For those who have never attended this 4-day camping festival over Halloween weekend, it may be hard to understand just how special this place is. Between the people, the nature, the music, the art, and the vibes, Hulaween is the ultimate happy place for a festival-lover. Spirit Lake, specifically, creates the heartbeat of Hulaween. The positive energy here is tangible - a buzzing magic that pulses through your entire body with every step as you explore the grounds.

Let me paint a picture for you.

Sun beams peek through spooky strands of Spanish Moss hanging in the trees. Golden hour at Suwannee is a special time - painting the grounds with a warm glow. Magic is in the air.

You walk through the entrance to Spirit Lake - surrounded by Chris Dyer murals and a beautiful arch (projection mapped at night), opening up into the new and improved Spirit Lake stage on your right, with the shimmering lake to your left. Massive trees adorned with Spanish Moss lead your way. You continue on this path, passing tons of smiling faces and dancing people in fun costumes. It’s Halloween weekend, so everyone is dressed up in amazing costumes and radiating positive vibes. 

As you continue your walk, you encounter mind-blowing art installations - including stunning hand-painted murals, a huge witch and her cauldron (climb inside!), a giant wooden spider (yes, you could sit inside the spider butt this year!), the massive Frick Frack Black Jack casino (gambling with the most ridiculous items), the House of Lost spooky outdoor cathedral, and many, many more. The deeper you explore, the more magic you uncover. On the far side of the lake is the Campground Stage, and plenty more art to see.

Spirit Lake is sprawling with hidden gems to explore and spots to sit down and take it all in.

As night falls, lights begin to turn on and you can feel the shift in vibes… it’s time to boogie. Costumes change and the people are ready to dance the night away. Colored lights illuminate the trees, art installations switch from day to night with stunning LEDs, and suddenly, you’re transported to another world. Night time at Hulaween feels like you’re on another planet.

Festival Highlights

The peak moment of the weekend for me was The String Cheese Incident’s iconic Saturday night set. If you’re a Hulaween veteran, you know this is the highlight of the weekend. Everyone in the venue is gathered together at the main stage for the themed set, where Cheese covers iconic songs relating to the festival theme that year. Everywhere you look, spanning the entire, massive field, people are grooving, smiling, singing, being silly, and basking in the pure magic of the moment. A sea of lights, smiles, and beautiful people. The sense of unity, oneness, and happiness bursting from the crowd is palpable, and enough to bring tears to my eyes. This is why I come to Hulaween year after year.

Another mind blowing set during Hula was Of The Trees. My entire festival family was there together and we were absolutely blown away by this performance! High-energy, bass-infused magic permeated the entire crowd.

CloZee and Manic Focus, who continue to bring top-tier energy to Suwannee time and time again, wooed the crowd with radiating, dreamy vibes. Eazybaked delivered a heavy-hitting set full of uptempo bangers, getting everyone at the Amp Stage moving and grooving.

I was really looking forward to J.I.D’s set, since I had never seen him live before. What a beautiful experience! Adding a flair of hip hop into my Suwannee schedule was a huge success and my squad really enjoyed the energy.

The Desert Hearts Takeover won my heart, ending the weekend high on vibes. We got a heavy dose of house and techno infused with the purest love.

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 27-30th 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.

Buckled Down Long-Sleeve Crop Top

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

Darkest Hour Chain 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!

Tickets are running low, so be sure to get yours here before its too late! 

Ready to get weird at Hula this year? Let’s go through our Hulaween Essentials packing list to make sure you’re fully prepped for a weekend of adventure, great music, and new experiences.

Camping Gear

Tent - tent stakes, tarps, rain fly, mallot - water-repellent tent spray

Pop-up canopy for shade - with stakes so it won’t blow away

Camping chairs - enough for everyone at your campsite

Hammock - don’t forget the straps

Air mattress and pump

Bedding, blankets, and pillows - bring a few extra and keep in a dry place

Folding table

Cooler

First-Aid kit - make sure it’s fully stocked

Lanterns, string lights, and flashlights - with extra batteries

Duct tape, rope cord, carabiner clips, and plastic baggies

Camping knife and scissors

Towels - bring a few extra and keep in a dry place

Camp Kitchen

Camping stove - with propane

Drinking water - bring extra

Reusable water bottle

Trash bags - bring extra and LEAVE NO TRACE. 

Pot and pan

Sharp knife and cutting board

Meals and snacks for each day

Plates, bowls, cups, forks, spoons, knives, tongs, spatula

Seasonings and condiments - salt, pepper, hot sauce, ketchup

Dish washing supplies - bucket, sponge, biodegradable dish soap

Biodegradable paper towels or reusable rags

Lollipops and gum

Personal Items

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Hairbrush and hair ties

Deodorant

Baby wipes

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Toilet paper

Feminine products

Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner

Chapstick

Other

Earplugs

Tapestries to decorate your campsite - bring string and clothespins to hang

Battery or solar-powered laser or galaxy lights

Battery-powered fan for camp

Hand-held fan for in the crowd

Door mat for your tent to wipe off your shoes

Charging blocks to power your devices
Speaker with charger for campsite tunes

Phone charger

Flow toys - if LED, bring charger

Yoga mat

Bug-repellant candles

Fire pit and firewood - weather permitting

Essential oils or incense

Disposable camera or Polaroid camera with film

Biodegradable glitter, temporary tattoos, or blacklight reactive body paint - if that’s your vibe

Gifts - tiny hands, kandi bracelets, etc. - get some gifting ideas here.

