Before we send you off to soak up all the Hula magic, let’s brief you with our first-timers guide to prepping you for all the amazing things you’re about to experience at Hulaween. The event will take place from October 24-27th in Live Oak, Florida. Tickets are almost sold out, so grab yours here and get ready for the best weekend of your life! 

The Venue

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a venue unlike any other. Located on the Suwannee River, this campground lives and breathes Florida. With spooky Spanish Moss draped from the trees like mystical curtains, and big swamp energy infused into every path, there truly isn’t a more fitting venue for a Halloween-themed festival. The grounds are magical.

Enjoy the shade within the woods or cool off from the daytime heat in the river. See if you can find the treehouse! And if you need a dose of Halloween vibes, check out the bat house at dusk. If you need to buy ice or other camping goods, the General Store has you covered.

Hulaween has multiple stages and areas to explore, so come with an open mind and be prepared for adventure. Spirit Lake is the place to be at night! There, you’ll explore out-of-this-world art installations that will blow your mind.

Bring your card or cash with you when you explore because there are amazing vendors at Hula, from delicious food to heady apparel and accessories, art, and more.

Camping

Festival camping goes a little differently here than at other festivals. Rather than being placed in a camping spot by staff, you have complete free range to find your own campsite within the grounds once you drive through the gates. 

Because camping is first come, first serve, many people choose to arrive early and stake out a spot for their squad. Don’t panic, though! If you’re planning to arrive on Thursday, you will still be able to find a great spot. Just have patience, as it may take a few laps of driving around the park to situate yourself. 

Pro tip: I always prefer camping in the woods because you get shade in the mornings and throughout the day, which means more time spent sleeping in or taking disco naps. Getting good rest is key to an enjoyable camping fest experience! If you think you may end up in a sunny camping spot, bring a pop-up canopy for shade.

If you purchased a car pass, you can park your car next to your tent at your campsite. I highly recommend this, although there are parking options on-site for your vehicle if you choose not to buy a car pass.

You will notice golf carts zipping around the grounds during the festival. If you’re planning to drive a golf cart at the fest, contact the park to verify that it will be permitted before you arrive. You will need proper reservations and paperwork.

Some people bring bicycles, one-wheels, or motorized bikes/skateboards to the park, but they are certainly not necessary to get around. It can be super fun to take a morning bike ride through the campsites, though.

One of the coolest things about Hulaween is that, weather permitting, you can have campfires at your campsite! We have had some very chilly Hulaweens in the past, and having firewood to build a campfire has been a lifesaver. There’s nothing better than huddling around the fire with your friends or, better yet, making s’mores at camp! I recommend bringing a fire pit and firewood if the weather allows for campfires. If a burn ban is necessary due to weather or other conditions, the park will tell you not to burn anything.

Like most camping festivals, come prepared with nutritious meals and snacks, a cooler with ice, and plenty of water to keep you hydrated. Packing a first-aid kit is always a smart idea.

Pro tip: bring your favorite craft brews to Camp Reddit if you’re interested in a craft beer exchange and their infamous bacon pancakes.

What To Wear

We have had Hulaweens that were blazing hot and Hulaweens that were freezing cold. The best advice I have for Hula and any camping festival is to come prepared for any climate - heat, cold, rain, or dust. The best plan is to pack outfits in layers so you can adjust your look depending on the weather. During the day, you can typically expect hot Florida sunshine. But as the sun goes down, it can get anywhere from chilly to frigid.

I keep my outfits pre-planned in sealable bags to reach into my duffel and pull out a fresh outfit, already picked out and ready to go. Make sure you keep an outfit sealed to drive home in so you have fresh clothes as you make the journey home. 

Here is my basic list of camping festival clothes and must-haves:

• Extra socks (change at least twice daily)
• Rain jacket and waterproof boots
• Comfortable dancing shoes (please don’t be that person who wears brand new shoes to the festival and immediately gets blisters. Make sure they are well broken in!)
• Cold weather jacket
• Outfits for each day and night (warm and cold weather)
• Slides for the shower (there are showers within the campgrounds at Hula)
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Jewelry and accessories

Since Hula is over Halloween weekend, many people dress up in fun costumes. This year’s theme is Suwannee Horror Disco Show, so if that theme speaks to you, dress for it! Especially for the themed String Cheese set on Saturday night.

