Nestled on the breathtaking beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, this year's edition of Hangout Fest promised an unparalleled music experience that left attendees with memories to last a lifetime. It was the perfect kickoff to festival season with a lineup that catered to all music tastes and included a healthy mix of established icons and promising up-and-comers.
One standout feature of the fest was its commitment to creating a comfortable environment for attendees amongst the heat and humidity. Diverse food options, readily available water, and conveniently placed misting systems made sure that festival-goers were able to focus on having fun.
Day one started out strong with performances from Meet Me @ the Altar and Stephen Sanchez. Meet Me @ the Altar gave a high-octane set that maintained an energetic momentum all the way through to the end. Sanchez demonstrated his versatile voice and showcased a range that could convey both vulnerability and power, leaving the audience hanging on every note. With a well-planned multi-stage setup, attendees had plenty of music options to choose from.
Swedish pop sensation Tove Lo gave an electrifying performance that left the crowd buzzing with energy. One key element was her unwavering authenticity. She bared her soul through her songs, creating an emotional connection with the audience. Her powerful vocals were on full display, and her ability to convey vulnerability while exuding strength was captivating.
As the sun set, festival goers continued to pack the two main stages for the night's headliners. The air buzzed with energy as the stage lights flickered to life and Lil Nas X took the stage to give an unforgettable performance with an elaborate set design. With his vocal talent and magnetic stage presence, he was an undeniable superstar.
Red Hot Chili Peppers closed out the night. Beyond their established musical prowess, the whole crew brought a genuine love of performing to their set. They ripped through classics and were met with a thunderous enthusiasm from a crowd full of fans of all ages.
On day 2 of Hangout, vibes were still great from the night before as a selection of bands including Flipturn and Highly Suspect helped open up the stages. Besides the music, the festival had plenty of areas to explore. Attendees were able to relax in shaded areas, ride the ferris wheel, roller skate, and soak up the sun thanks to direct access to the beach.
The rest of the day was jam packed with stellar performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Mariah the Scientist, and Charlotte Sands, who all put on incredible sets much to the enjoyment of fans at the barricade who had been waiting all day to see their favorites. Nashville-based pop-rock outfit COIN brought out all the stops with a show stocked full of shimmering synths and irresistible rhythms.
Paramore and SZA both had packed crowds as Saturday headliners. Anticipation hung heavily in the air before each act and attendees went wild as the consecutive sets finished off the second day of Hangout on a strong note.
Despite a bit of an overcast on Sunday, spirits were as high as ever. Warming up the main stages on the last day were pop-rock band Beach Weather and The 502s. Each band brought smooth vocals and catchy melodies to start the day off right. The rest of Sunday's lineup was incredibly diverse. Fans raced back and forth between stages to catch artists like Yung Gravy, Noah Kahan, and The Kid Laroi.
Skrillex and Calvin Harris finished off the night, each with awe-inspiring visuals to accompany their high-energy sets. With the stunning location and diverse lineup, Hangout Fest 2023 was a true celebration of music, community, and the vibrant beauty of Gulf Shores. The festival left a lasting impression on all who attended, giving them an unforgettable experience that will be cherished for years to come.
Check out the full galleries below:
Photos by Keira Lindgren
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
