GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Hangout Music Fest is set to start off with a bang this year, and the festival is proud to announce an incredible talent line-up for the Thursday Kickoff Party on May 16.

Bigger and better than ever before, fans can experience a whole extra day of music —from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. — as a preview to the annual festival. Two stages will host 14 acts at the Hangout site, featuring: Umphrey's McGee, Benny Benassi, Railroad Earth, Dillon Francis, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, LOTUS, Hayes Carll, Conspirator, Quixotic, Reptar, Wick-it, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Future Rock, and more.

Tickets for the Thursday Kickoff Party go on sale on Thurs., April 18 at 10 a.m. at http://hangoutkickoffparty.eventbrite.com/, and will be $45, or $20 for those who have already purchased three-day passes for the Hangout Music Fest. Fans can purchase a three-day General Admission pass bundled with a Thursday Kickoff Party ticket for $249. The Thursday Kickoff Party will be free for VIP, Super VIP and Big Kahuna pass holders.

Winner of “Music Festival of the Year” at the Pollstar Awards, the Hangout Music Fest will feature 2013 headliners Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Stevie Wonder and Kings of Leon as well as Trey Anastasio Band, The Shins, BASSNECTAR, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Black Crowes, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Kendrick Lamar, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Grizzly Bear, Slightly Stoopid, The Roots, Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons, Big Gigantic, Bloc Party, Gov’t Mule, Jim James Band, Wolfgang Gartner, Porter Robinson, Baauer, Public Enemy, moe., Galactic, Dirty Projectors, Grouplove, Toots and the Maytals, Lissie, Holy Ghost!, The Breeders, Best Coast, Ra Ra Riot, Jason Isbell & 400 Unit, and many, many more (visit http://lineup.hangoutmusicfest.com/ for the full lineup).

In addition to the five stages of music, all fans will enjoy access to extraordinary amenities including: the comfortably shaded relaxation area, Hammock Beach; the Sky Bar tower, which offers 360-degree views of the festival; amusement rides and games; varied dining options, including the fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood area; water stations with free refills for all guests; and much more. VIP and Super VIP guests can also take advantage of pool-side viewing areas; complimentary select beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks; air-conditioned private restrooms; and much more.

Gulf Shores offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury to budget to family-friendly, many within walking or biking distance of the site. Lodging and travel packages are available at http://www.cidentertainment.com/hangout/2013/.

Festival attendees are strongly urged to avoid traffic by taking advantage of the fun and easy way to get in and out of the festival, the Hangout Music Fest shuttles. This year, the “Golden Shuttles” will be back and offering even more exciting prizes.