Clothing

Rain jacket

Waterproof boots

Comfortable walking shoes

Extra socks and undies

Cold weather jacket

Outfits for each day/night - with layering options depending on weather

Hats

Sunglasses

Pashmina

Fanny pack or backpack

With a wide variety of genres on the lineup, there's a little something for everyone at Hula! Tickets are available here. Without further ado, here’s my list of the top 10 acts you must see at Hulaween this year!

CloZee

A staple in the festival world, CloZee melts minds with her beautiful beats infused with global influences and tribal sounds. Founder of the record label Odyzey Music, CloZee brings together live and electronic elements that represent an adventure in sound. Uplifting melodies and danceable drops get her crowds moving, no matter where she plays. If you’ve never seen her play before, you’re in for a treat. CloZee is not a set to skip!

Femme House Takeover

I am particularly stoked about this one! The lineup for this takeover includes TOKiMONSTA, Ultra Naté, Elohim, Miane, Kaleena Zanders, HVNLEE, and LP Giobbi. Hula is even hosting a special contest to play the opening slot! See their post to learn more about this opportunity.

Femme House promotes more equitable opportunities for women and gender non-conforming individuals in music through education, scholarships, and more. Don’t sleep on this exciting female-centric takeover at Hula!

Of The Trees

Of The Trees’ style of bass music is absolutely enthralling, stroking the senses and evoking feelings of magic, love, and adventure. From dreamy downtempo to high-energy, crispy bass drops, Of The Trees is an audial storyteller who weaves layers of emotions into his music. Catching an Of The Trees set at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is especially exciting.

Need some convincing? Hey Siri, play Spanish Moss by Of The Trees.

Desert Hearts Takeover

Looking for some house, techno, and love? Search no further. Your vibe quest will be fulfilled at the Desert Hearts Takeover this year. Most known for their Desert Hearts Festival in California, this collective of house and techno artists brings a renegade-inspired, dust-covered, and desert-infused vibe to Hulaween. Shake off your shuffling shoes and get ready to feel the radiant love at the Desert Hearts Takeover.

STS9

Sound Tribe Sector 9 crosses genre borders, mixing sounds of funk, psychedelia, instrumental rock, and electronic into a delicious, diverse smoothie of sound. This iconic band will take you on an audial adventure, so come with an open mind and prepare for an exciting audiovisual journey. You are sure to be blown away by STS9’s performance.

Wakaan Takeover

Liquid Stranger’s label, Wakaan, is known for their weird, wild, and wonderful style, infused with a wonky, other-worldly essence. Wakaan unites bass music artists who share a passion for left-field, high-energy music that could be the soundtrack to an alien abduction. Get your fix of trippy drops and mesmerizing electronic sounds at the Wakaan Takeover this year.

Opiuo

Glitchy, funky, crunchy, colorful, intoxicating, and eclectic sounds. That’s what you’ll get at an Opiuo set. Wear your favorite sneakers and come prepared to dance! The New Zealand-born, Australia-based artist Opiuo brings an energetic and fun twist to EDM, incorporating both electronic and live elements with a funky DNA. Expect stunning visuals and booty-shaking beats in this audiovisual experience.

FISHER

Move, get out the way, my feet wanna go dancing! Tech-house lovers, I’ll see you at FISHER’s set. If you want to catch a hint about the Aussie artist’s style, just check out his video series, Follow the Fish TV. FISHER brings his hilarious, high-energy personality to house music, getting everyone at his sets moving and grooving. FISHER sets the tone for a proper party and his set is sure to get your feet shuffling!

Player Dave

I truly can’t wait for this set. Player Dave will bring a unique style of multi-dimensional bass music to Hulaween this year, painting deeply emotional, audial portraits using abstract sounds. Player Dave doesn’t abide by boundaries or rules regarding music production. He creates weird, original music, tapping into dark noises and sounds from alternate realities that make you go, “what even WAS that?” with a bass face smeared across your lips.

Ready for an electronic music experience unlike any other? Come ponder your existence at Player Dave’s set.

The String Cheese Incident

You made it to the end of my top 10! Did you really think I’d skip Cheese?! Any Hulaween-er knows how key it is to catch String Cheese sets. If nothing else, make sure you show up on Saturday night for the themed set! It’s definitely the place to be and the most important set to catch at Hula.

The themed set always brings beautiful, happy energy to Suwannee - looking up and seeing everyone in their costumes, grooving to Cheese is the ultimate highlight of the Hula experience. What covers do you think we’ll hear for the Suwannee Horror Disco Show theme?! It’s just a jump to the left…

Yes, this year’s lineup is stacked with artists across genres, but Hulaween isn’t just about the music! Come for the top 10; stay for the vibes and art. Wandering around Spirit Lake at night is an absolutely magical experience, packed to the brim with mind-blowing art installations that will illuminate the Music Park.

If you get lucky, you might even catch your favorite artists throwing down secret sets. Not to mention all the exciting things you’ll experience in the campgrounds! See you at Hula over Halloween weekend, Oct. 27 - 30, 2022!