Mobile will host the SouthSounds Music & Arts Festival on April 13, 14, and 15.

SouthSounds is a music festival founded in 2011 that aims to bring bands from the Gulf Coast region into the spotlight for a weekend of fun, music, food and art. Shows are held at a variety of venues in downtown Mobile such as O’Daly’s Irish Pub, Alchemy and the Merry Widow to name a few. The music ranges from jazz, to country, rock, funk and almost everything in between.

Gabe Fleet, a festival organizer, says, “We love the opportunity to introduce the Gulf Coast to amazing artists that folk may not have heard of before, while at the same time introducing these world-class artist to the unique charm of Mobile.”

In addition to music, Southsounds also collaborated with the local Loda Artwalk, both of which will be in Downtown Mobile on Friday April 13. There will also be an arts and crafts market that Saturday and Sunday. Southsounds will also offer a music business workshop, which includes discussion panels with professionals from the industry.

General admission, VIP packages and Gold level weekend passes are all available at southsoundsfest.com. Fleet also states, “We’re incredibly excited about what we have in store for you this year!”

Alabama will host another festival in May called Hangout Music Festival founded in 2010. It is held on the beach and features artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Sza, the Killers, and many more. It is held the weekend of May 18. Tickets are available at hangoutmusicfest.com

Another Gulf Coast festival includes Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana which begins on April 27. The festival started in 1970 to showcase New Orleans culture. This year’s lineup includes artists such as Rod Stewart, Beck, Lionel Richie and many more. This event offers a variety of New Orleans specialties including booths for typical southern and cajun style food and New Orleans inspired art prints and paintings. Tickets are available at nojazzfest.com.