Hulaween returned for its 11th year at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, transforming the lakeside Florida woods into an otherworldly playground of music, art, and all-around magic. With a lineup that ranged from electrifying headliners to intimate late-night performances, plus immersive art, wellness workshops, and endless adventure, Suwannee Hulaween 2024 didn’t just live up to the hype — it transcended it. It’s no wonder that this festival has become an annual pilgrimage for thousands of free spirits. This year’s Hulaween was everything we hoped for and more — a true celebration of creativity, community, and the deeply resonating power of music.
An Epic Lineup in the Heart of Suwannee
At Hulaween, music truly has something for everyone, and this year’s lineup was packed with talent across genres. My personal favorites? Tipper, Daily Bread, and Will Clarke, who brought psychedelic bass, funky flowing beats, and undeniable dancing energy. The real stars of the weekend, though, were headliners The String Cheese Incident, who performed multiple sets and kept the jam vibe going strong all weekend. They once again rocked the festival with their infamous Halloween-themed set — this year titled “Weir’d Science” in honor of their guest, Grateful Dead legend Bobby Weir. Together, they debuted The Bobby Weir Incident, gracing us with a legendary two-set performance featuring three hours of mesmerizing music. This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime festival experiences that the crowd will be talking about for years.
Cheese was joined by other jam artists like Lettuce, known for their jazz-influenced funk grooves and high-energy live performances, and Umphrey’s McGee, who brought sprawling jams and soulful solos that took the audience on a wild musical journey. For fans of bass, Liquid Stranger delivered mind-bending beats that shook the ground in a hypnotic, head-banging set, while Manic Focus kept things funky with hip-hop-inspired bass that was a crowd favorite, with groovy, feel-good rhythms and soulful energy that made him one of the standout acts of the weekend. For house fans, Chris Lake brought infectious beats and bumpin basslines to Hulaween, with progressive tech-house beats and seamless crowd-captivating drops. I was also surprised to stumble across DJ Brownie, bassist of the iconic jam band The Disco Biscuits, who ventured solo to bring deep grooves and a high-energy blend of jam, electronic, and funk influences. No matter your favorite flavor, you’re always sure to find your footing at Hulaween.
Hulaween also brought a wave of nostalgia with a special set from Sublime, the iconic band that defined a generation with its unique blend of ska, reggae, punk, and rock. Now led by Jakob Nowell, son of the late original frontman Bradley Nowell, Sublime’s performance was both a tribute to the past and a fresh take. Jakob’s vocals and presence brought an authentic connection to his father’s legacy, allowing longtime fans to enjoy the genre-defining music that still resonates today.
The Immersive Art Transformation of Spirit Lake
One of Hulaween’s unique draws is its transformative, interactive art spaces each year, and this year’s setup was nothing short of magical. Aside from the festival’s two main stages—set in an expansive field—and the Amphitheater Stage, perfect for groovy, visually enchanting sets, Spirit Lake itself is arguably the highlight, featuring both the Spirit Lake Stage with trippy visuals and rotating house and bass acts, and the Outer Limits Stage, which gave fans a chance to vibe to darker, bass-heavy beats ranging from house and techno to DNB and dubstep.
This year, the grounds surrounding Spirit Lake itself were transformed into a full 360° experience, with interactive art installations peppered throughout the grounds, each at the numbered position of a clock. Adventurous festival-goers could lose themselves in several scavenger hunts, designed to help you explore and discover hidden treasures as you explored the fairytale-esque birdhouses for a quiet moment, trippy alien-themed games and spooky settings, and even find yourself mesmerized by a mural maze that felt like stepping into another dimension. Along the path, you could also join in on late-night rock performances at the House of Lost, or get cozy for an intimate tea ceremony, open all night for a spiritual reprieve. Every corner had something to discover, and the vibrant, surreal art installations made it easy to get lost in the best way.
Wellness, Workshops & Heart-Centered Experiences
Hulaween’s wellness offerings went deep this year with the Oasis, which became a hub for restorative activities and was a welcome escape from the festival’s high-energy pulse. This peaceful space hosted a variety of workshops, from sound baths and cacao ceremonies to disco and bass yoga, where festival goers could stretch it out and reconnect with their inner selves. Opening my heart, grounding my spirit, and aligning my energy and intentions helped me to set the tone for the entire weekend, and bring myself back to center each day. It was a welcome inward journey that supported me to feel connected, open, and make every moment feel extra meaningful.
For those craving a bit more play, the Oasis even offered late-night bingo, steamy burlesque shows, and nostalgic dance parties that offered an evening escape from the main flow of the festival, complete with connected, creative vibes.
In another workshop space nearby, festival-goers could find an array of classes, like art workshops, meditation sessions, flow classes, and even a clothing swap that was a hit for repurposing old festival attire and finding new pieces to rock. These immersive activities gave everyone the chance to recharge and connect with themselves and others on a deeper level. It was a sustainable, fun, and creative way to celebrate the Hula spirit while connecting with others, and a bonus to learn how to creatively repurpose my old clothes to reduce waste and feel fresh in updated threads.
Renegade Stages, New Friends & Campground Adventures
After hours, the campgrounds transformed into a wandering wonderland of renegade stages and wild pop-up setups put on by campers themselves. There were incredible A/V-equipped stages with playful additions to set the mood, from bouncing to bass on trampolines, to lounging in slackline “tree houses” in the woods. We also found an inflatable club complete with a fog machine, late-night jam bands with their own low-key BS bar, and if you were lucky, you might have even stumbled upon a captivating magician at the playground. You could wander all night and always find something exciting—whether it was a set of neon visuals lighting up the trees or a secret stage with some of the most experimental music we heard all weekend.
Hulaween’s vibe was one of pure community, and the entire weekend was full of joyful encounters. Everywhere I looked, people were trading trinkets, sharing little pieces of themselves that carried a memory, a friendship, or a laugh. It was like a mini treasure hunt around the festival, exchanging small keepsakes that’ll bring back those Hulaween memories every time I see them. For an extra dose of magic, campers set up “Take a trinket, leave a trinket” tables scattered throughout the grounds, for spontaneous on-the-go anonymous exchanges that led to some unique, quirky, silly, and heartwarming keepsakes. We even set up our own little toy stand in the campground, trading massage oils and vibes for vintage books on the 60’s revolution, homemade tie dye sheets, and even the most delicious Jamaican food I’ve ever had – our own tiny celebration of connection that led to amazing new friends and shared pleasure and love with others.
Until Next Year, Hulaween!
As the weekend came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for every magical, wild, and transformative moment at Spirit Lake and Suwannee. Hulaween 2024 was more than just a festival; it was an experience that transcended music and art, bringing together a community of joy-seekers, free spirits, and fellow adventurers.
With its vibrant community, diverse music lineup, and magical atmosphere, Hulaween was an unforgettable experience that brought joy, connection, and endless fun. It’s no wonder this festival has become a staple for so many fans. As we packed up and headed home, we carried with us not only the memories of a beautiful weekend but also the excitement of knowing that next year’s Hulaween will be even more incredible. And if you didn’t make it this year… well, trust me, you’ll want to be there in 2025. Until next year, Hulaween!
Photos by Tara Gracer, Aaron Bradley, Josh Skolnik, and Yvonne G – Courtesy of Hulaween
