It goes without saying that the lineup is one of the most important factors when determining which music festival to attend but location is a key factor as well. Hangout Music Festival, held on May 18th-20th (conveniently after most Southeastern colleges and high schools have had graduation) and nestled on the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, AL, succeeded in nailing both aspects by creating a unique and fun experience for concertgoers. The festival provided interactive elements such as a roller disco, puppy kissing booth, wedding chapel, beach volleyball and morning yoga to name a few. And if a virtual adult playground full of activities wasn’t enough to make Hangout Fest the ultimate beach party vacation, then the music certainly would be.

One thing that Hangout Fest continuously succeeds at is making a dynamic and diverse lineup that just about any music lover can enjoy which is not surprising with Goldenvoice (the festival promoter behind Coachella) at the helm. This years lineup featured top rock acts like The Killers and Greta Van Fleet, Top 40 artists Halsey and The Chainsmokers, EDM standouts such as Zedd and Odesza, and Hip Hop legends Big Boi and Kendrick Lamar. While we had a blast the whole weekend, below are our top memories from 2018’s Hangout Fest.

Best moments of the weekend:
  1. I think it’s safe to say that the festival was not prepared for the massive crowd that up-and-coming Michigan rockers, Greta Van Fleet would bring to the smaller BMI sponsored Mermaid Stage. The crowd was so large that it was spilling out onto the adjoining street and only continued to grow as they played with the picturesque Alabama sunset behind them.
  2. Halsey made playful jabs at the fact that The Chainsmokers were playing after her on the main slot that evening stating “I’m so happy for you guys, I love you like my family, but what the fuck man!? C’mon! I’m cool. I’ve got hits.” to which she and the crowd both had a laugh. Halsey got her wish of sorts by hitting the main stage later in the evening with The Chainsmokers to help sing their collab hit “Closer” closing out Saturday with a bang.
  3. Due to health issues, Blackbear was forced to cancel his set but festival promoters were able to fill his slot last minute with former Outkast member and rap icon Big Boi. Also joining Big Boi to the stage was long time friend and producer Sleepy Brown.
  4. Closing out the festival on Sunday, Kendrick Lamar played many of his hits but also provided a teachable moment for everyone in attendance that night. After inviting a fan on stage to help perform “m.A.A.d city,” an awkward moment occurred when his Caucasian guest star repeated the lyrics to the song, unfortunately including the “n” word. Kendrick stopped the performance to tell the girl “You got to bleep one single word though.” The fan quickly apologized and Kendrick gave her a second chance to redeem herself.
Photos from Hangout Music Festival:

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