I typically bring a few costumes but don’t forget comfortable outfits, as well. If you’re into sustainable shopping, check out your local thrift store for costumes or better yet - ask your friends if they have any costumes you can borrow. 

Explore all the Halloween costume options from savormeditation here.

Transitioning From Day to Night

Always make a stop back at camp before dinner to fuel your body with some nutritious food, load up on water, and grab anything you might need for a night of fun. The walk from the stages to the campgrounds typically isn’t too far, but if you have back-to-back sets planned, it’s best to have everything you may need on your person.

Pro tip: grab a flashlight from your campsite as the day turns to night. There are tons of tree roots along the paths in the campgrounds that are prime for tripping over, so watch out.

Throw on sleeves like these over a cropped tank top if you start to get chilly but aren’t ready to change out of your daytime fit just yet.

dark arts mesh bell sleeve ultra crop top

Chaps, like these, are a great middle ground between shorts and pants - especially if you want to show off that rave booty!

Nocturnal Nature Fishnet Chaps

iHR has some great outerwear options to keep you in style, even if the weather gets chilly.

Final First-Timer Notes

Hulaween is a whirlwind of mind-melting music and art. It’s my all-time favorite festival because the vibes are simply unparalleled. You’ll see for yourself!

Expect nothing, but stay open to anything. Keep an open mind, be prepared, practice patience, stay hydrated, and get ready for the time of your life!

There’s nothing worse than coming home from a concert with that ringing in your ears. Plus, exposure to loud music for long periods of time can cause permanent damage like hearing loss or tinnitus. Don’t underestimate the importance of ear protection! Take care of your ears and you’ll have a much better time at shows now, and into the future.

The biggest misconception about wearing hearing protection at raves is that you won’t be able to hear the music. Don’t worry - you’ll still be able to hear clearly and enjoy the show! High fidelity earplugs are designed for performers and musicians, so you’ll enjoy all the sounds without causing any long-term damage to your ears.

Research shows that throughout the last 20 years, it’s become much more common for young people to experience hearing loss from going to clubs, concerts, and music festivals. Exposing yourself to loud music for long periods of time can directly cause hearing loss, which is easily prevented by the use of high fidelity earplugs.

A 2015 research study at an outdoor music festival in Amsterdam actually proved that people who did not wear earplugs at a music festival were more likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss. If you go to lots of raves and festivals each year, you are much more likely to eventually experience permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. So, do yourself a favor and protect your ears at every show you attend!

savormeditation sells a pair of high fidelity earplugs from Vibes, which protect your ears from damaging decibels and even filter and enhance music by balancing the sound waves through special tubes. These earplugs are less than $30, so why wait?!

It’s a good idea to keep your carrying case in your backpack or fanny pack so you can keep your earplugs safe before and after the show. Some earplugs even come with a connecting cord you can wear around your neck to avoid losing them.

If you’re still raving without hearing protection, now is your time to change your habits and protect yourself from any future damage.

If you’re anything like me, you may feel a wave of anxiety getting ready to go to a new venue for the first time. Something about raves in unfamiliar areas triggers a pang of uncertainty and nervousness within me. Yes, I might be a control freak. But, I also like to have certain expectations in place when I’m heading to a rave. Will they let me bring in a bag? What about flow toys? How late should I expect to be out? Is it safe?

Here are some tips for how to prepare for a rave at a venue you’ve never been to before.

Step 1: Do your research. 

Google the venue to see where it’s located. If you’re familiar with your city, you may be able to tell how safe the neighborhood is. It’s also smart to explore some reviews and look around on social media (the venue’s posts as well as tagged posts) to get an idea of what the venue looks like, what people typically wear there, and what types of shows they usually host.

If you’re part of an online community like Female Ravers United on Bonded by Bass on Facebook, or a Discord rave community, you can try posting a question about the venue to see if anyone in the community has been there before and can help you prepare.

Step 2: Call the venue with any questions.

