TrekUnity
When
May
Attendance
~120,000 (across the weekend)
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Outdoor
Hangout Fest is one of the only major music festivals staged directly on the beach — three May days on the white sand of Gulf Shores, Alabama, with multiple stages, big-name headliners across pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic, plus pools, a Ferris wheel, and the Gulf of Mexico as the backdrop.
The beach setting makes it feel like a vacation as much as a festival, drawing tens of thousands to the Alabama Gulf Coast for sunshine, sand, and sound.
Want to go? Turn Hangout Music Festival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
A weekend in mid-May (Fri–Sun)
Admission
Ticketed (GA and VIP)
Parking
Very limited near the beach — use shuttles, bike, or walk from Gulf Shores lodging.
Nearest airport
Pensacola (PNS) ~45 min; Mobile (MOB) ~1 hr
Typical weather
Warm, sunny Gulf Coast May — 80s °F; sunscreen and hydration are essential on the sand.
Official website
Location
Gulf Shores, AL
Where to stay
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
Beachfront Hilton adjacent to the grounds.
Gulf Shores condos
Beach condos within walking distance — the classic move.
Orange Beach hotels
More options a short drive east.
Where to eat & drink
The Hangout
The beachfront restaurant that gives the fest its name.
Lucy Buffett's LuLu's
Lively waterfront spot.
Gulf seafood shacks
Fresh shrimp and oysters along the coast.
Nearby attractions
Gulf State Park
Beaches, trails, and a fishing pier.
Gulf Shores beaches
Miles of sugar-white Gulf sand.
The Wharf (Orange Beach)
Waterfront dining and a Ferris wheel.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + beach
- •Fly into PNS
- •Afternoon: check into a beach condo
- •Evening: LuLu's dinner
2Festival day
- •Afternoon/night: beach stages
- •Late: back to the condo
3Festival + Gulf
- •Morning: beach time
- •Afternoon/evening: headliners
4Slow morning + depart
- •Morning: Gulf State Park
- •Head to PNS
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Rent a beach condo within walking distance of the stages.
- Bring serious sun protection — you're on open sand all day.
- Add beach time at Gulf State Park around the sets.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hangout Fest?
A weekend in mid-May on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Is it really on the beach?
Yes — the stages are set up right on the white sand of the Gulf of Mexico, which is its signature.
Where should you stay?
A beach condo within walking distance of the grounds is the classic (and most convenient) choice.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hangout Music Festival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.