UNIA’s Declassified Hangout Fest Survival Guide

By Grayson Keglovic

Technically, all you need to enjoy a beachside music festival is sunscreen and a bathing suit – but the beaches of Gulf Shores can be full of surprises. I have attended four Hangout Music Festivals, this year being my fifth, on the powdered sugar-like beaches of Alabama.

As a veteran Hangout Music Festival attendee, I have learned a thing or two about what I do and don’t need to bring to the festival. Throughout the years, I have found myself always carrying these four things on me when I leave for the beach music.

CamelBak aka the Sweet Nectar of the Hangout Heavens

Purchasing a CamelBak quite literally changed my life – especially for this festival. You’re out in the sun for hours at a time when at Hangout Music Festival. It’s super easy to become dehydrated, which can be dangerous, and having a CamelBak has eliminated this problem. According to the festival’s guidelines, CamelBaks and other over-the-shoulder water systems with one pocket are permitted but must be empty. What use is an empty CamelBak? Luckily, the festival has several hydration stations scattered throughout the venue. These stations consist of a handful of water-fountain-like setups where you can fill up your CamelBaks and water bottles. In the past, I have noticed that these hydration stations can be busy and have a decently long line. My advice is to get to the festival early enough to fill up your CamelBak first and then partake in the day’s festivities – this way you’ll already have a full one to nurse on throughout the day.

Pieces of Plastic That Make You a Real Person

I’m talking about your government-issued ID and money. Duh, having a way to pay and identify yourself at the festival may seem like a no-brainer, but I am guilty of misplacing things that aren’t already in my wallet – and bringing a full wallet into the festival is just one more bulky thing to worry about. Before attending the festival, I always make sure that my phone’s Apple Pay is ready to be used and that my ID is securely tucked in the pocket of my CamelBak. Hangout is a completely cashless event, but the festival accepts a variety of forms of payment, according to its website. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and UnionPay will be accepted in the form of credit, corporate, debit, prepaid or rewards cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Sunshine Saviors

Hangout Music Festival is three long and hot days that slowly creep into the night. You’re going to be in the Gulf Coast sun way longer than you’ll be under the moon, so you’re going to need sunglasses and sunscreen. If you don’t have something to help protect you from the UV rays, you’re going to wish you did. Hangout permits “liquid sunscreen, in non-aerosol containers of 3 oz or less,” as stated in the festival’s “What Can I Bring” section. A time-saving trick that I have always used is sun screening up before you head to the festival, and only bringing a small stick or tube of sunscreen. If you come to Hangout already lathered up, you can get right into the fun instead of having to stop to do it.

Something to Remember Me (Hangout) By

My memory capturer of choice is a small film camera. If film isn’t your thing, the festival does allow other methods of photography, but they’re very specific. On Hangout’s website, it is very clear that video equipment, of any kind, are prohibited, such as GoPros and camcorders. While videographers may be disappointed with this guideline, photographers still have the opportunity to snap pictures, as long as it’s not with an SLR/DSLR camera or a camera with a detachable lens. If you’re not sure if you can bring your device in, the easiest way to capture the festival is probably already on you: your phone camera.

With each Hangout Music Festival that I attend, I find that less is more. I only bring these four items and I have a worry-free and lively time, but to each their own. Obviously, you may need more or even less than what I have mentioned. Before you pack your festival day bag, review Hangout Music Festival’s “What Can I Bring” section on its website to make sure you’re following the festival’s rules.

See you there!