Featured photo courtesy of Ginger Wesson
It’s finally October! You know what that means. We’re in the homestretch to the 10th edition of Suwannee Hulaween. In just a few short weeks, we’ll be enroute to the spookiest festival on the east coast. Hulagans will travel from far & wide to experience Live Oak, Florida for Suwannee & Spirit Lake in all its eeriness (I mean that in the best way possible). As we gear up for our next gathering, we thought it’d be important to share some important artifacts of knowledge that we’ve acquired over our years of attending! I guess you can call this, a Guide to Suwannee Hulaween.
As soon as you enter the grounds, you’ll realize all too quickly, that this isn’t your ordinary festival. The aura lingering over the festival is really something you just have to experience to understand. From the incredibly decorated campsites, to the layout is unlike any other camping festival. The main difference I noticed (and loved) was that you don’t have your traditional lane car camping. You can be as creative with your camping layout as you please. It’s worth noting that you should also be courteous as to not take up more than you need. I’ve seen the most incredible campsites at Hula and it’s so inspiring watching people go all out with their homes for the weekend.
Photo courtesy of Don Idio
One of the best traditions at Hulaween has easily got to be its themes. Every year it’s different and attendees are encouraged to dress the part! Previous years themes have been Monster Mash, 90’s, Galaxy, etc. This years theme is a Full Moon Family Reunion. Werewolves, Tarot readers, witches, etc. are all ideas you can come up with to portray your own unique spin on some. Classic Halloween costumes! Remember, it is Halloween weekend, so dressing up is part of that Hulaween magic.
Finally, one of the main reasons we’re doing this is because of our love of music right? Every year, Hulaween always boasts one of the most diverse festival lineups, and this year is no different. From bluegrass to hip-hop, there’s always going to be something for everyone. We’ve seen a lot of festivals do this, but it’s never quite like this. Hula always blows expectations out of the water with lineup curation. It gives the attendees not only time to explore new artists, but also take in the other aspects the festival has to offer. The art installations, the Suwannee River, and other secrets that lie in the spirit of the park. Whether you’re excited about some Saturday night Cheese, going off the deep end with John Summit, throwing some trap arms to ISOxo, or as I know most people are, stoked about the comeback and witnessing not one, but TWO Pretty Lights sets! There will be music all over the park for you and yours to enjoy.