Be sure to check their hours so you can reach a human being and not their voicemail, although you can always leave a message and ask them to call you back. Ask about their bag and flow toy policy, how late they’ll be open on show night, if they sell alcohol, if they allow any water packs inside, and any other questions you may have. Many events will also have this information in the FAQ section of the event website, so check there first to prevent wasting your time.

Step 3: Make sure you have your squad with you.

I would advise against going to a new venue for the first time completely alone. Call your rave fam and make sure you have at least 1 buddy to go with. The night of the show, make a meet up plan using a landmark in case you get separated. Stay together throughout the night, even if you need to make a trip to the bar or restroom.

Step 4: Stay aware of your surroundings.

As most ravers know, some venues can be sketchier than others and even at the most well known clubs, bad things can happen if we lose awareness of those around us. We thrive off of PLUR energy, but the reality is, it doesn’t follow us everywhere. Don’t lose sight of your drink, keep your bag pockets zipped and your belongings close to you, and try to stay aware of those around you at all times. If you see something, say something.

As a final note, I want to remind you that going to a venue for the first time can be the start of something beautiful! Sometimes, we develop deep connections with local venues that continue to host our favorite artists throughout the years. This has certainly been the case for me! There’s a first time for everything, and although it can be very anxiety provoking to head off to an unfamiliar place for the first time, try to keep an open mind and enjoy every moment. Who knows, this could become your new favorite spot!

Make plans with your festival crew. I recommend driving with one or two friends in your car, if possible. This way, you can take turns driving (and napping) and you have a solid buddy system in place when you get to the festival.

Plan a few stops along the way. Yes, you’ll have to pull over for gas and bathroom breaks. Boring! It makes the trip way more exciting if you can stop at some cool locations along your journey. See if there are any fun state parks, museums, or outdoor areas worth exploring on the way. You can stretch your legs and make the most of your road trip.

Planning an overnight? Book a hotel in advance, if you can, to get the best prices. You can map out your journey and plan to split up the drive with a nice hotel pit stop on the way. Be sure to find a comfortable place to sleep after the festival, before driving all the way home. Driving while tired is extremely dangerous, so set yourself up for success by planning to rest before driving home.

Make sure your vehicle is safe for long distance travel before you leave. Get your oil changed, pack your AAA card in your wallet, make sure you have a spare tire on hand, and put plenty of air in your tires.

Pack safely. Avoid over packing your back seat so you can still see out of your rear view mirror. Take down anything hanging in your front mirror and avoid painting anything on your car or windows that could make police want to pull you over.

Keep your toiletries like your toothbrush, hair brush, and deodorant handy. If you need to freshen up along the road, you’ll be glad these are easy to access.

Pack some clothes for the drive home in a separate, sealed bag. You’ll be thankful to have a dry, comfortable outfit that doesn’t smell like a festival! This is especially true for a camping festival. I recommend keeping these items in your car or in a place where you can easily access them when you're heading out.

Load up on snacks, water, and energy drinks to keep you focused while you drive. If possible, try to pack some healthy snacks to keep your immune system boosted along your journey. You can always pack a small cooler to sit with you in the front seat, loaded with veggies and dip, iced coffee, or sandwiches.

Make a playlist for your road trip. This way, you won’t have to fumble with tunes while you drive. I like downloading long mixes that take me on a journey without the need to switch songs every few minutes. Don’t forget a charger adapter for your car in case you need to charge up along the way.

In the weeks leading up to your trip, be sure you have plenty of funds saved for food, gas, and any emergency car repairs or hotel stops. It's also a good idea to double check that you have your proof of insurance and registration in your car before you leave—and that you've gotten an oil change recently.

Don’t forget a spare car key! Give it to a friend you’re riding with for safe keeping, just in case you lock yourself out.

Remember to ask your passengers for help if you need anything while you drive, and keep your seatbelts on at all times. Avoid speeding and keep your eyes on the road. If you need to switch drivers or pull over to rest, speak up!

Now that you’ve read these tips on road tripping to a festival, where will you go?! With so many amazing events throughout the US, you’ve got plenty of choices. So, grab your festy fam and plan your next festival road trip!

