This past weekend I attended Hangout Fest 2016 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was a lot of fun! It was definitely a new experience and something I am glad that I did because I probably wont have the chance to do it again. I recommend going if you've never been before.
The festival is held on the beach and it starts at 11 A.M and ends at 11 P.M. There are several different stages that play different bands through out the day and the point of the festival is to hear bands that you've never heard before and discover new music! They also have a few popular bands or groups that attend to that usually start playing around 6 or so and end each day. They have different spots that you can hangout at and different activities you can do. They have Camp Hangout where they played kiddie pool kick ball and had different crafts set up for you to do. They also had a Pandora Hangout which is where you could access the beach that was fenced off just for this event and also had music playing and other activities. There was a puppy smooching booth where you could love on dogs that were up for adoption and learn about adopting a dog and received free stuff also. That's another thing, there were lots of free items they were handing out! There was an obstacle course where you could race your friend and then you would get some thing at the end for free, each day was a different item, they also handed out free candy all day. There were rides you could go on also.
At the entrance they were really strict about what you could and couldn't bring in. They checked every bag thoroughly and threw away anything that wasn't allowed. They threw away my pepper spray on the third day! Apparently its a weapon! They have free water refill stations for you to refill water bottles and camelbaks so you're not spending a ton of money on water. They did serve alcohol for those old enough to drink, those people were given bracelets that identified them. I heard the alcohol was expensive so if you don't drink alcohol, which you shouldn't out there anyway considering how long you're in the heat, then you save a lot of money by using the refill stations. If you drink a lot of cokes and soft drinks though, you're out of luck because they are $3 a bottle! The food was decent! They had a huge variety! They had greek food, Cajun food, Chinese food, Mexican food pizza, etc...
There was this spot by the Hangout Restaurant right next to the Mermaid stage where they would make a ton of bubbles for people to play in, it was a bubble pit basically.
To attend the festival without a parent you have to be 18 or older, which I am, of course and I see why. These festivals are not meant for children. I REPEAT, THESE FESTIVALS ARE NOT MEANT FOR CHILDREN. The amount of alcohol and illegal substances is the main reason.
Sorry parents but this is one event you need a sitter for.
As far as the music goes, it was great. You can see who played above. Calvin Harris didn't make it, sadly. He got into a car accident and broke his nose apparently. The best performance was hands down Panic! At The Disco's. Also, if you think you're going to be able to see all the bands listed on the lineup, you're wrong. They have at least 3 or 4 bands playing at a time on different stages. Decisions.
It was great hearing a lot of new music and bands I had never heard before. I don't have any complaints about it other than sometimes the festival timed the bands wrong. Friday night they had The Weeknd and The Chainsmokers playing at the same time, two bands I love.
You should definitely bring lots of sunscreen but only the lotionkind because the spray isn't allowed, hats, sunglasses and a water proof case for your phone. Tennis shoes are not your best bet at this event because its on a beach. A small bag or fanny pack (they're coming back, why) is recommended too. Also, something to cover up with if you plan on being there at night because it gets windy and slightly chilly unless you're right in the middle of the crowd!
