There’s very few festivals that maintain the same vibrant culture and sense of community that Hulaween has each and every year. Thousands of music lovers descended into the magical grounds of Spirit of the Suwannee Park this past weekend for a spooky and truly one-of-a-kind experience.
This year marked Hulaween’s 10th anniversary and the mindset surrounding this year’s festival was that of embracing history while creating new memories together. Hulaween’s resident performers included Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Trey Anastasio Band, Lettuce, and of course, The String Cheese Incident.
The core jam band ethos of Hulaween runs deep within the festival’s spirit, attracting people of all ages, colors, and backgrounds. It’s not unusual to run into couples introducing their young headphone wearing children to their first festival experience. It’s also just as common to meet an elderly couple who live and breathe festival culture.
Needless to say, Hulaween’s diverse culmination of music and artists is what sets it apart from so many others. Electronic music fills out a large portion of the roster and this year was top notch for those of us who pay attention. Some seriously impressive bass music made its mark this year with artists like SoDown, MZG, Manic Focus, Boogie T, Khiva, Eprom, ISOxo, Lab Group, and Apashe holding things down.
Hulaween’s fire-filled Incendia Stage was home to numerous surprise renegade sets throughout the weekend. John Summit, ISOxo, Borahm Lee, and bad snacks all made appearances while Manic Focus b2b MZG closed things off late Sunday night.
House music was also well represented this year as Joshwa, BLOND:ISH, John Summit, Channel Tres, Giolì & Assia, and Elderbrook kept the party going throughout the weekend. However, not to be outdone by anyone, was Pretty Lights who is currently in the midst of one of the most legendary comeback tours we’ve ever seen.
I would have to say, without a doubt, my favorite set of the weekend goes to Pretty Lights on Saturday night. The strength of the full moon was palpable that night. As usual, The String Cheese Incident’s “Big Shabang” was chock-full of surprises as they performed dressed as werewolves, howling into the night sky.
It was the perfect prelude to Pretty Lights + co who came out swinging. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing all three Denver and all three Dillon shows and I can say with certainty that this Hulaween set takes the cake. And thanks to the beauty of the livestream, we can relive this spellbinding night again and again.
While all this is happening in the festival grounds, there’s loads of fun still to be had in the enormous campgrounds that encompass everything. You have the ability to jump onto someone’s decorated golf cart to reach a camp that’s created their own enclosed renegade yurt. Or you have the chance to walk by a camp that boasts a silent disco featuring upcoming artist Given Peace.
There’s so many ways to experience Hulaween and the vastness of it all is what makes people keep coming back each and every year. I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be during the Halloween season and I hope I have the opportunity to return another year. Make sure to follow Hulaween’s Instagram page so you can be in the loop for next year’s announcements.
We’ll also be running a series of videos covering some of our favorite sets from Hulaween so be sure to check our Instagram page as we upload those. Naturally, our first recap goes to Pretty Lights. Check out the videos below and enjoy!
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