Hangout Music Fest to Feature The Weeknd, Calvin Harris and Florence and the Machine

It’s spring, which means it’s time to start planning and saving for the summer festival season. With so many choices, destinations and lineups to choose from one particular festival consistently stands out amongst the circuit. Hangout Music Fest in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has become known for showcasing a superior lineup, a stellar beach setting and southern charm for days.

Gulf Shores is a somewhat sleepy beach town on the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from a few golf courses and a zoo, this place is essentially a residential area that doubles as a low-key tourist attraction in the summer but every year from May 20-22, Hangout Music Fest transforms this region into an idyllic landscape of music revelry. Hangout takes place directly on the beach, as in you’ll be dancing to headliners like The Weeknd, Florence + the Machine and Calvin Harris barefoot with sand between your toes. Not many other festivals can provide an atmosphere where on one side Lenny Kravitz shreds through his classic songbook and on the other side the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. This year, you can also catch HAIM, Cage the Elephant, Grimes, Ellie Goulding, Alabama Shakes, Flume, Panic! at the Disco, Run the Jewels, Leon Bridges, Fetty Wap, The Neighbourhood, Vince Staples, Courtney Barnett and Børns.

Flying into Hangout is easy from many parts of the country as Pensacola International Airport resides just 45 minutes from the festival grounds. Upon arrival you’ll either be exhausted from the long commute or ready to upgrade your pregame after downing a few mini-bottles of whiskey on the plane. Either way, Hangout has you covered. For a relaxing time, allow Hammock Beach to sway you into a nice afternoon nap or head straight to Craft Beer Backyard for some local, hoppy libations. Given that the event takes place in the south it’s an opportune time to take advantage of the fresh local shrimp, oysters and, of course, crawfish. Hangout Music Fest will have daily catches all weekend long, so feel free to squeeze on a splash of lemon and throw back a cold one in that Bama sunshine.

For those looking to make this an extra special weekend, you can even get hitched at Hangout’s own wedding chapel. As the organizers say, it’s “Easier than Vegas, divorce included.” The Malibu Beach House will showcase top-notch DJs throughout the weekend in a more intimate atmosphere. Thrill seekers can get a sky-high vantage point by way of the Ferris wheel or the event’s Mega Drop.

No camping is offered at Hangout, instead attendees rent beachside condos and hotel rooms. They’re the perfect place to grab a group of friends and spend the weekend in one hot, beautiful mess. Some accommodations are within walking distance but for those who find themselves far from the grounds, Hangout Music Fest provides shuttles to and from the event. Travel packages are also offered, VIP and otherwise, for those looking to knock out every aspect of planning in one fell swoop.

Hangout Music Fest will take place in Gulf Shores, Alabama, from May 20-22. Information on tickets, directions and accommodation can be found here.