Weather and Camping

Camping check-in begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, so make plans with your festy squad accordingly.  Pack for all weather conditions. It could rain, it could be hot, it could be cold, or it could be dusty! While the weather as of now is looking warm in the daytime and chilly at night, be prepared for anything and everything. Nothing sucks more than getting caught in the rain if you’re unprepared. Click this link if you’re not sure what to wear. I recommend picking up some rain proof tent spray and covering your tent in it to prevent leaks in case of rain.

Don’t forget plenty of cash to buy ice to keep your cooler foods fresh. Make sure to pack your reusable water bottle, which you can fill at many water stations across the grounds. Plus, bring a few towels if you plan to take showers at the event. Shower pods are in the campgrounds. You’ll need shower tokens, which you can purchase at the General Store.

Gifting and Activities

Interested in sharing some gifts with your Okeechobee fam?  Here are some ideas for festival gifts that will put a smile on someone’s face!

Pack your yoga mat and activity-friendly outfits. Okee is known for a variety of fun workshops and events, including yoga sessions, mindfulness, massages, courses in environmentalism, sound healing, and sports like volleyball. Pack a pool float and inflatable pump if you’re interested in chilling in the water. Get ready to experience tons of art! Okee is a music and arts fest, after all. Bring your camera and don’t forget to pack sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime adventures.

Totems

Yes, totems are allowed! But, they must meet the festival’s guidelines. To read about totem guidelines and the prohibited item list, click here.

Medical Services

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the festival map to learn where medical services are located. Start hydrating and stretching now to prepare your body! Check out this article to learn about preventing muscle soreness at camping fests.

Look out for the Ground Control volunteer team, wearing bright purple shirts, who will be wandering around the event to make sure you’re staying happy and healthy. Look for a purple shirt Ground Control member if you need anything.

Leaving No Trace

Perhaps the most important tip - remember to leave no trace! Pack plenty of trash bags (think you have enough? Bring more) and keep an eye on your campsite and main walking paths. Keep Florida beautiful by picking up after yourself and others.

Have a beautiful time, Okee fam!

Spirit Lake

With art installations around every corner, Spirit Lake blows my mind every Hula. Everywhere you look, you’ll find mesmerizing art installations like the visual projections onto the lake, the colorful lights that illuminate the trees and Spanish moss, the Mural Maze, and all the spooky statues and perfect photo ops.

The Incendia renegade stage shoots fire into the sky and you never know which artists you’ll find throwing down there! I was lucky enough to catch Skrillex b2b Bonobo b2b Chris Lake, which made my whole weekend. Wow! I also saw Claude Vonstroke throw down a bass set as his alter-ego, Barclay Crenshaw, after his Saturday night house set.

At Frick Frack Blackjack, I watched festy-goers play games and gamble with whatever fun objects they happened to bring with them. In the daytime, talented performers decked out in Halloween costumes roamed around Spirit Lake while they juggled, stilt-walked, and danced to the music. Spirit Lake is the place to be if you’re an art lover—it never disappoints!

Camping

The rain on Thursday set a mellow vibe around the campgrounds, with people taking cover below their tarps and waiting out the weather. Come Friday, the sun was shining and everyone was ready to party! I explored some awesome sound camps throughout the weekend, soaking up the music and art that people brought to transform their campsites into the ultimate party pads. The weekend got chillier and chillier, so we saw lots of festy fam in campsite cuddle puddles throughout Suwannee.

Music

Thursday kicked off with the Deadbeats Takeover - where Wreckno, LSDream, and Zeds Dead blew minds at the Hallows stage. We got our fill of funk and jam, too - with Greensky Bluegrass, Umphrey’s McGee, Break Science, Sunsquabi, and Lotus setting the vibes for the weekend.

On Friday, we danced to Daily Bread, the Floozies, and of course - our first String Cheese Incident set of the weekend! Manic Focus (live band) had everyone in the park boogying at the Amphitheater stage. Bonobo, Chris Lake, Lettuce, and Skrillex kept the party going into the night on Friday.

Saturday’s Masego set was groovy and uplifting, with moments of unscripted, made-from-scratch beats keeping the crowd vibing. All 3 sets of The String Cheese Incident on Saturday were mind-blowing—especially the theme set on Saturday night! Talk about a party! We also danced to Earthgang, Leon Bridges, Cordae, and Mark Farina. There was a tricky conflict between My Morning Jacket and Claude Vonstroke - but being the house music lover I am, I couldn’t pass up a Claude set. He did not disappoint!

