Photos and Words by Stephanie Heath
Before we dive into the Hulaween experience, I want to take a moment to remember Phil Lesh, a legend we lost on October 25th. His impact on music, especially as part of the iconic Grateful Dead, will forever stay with us. His spirit was definitely with us this weekend, and you could feel it in how every band honored him. Andy Frasco even wrote a song about his journey with cancer – such a touching tribute.
Suwannee Hulaween is hands down one of the coolest festivals out there, and it takes place at the gorgeous Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Florida. If you haven’t been yet, you need to add it to your bucket list! The Spanish moss draping the trees and the endless sky above make this place feel like magic. For all the Hula veterans out there, welcome back! I hope this year gave you even more unforgettable memories.
October in Florida still packs some heat, but luckily, there’s a river to cool off in during the day. It’s like a paradise where people gather to catch rays without a care in the world. Pure fun in the sun, and it feels so refreshing!
One lifesaver for navigating Hulaween is the festival’s app. I loved creating my schedule with all the must-see artists and activities. The app even sent me updates about surprise guests and special moments, like when Maddy O’Neal showed up for photos at the big “HULA” letters. The app also had a super helpful map—so helpful when you’re figuring out where you’re headed next!
Spirit Lake is a whole experience and, honestly, my favorite place to explore. Everywhere you look, there’s something wild and beautiful, from the mural maze to the giant birdhouse neighborhood that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. They project visuals on the birdhouses at night, giving the whole place a surreal vibe. The energy there is unreal, especially with bands and DJs like Moon Tricks, Dirt Wire, and J.Worra lighting up the night.
The light shows at Spirit Lake on Saturday were out of this world – holograms, lasers, everything. It’s like every corner has something amazing to discover, like the Oasis Tent where you can find workshops, a tribute to Phil Lesh, and tons of awesome vendors. And I can’t forget the House of Lost. It felt like something straight out of Game of Thrones! You could easily spend hours just exploring and getting lost in the magic.
The other stages, like The Meadow and The Hallows, are awesome too. There’s so much space to move, dance, or just chill, which is so rare at festivals. I can’t tell you how nice it is to have room to breathe and enjoy the music without feeling cramped.
So many performances left a mark on me, but a few standouts were Andy Frasco’s hilariously wild set, where he announced he’d finally signed with a record label after 15 years! Black Pumas brought a soulful, almost spiritual energy, and Jakob Nowell of Sublime sounded exactly like his dad, Bradley, which was so moving. Alleycvt’s set was electric – everyone was headbanging, hands in the air, just totally caught up in the energy.
For anyone who loves music, festivals, or just an unforgettable experience, Hulaween should be at the top of your list. It’s got a culture and vibe you don’t find everywhere – friendly, welcoming, and magical. Until next time, Hulaween – can’t wait to be back in the magic! <3
Thursday October 24th
Friday October 25th
Saturday October 26th
Sunday October 27th
