Gulf Shores Arrests during Hangout Music Festival

R. Ken Cooper • May 22, 2023

Hangout Music Festival Arrests Down in 2023

Hangout Music Festival Arrests Down in 2023

Gulf Shores, Ala. - (OBA) - The 2023 Hangout Music Festival, held in Gulf Shores, saw a total of 107 arrests, a decrease from the previous year's total of 133. The Gulf Shores Police Department (GSPD) and the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) were the primary law enforcement agencies involved, with the BCSO making the majority of the arrests.


The majority of the arrests were for felonies, with 89 individuals charged, while misdemeanors accounted for 17 arrests. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance was the most common offense, with 109 charges, followed by possession of marijuana 2nd, with 15 charges. Males made up 57% of the arrests, while females accounted for 39.3%.


In comparison to the previous year, the 2023 festival saw a decrease in overall arrests, but an increase in felony charges. The 2022 festival had a total of 133 arrests, with 127 charges for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. The decrease in arrests in 2023 could be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased security measures, changes in festival policies, or shifts in attendee behavior. Despite the decrease in total arrests, the high number of felony charges in 2023 indicates a serious issue with drug possession at the festival.


The graphics above and below are details provided by the Gulf Shores Police.


Hangout Music Festival Arrests Down in 2023
Hangout Music Festival Arrests Down in 2023

Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Library
By OBA Staff December 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The American Heart Association has launched a new health program at the Orange Beach Public Library. The initiative is called Libraries with Heart and is designed to help residents monitor their blood pressure at home. Community partners say the effort will give people easier access to...
Gulf Shores Shifts Business License Renewals To Email Only
By OBA Staff December 7, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Starting this December, the city will no longer send business and rental license renewal forms through traditional U.S. mail. Instead, all renewal forms will be delivered only by email. City officials say the change is meant to be more efficient. They also hope it will save money and...
New Foley Library Frees Space For Senior Center
By OBA Staff December 7, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — City leaders in Foley are planning major changes to the current public library building. The work is meant to improve access for older adults and people with disabilities. The building will later become the city’s Senior Center. The plans are tied to the construction of a new library.
Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge Construction Continues On Schedule
By OBA Staff December 7, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Construction on the City of Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge is moving forward on schedule, with steady work visible on both sides of the project. Crews are working on the bridge structure as well as nearby parking and streetscape improvements. City officials say the work is designed to...
Orange Beach Finance Dept.
By OBA Staff December 6, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach has launched a new online portal for business licenses and related applications. The system uses OpenGov Permitting & Licensing. City leaders say it will cut paperwork, save time and money. They expect faster decisions for businesses and residents.
New State Guidance Shifts Baldwin County School Counseling Procedures
By OBA Staff December 6, 2025
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler has notified parents about an important change to counseling consent rules. He said he usually shares policy updates in his back‑to‑school email each August, but this situation is different. The district began the year collecting...
City of South Baldwin Hospital Artist's Rendering
By OBA Staff December 6, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley officials are adding new traffic control near the city’s hospital as services and patient numbers continue to grow. The city plans to change an existing intersection to better handle the heavier traffic. Leaders say the change is meant to improve safety as well as traffic flow. Residents...
Orange Beach Recreation Campus Gets Major Upgrades
By John Mullen December 5, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Plans continue in Orange Beach to make improvements to the recreation campus in the northwest intersection of Canal Road and Wilson Boulevard. Pickleball courts and expanded parking are already underway and, work has begun on Contorno Park on the western edge of the campus. Next on the...
Rising Food Costs And Seasonal Employment Dip Create Urgent Need
By OBA Staff December 5, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Local musicians are joining forces to help struggling families in lower Baldwin County through a benefit concert. The event aims to raise funds and collect food donations for the Christian Service Center. Six musical acts will perform at the fundraiser called Pantry Stock.
Perdido Beach Resort
By OBA Staff December 4, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — According to Hotel Business, an Alabama-based investor group has purchased Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. The new owners say the popular Gulf Coast property will remain under local leadership. They also say they are committed to its long-term future. The resort has served families...
Show More