tove Lo, and more!
David Ferrara (May 1, 2011). “Hangout Festival: Organizer Shaul Zislin aims to make music fest ‘world-renowned’ (Q&A)”. Press-Register. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
Lawrence Specker (May 9, 2014). “Hangout Music Fest director: Expect ‘very noticeable’ changes at event”. Press-Register. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
Ben Sisario (January 12, 2015). “Coachella Organizers in Deal With Hangout Music Festival”. The New York Times. Retrieved January 12, 2015.