With acts like Lana del Rey, Zach Bryan, and Odesza, there’s something for everyone.
Music always sounds a piddling nice by the beach . If you have sex that to be true , head toHangout Music Festival , a celebration of music held each May on the white powdery sands of Gulf Shores , Alabama that transforms the popular familybeach destinationinto the biggest music - filled company in the South for three resplendent days .
render for its 14th edition from May 17–19 , the festival began in 2010 when the landmark Hangout eating house threw a small beach concert to lure visitors back to Alabama ’s beaches after the BP oil colour wasteweir . It has grow to pull more than 40,000 visitor annually , with everyone from Foo Fighters , Jack Harlow , and Kygo to Jimmy Buffet gracing its stage .
The 2024 edition retain Hangout Fest ’s custom of bringing alineup of eclectic actsto multiple stages , using the Gulf ’s turquoise water as a backdrop . Friday night will see a primetime performance from headliner Lana del Rey , with the Chainsmokers playing a beachside determine right away prior . Saturday fetch Odesza to Hangout ’s main stage , and country superstar Zach Bryan close things out on Sunday . The rest of the lineup impart some of the openhanded figure in rock candy , dada , country , and electronic music , ranging from ’ 90s hip - hop sensation Nelly toEuphoria’sDominic Fike , with indie rockers like Cage the Elephant and EDM star Dom Dolla on the bill too .
Photo courtesy of Hangout Music Festival
But the Hangout Festival , more than almost any other , is about so much more than the medicine . What makes it so special is its spring - break - for - grown - ups vibes , where festival - leaver pack beachfront condo mellow rises stretching for miles . Days start by making novel friends on the beach as you contend in friendly game of flip cup and beach chunk , gain plans to see act later in the day .
Drive time
3 60 minutes , 15 minutes from New Orleans , LA5 hours , 30 minutes from Atlanta , GA
More things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are far more than the backdrop for a euphony festival . A unforesightful pass from the primary gate finds you atGulf State Park , one of the most scenic musca volitans in Alabama boast 6,000 acres of beachfront nature . you’re able to rent a bicycle from one of several commodious stations — kind of like an in - park Citibike — and traverse the 28 miles of trail through coastal wild and inland lakes .
If you ’d like to combine golf and medicine , the region offer over a XII golf game courses open to the world . ThePeninsula Golf and Racquet Clubis specially scenic , with holes running along Mobile Bay and a nature preserve on both sides . Nearby you could also bookall sorts of fishing charter , too , that allow you to head out into the bay tree and catch pompano , grouper , and delicious red cracker bonbon . If you want some time on the water system minus the cast , Sail Wild Heartsoffers scenic sunset cruises that give an idyllic option to the fete .
Best restaurants and bars in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
The area ’s got plenty of corrode pick besides festival food for thought . Just outside the gates you ’ll find one of the honest beefburger in Alabama — as well as some rousing post - fest karaoke — at thePink Pony Pub . North of the fete , Taco Fiestadishes up the best Mexican intellectual nourishment in the area , with a blowy side patio for down your carne asada and carnitas . Papa Rocco’soffers some upstanding , beer - soak pizza a few blocks from the fest . AndDeSoto’shas a menu of refreshing seafood for those looking to try the local fare .
For something a little more upscale , Jesse ’s on the Bayis a seafood and steak insane asylum with an telling wine list and waterfront views . The Wharfentertainment district in Orange Beach has an telling collection of nicer eating place too , with Italian options atVillaggio Grill , and seafood atMile Marker 158 Dockside . For breakfast , no stumble to Gulf Shores is gross without something from the omelet station atHazel ’s Nook . AndBrick and Spoonserves over - the - top waffles and breakfast sandwich that are enough intellectual nourishment for the intact day .
The Hangout Music Festival typically lets out before 11 pm , and if you ’d care to keep the party going you ’re not lacking for options . The landmark , must - hit bar is theFlora - Bama , a multi - story roadhouse on the Florida - Alabama state line where you’re able to tope in two states at once and even go tochurch on Sunday . It ’s where you ’ll find Hangout ’s unofficial after party , where the craziest stories always begin .
Closer in , Big Beach Brewingpours a wild collection of lighter , beachier beers and is one of the better small - townspeople breweries in the South . For cocktails , happen the8 Realespeakeasy hidden behind a jewellery store — its parole lurks somewhere on the bar ’s social media . you’re able to also assay a flying of daiquiris by the water atHigh Tide , and peradventure take a paddle boat out if you feel divine .
Where to stay in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Your best bet is to stay right in Gulf Shores , since you may take the air to the Hangout fete from pretty much anywhere . The bulk of the accommodations in Gulf Shores are in beachfront condominium towers , which you’re able to find on all the traditional vacation renting reservation internet site like Airbnb and VRBO . Though many record through other platforms likeGulf Shores Rentalsand thearea ’s official tourism agency . The best single are reserved up a year in advance , and some stamping ground regulars keep their same digs every twelvemonth .
Of course , you could save money and find out more availability by staying in Orange Beach , about 15 second from the fete . Hangout runs bird buses to Orange Beach too , and if you do n’t mind the after - fete crowds clamor for jalopy space , it ’s an economical selection . northwards of the fete , you ’ll find hotels and rentals in Foley and other nearby cities , though no shuttles operate there so you ’ll have to figure out transportation and parking every twenty-four hours .
For those who take a firm stand on hotels , theLodge at Gulf State Parkis easily the coolest hotel in the area , a beachfront Hilton that finger like a nature refuge . ThePhoenix All Suiteslooks directly down on the festival , while theBest Western On The Beachis the closest hotel to the independent William Henry Gates .
Photo courtesy of Hangout Music Festival
Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Gulf State Park