The positive energy poured over into Sunday, when we saw Levitation Jones, MIZE, Jungle, and of course, The String Cheese Incident. The last major conflict of the weekend was the closing act—Kruangbin, Lane 8, and Mersiv. I chose to end the festival with the uplifting, melodic sounds of Lane 8, which was the cherry on top of a beautiful weekend.

Don’t miss Hula next year!

I tell everyone who will listen—Suwannee Hulaween is the festival to be at. Keep an eye out for next year’s tickets if you enjoy camping fests. Suwannee is my all-time favorite music venue and the vibes at Hulaween are always immaculate. Between the Halloween costumes, renegade sets, multiple stages, Spirit Lake, and all the good vibes you can imagine—this is a must-do fest! Happy Hula!

You might be thinking, “what do I need to bring with me?” The nice thing about going to a camping festival is you can always go back to your campsite if you happen to forget something. That being said, I like to double check my hip pack before heading to the stage area to make sure I have everything I need. Here are all the essential goodies you should keep in your fanny pack at your next camping festival.

• A small flashlight or head lamp. Depending on where you’re camping, it could be a dark road back to your campsite at the end of the night. And let’s be real, your phone probably isn’t charged. If it is, keep it in your fanny pack, too - but if not, it may be best to leave it locked in your car to avoid losing it.
• Your ID and cash.
• A foldable fan - be careful about overheating at summertime festivals!
• A printed map of the festival and a printed lineup schedule. Most camping fests have hard copies of maps and schedules available to help you navigate around the grounds and stay on track to see your favorite sets. When you get your map, take a mental note of where key amenities are - especially the medical tent and water refill stations. I like to highlight or circle the acts that are must sees on the schedule. This way, even if my phone is dead or locked safely in my car, I can still find my way to my favorite DJs!

Here are some fun, additional things you can tuck away in your fanny pack to help you enjoy the fest.

• Gum - duh!
• Hair ties.
• A disposable camera.
• Kandi, stickers, or other fun gifts to give out to new friends.
• A mini deodorant stick. Yes, you need it.
• Glow sticks.
• Chapstick.
• Essential oils.
• Kaleidoscope glasses.
• If you’re a flow artist, your hoop, leviwand, or poi may come with a remote to change the color settings. I always bring my LED leviwand remote with me in my pack.

Pro tip: bring some carabiner clips to attach to your fanny pack. That way, you can clip your flashlight or foldable fan to the outside of your pack - leaving more space inside for the essentials.

Another pro tip: I prefer utility belts over fanny packs because they have more pockets and I love the way they look - very post-apocalyptic, functional raver vibes. Plus, most utility belts have rings on the outside to make it easy for carabiner clips. I also love wearing my tail to festivals, and my utility belt has a ring on the back to clip my tail to. Meow!

I get a certain satisfaction knowing I have everything I need on my person at all times. If you’re heading to a multi-day camping festival, I highly encourage a hip pack of some sort to carry your essentials. Your mind will be at ease knowing you won’t lose your bag, and you can dance without stressing over carrying a backpack or purse. You can shop fanny packs at savormeditation here. Now, go bust a move!

Hat pins have become a staple in basshead fashion. They make it easy to identify a fellow raver when you’re out at the supermarket. Or, when you’re lost in the crowd and you see someone with a pin of your favorite artist - instant homie!

Pins don’t have to go on your snapback. They also look great on a backpack or fanny pack. A solo pin is a cute touch, but I love creating little collages with a bunch of pins on the same surface. Play around with the placement to create the best look.

Pro tip: make sure to order the metal locking pin backs to avoid losing your pins. The rubber backs are prone to falling off.

Pin Collecting

One of the coolest aspects about pins is that some are limited edition or even vintage, meaning only a certain number were made in that design or colorway or that they're older. While some of the limited edition heady pins can become pricey (cough cough, Tipper Goddess set), they’re a really cool way to express your interest in an artist.

