Hulaween has been one of the most beloved southern festivals on the circuit for years now, and it’s no secret that it possesses a certain magic. With so many events to choose from these days, it can be challenging to sort out which ones are still worth the time, effort, and money to attend. However, the legendary gathering that is Hula continues to rise above the rest even as others head to the ever-growing festival graveyard.
Held annually at the revered Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida, the 2024 edition of this festival (October 24-27) will mark its eleventh gathering. This event has grown immensely over the last decade, from just 4,000 attendees the first year to just over 20,000 now. Despite the mass following, it still ranks lower in attendance than many other festivals that produce lineups of a similar caliber, making it a more intimate and less crowded shindig while still delivering incredible production.
One of the most notable pieces of the Hulaween puzzle lies in its location at Suwannee. This massive venue is home to other incredible events like Tipper & Friends and Resonate as well as being a year-round campground with hiking, fishing, kayaking, a multi-story treehouse, and more available for visitors. More than three miles of the Suwannee River run through the land, as well as the iconic Spirit Lake.
Hulaween is the largest event held on the grounds each year, but it never feels crowded. Campers are allowed the freedom to set up wherever they’d like, and campfires are permitted at the event–something that is strictly forbidden at most festivals. This gives partygoers the opportunity to choose their own adventures, whether it’s finding a private corner to rest in or staying in a more lively area with a large group.
These grounds are an essential part of the Hulaween spirit and many of the art installations work in tandem with the natural landscape. Spirit Lake is central to the festival’s culture, with dazzling art installations, interactive experiences, performances, workshops, Halloween-themed decor, and more gathered around this space. People are free to wander the ground and check out music at the five different stages, attend a yoga class, or hear guest speakers on a variety of topics.
One recent development that is particularly exciting is the collaboration between Hulaween and women-led collective DEF for the debut of the ‘OFF LIMITS’ Stage. The intimate fan experience will be an immersive, 360-degree stage that brings Hulaween attendees up-close-and-personal to the underground’s most in-demand acts across house, techno, drum and bass, UKG and bass
Naturally, we can’t discuss Hulaween without diving into its incredible lineup, which was quickly named one of the best of the year after dropping recently. Recurring headliner The String Cheese Incident will be back with three sets while some of the other notable jam and string offerings include Umphrey’s McGee, Greensky Bluegrass, the Bobby Weir Incident, and Lettuce. On the electronic side, attendees can see sets from revered performers like Tipper, CloZee, Chris Lake, Daily Bread, Chase & Status, G Jones, and LP Giobbi. The organizers have expertly rounded out the diversity with fun offerings from Killer Mike, Tash Sultana, Sublime, Black Pumas, and so much more. There is truly something for everyone at this event.
Each year, the festival has a different theme, and attendees are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes to truly get into the spirit of the event. Roaming performers, games, and surprises are around every corner, and there’s so much to see and do that it’s impossible to fit it all into four days. But don’t fret–Hulaween is determined to continue returning and providing its unique experience.
To attend Hulaween’s 2024 edition, get your passes here. Payment plans, camping packages, and more are all still available, but don’t wait too long–the last several years have all sold out! We’ll see you soon in Suwannee.
Hulaween has been one of the most beloved southern festivals on the circuit for years now, and it’s no secret that it possesses a certain magic. With so many events to choose from these days, it can be challenging to sort out which ones are still worth the time, effort, and money to attend. However, the legendary gathering that is Hula continues to rise above the rest even as others head to the ever-growing festival graveyard.
Held annually at the revered Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida, the 2024 edition of this festival (October 24-27) will mark its eleventh gathering. This event has grown immensely over the last decade, from just 4,000 attendees the first year to just over 20,000 now. Despite the mass following, it still ranks lower in attendance than many other festivals that produce lineups of a similar caliber, making it a more intimate and less crowded shindig while still delivering incredible production.
One of the most notable pieces of the Hulaween puzzle lies in its location at Suwannee. This massive venue is home to other incredible events like Tipper & Friends and Resonate as well as being a year-round campground with hiking, fishing, kayaking, a multi-story treehouse, and more available for visitors. More than three miles of the Suwannee River run through the land, as well as the iconic Spirit Lake.
Hulaween is the largest event held on the grounds each year, but it never feels crowded. Campers are allowed the freedom to set up wherever they’d like, and campfires are permitted at the event–something that is strictly forbidden at most festivals. This gives partygoers the opportunity to choose their own adventures, whether it’s finding a private corner to rest in or staying in a more lively area with a large group.
These grounds are an essential part of the Hulaween spirit and many of the art installations work in tandem with the natural landscape. Spirit Lake is central to the festival’s culture, with dazzling art installations, interactive experiences, performances, workshops, Halloween-themed decor, and more gathered around this space. People are free to wander the ground and check out music at the five different stages, attend a yoga class, or hear guest speakers on a variety of topics.
One recent development that is particularly exciting is the collaboration between Hulaween and women-led collective DEF for the debut of the ‘OFF LIMITS’ Stage. The intimate fan experience will be an immersive, 360-degree stage that brings Hulaween attendees up-close-and-personal to the underground’s most in-demand acts across house, techno, drum and bass, UKG and bass
Naturally, we can’t discuss Hulaween without diving into its incredible lineup, which was quickly named one of the best of the year after dropping recently. Recurring headliner The String Cheese Incident will be back with three sets while some of the other notable jam and string offerings include Umphrey’s McGee, Greensky Bluegrass, the Bobby Weir Incident, and Lettuce. On the electronic side, attendees can see sets from revered performers like Tipper, CloZee, Chris Lake, Daily Bread, Chase & Status, G Jones, and LP Giobbi. The organizers have expertly rounded out the diversity with fun offerings from Killer Mike, Tash Sultana, Sublime, Black Pumas, and so much more. There is truly something for everyone at this event.
Each year, the festival has a different theme, and attendees are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes to truly get into the spirit of the event. Roaming performers, games, and surprises are around every corner, and there’s so much to see and do that it’s impossible to fit it all into four days. But don’t fret–Hulaween is determined to continue returning and providing its unique experience.
To attend Hulaween’s 2024 edition, get your passes here. Payment plans, camping packages, and more are all still available, but don’t wait too long–the last several years have all sold out! We’ll see you soon in Suwannee.
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Featured photo: Aaron Bradley
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