If you’ve ever been gifted a pin at a festival, you know how special it is to receive that love from a fellow raver. Pins can make for very meaningful gifts or trades, so if you find yourself in a beautiful moment, connecting with another person in the crowd, think about making a trade or sending them off with a pin as a gift.

Patches

Another way to express yourself through your festy outfit is with patches. My iconic denim jacket is loaded with patches that I’ve sewn on by hand. Over the years, I’ve scored patches at vendor booths, individual sellers, on Etsy, and through various raver Facebook groups.

For ravers who live in cold climates and need something to keep warm at an outdoor event, a patched up denim jacket will complete your look in all the right ways. Maybe you’re too cool for sleeves and want to make a patched up, denim, sleeveless vest - also a cool look!

If you’re shaking your head thinking, “denim jackets aren’t for me,” I feel you. What about a small backpack? Or, a pair of shorts? Sew some patches onto the pockets and you’ve got an instant vibe.

Patches present the chance to upcycle and revamp old, boring clothes and give them a new life. Take a look through your closet or visit a thrift store to find the right vessel to make your patches shine.

Pro tip: sand paper can help add a distressed look to your denim. Combine distressed denim with patches and pins and you’ll definitely stand out in the crowd.

Next time you’re planning your festival outfits, consider accessorizing with pins and patches. You’ll be surprised at the number of people who will strike up a conversation with you based on that cool pin or patch. It’s a conversation starter, an easy way to express your interests, and best of all - a chance to flex what makes you unique.

You don’t have shoes to match.

Don’t worry, little raver! This rave footwear guide will help you choose the right shoes so you can complete your look and dance the night away. No matter your style, you can find the perfect shoes to have you looking cute and ready to enjoy all the good vibes!

Dark and Edgy

Demonia Slacker Combat Boots

Demonia platforms

• Stomp, bounce, and strut with confidence in these badass boots that put the cherry on top of any dark and edgy rave outfit. Wearing platforms to an event may leave your ankles hurting, so wear them around the house before rave day to make sure they’re dance-proof. 
• Bonus points: if you’re short, you’ll actually be able to see the DJ on stage!

Shuffle Queen Holographic Dad Sneakers

Comfort Queen

• I get it, platforms aren’t for everyone. To be the queen of comfort at your next event, look under the sneakers tab on the savormeditation website. Shufflers, flow artists, and rail riders will love the foot support.

Nocturnal Combat Boots

Ready for Combat 

• Search “combat boot” on the savormeditation site to explore the colorful and comfy options! Combat boots will keep your feet happy while you rave, but you may find your toes getting sweaty by the end of the night. Protecting your toes from a crowd of ravers is imperative, so combat boots are the way to go at a festival or large event. 

YRU Dune Rainbow Platform Shoes

YRU

• savormeditation sells YRU boots, which are super unique and cute for themed outfits. I love this pair for a rainbow look, for example.

If you’re heading to a camping festival:

• Bring cheap flip flops, slides, or Crocs for the showers. Never shower at a festival without something to protect your feet. I think you can imagine why… Yuck!

Before buying new shoes, always consider purchasing secondhand.

• Reduce your impact on the environment by looking for secondhand shoes before you buy brand new. Check out your local thrift store, a rave clothing resale Facebook group, or apps like Depop or Poshmark. Not only do you help the environment and encourage sustainability, but you can also get lucky with pre-loved shoes - meaning they’re already broken in and are more affordable if you're shopping on a budget!
  

Don’t walk out the door until you consider:

• Insoles
• No matter what’s on your feet, it’s a good idea to get custom-made insoles for extra support. Add this to your to-do list at least a few weeks before your event to make sure you get them in time.
• Silicone heel protectors
• If you’re nervous about blisters, be sure to pick up a pair of silicone heel protectors to stick inside your shoes. You’ll be happy you did!
• Socks
• Wearing thick socks is a good way to avoid blistered feet. Look for socks made for hiking for extra support.
• If you’re wearing fishnets, be sure to follow this important rule: always put your socks on before your fishnets! Otherwise, you’re bound to have sad toes.

Whether you’re rocking your Demonias, shuffling in your sneakers, or stomping in your YRU platforms, you’ll radiate confidence knowing that you picked the best shoes for your outfit! Now get out there and spread those PLUR vibes.