Hulaween 2016 is right around the corner on October 28th-30th and every team member is beyond excited. For those who’ve attended in the past, I’m sure you’re almost jittery with excitement upon what this near year will bring into all of our lives. With their 1980’s “Stringier Things” theme just having recently dropped, 2017 is sure to be a year like no other. Last year, without a capacity limit, the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park housed over 30,000 beautiful souls for it’s biggest festival to date. This year, organizers aim to cap sales around 20,000 to preserve the mystical intimacy between the venue, the music, and it’s loving attendee’s. With under two month left, Hula is all over social media, so we reached out to Hula fan’s and asked what they were looking forward to most!

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park alone is enough to have me drive the 6 hours to Hulaween. This property harbors the magic and beauty of this festival as it surrounds you with beautiful Cypress Trees and wildlife all throughout. White Herons, Turtles, or your shoe-less festival goer all peacefully coincide in harmony.

Personally, my favorite aspect is the actual Suwannee River, which the festival opens to its patrons each day. Beach sand & a blissfully refreshing water wait for you all to cool off that Florida heat and wash of the previous night’s sins. Don’t forget to jump off the rock cliff across the river. If someone asks, we didn’t tell you about it though ;-)

Wild & Crazy Costumes

Recently released, this year’s 80’s Theme “Stringier Things” is sure to bring out the Hulaweird in everyone, honoring the supernatural and pop culture of the era. This festival’s free thinking, “anything goes” vibe, really shines when it comes to costumes and get ups, as people go above and beyond to dress up & show off their threads. Talking to fan’s, we heard some ridiculous costume ideas. Here’s a few we really hope we see! Tron Freddy Krueger Goose from Top Gun

The Line Up The 2016 Hulaween Line up is almost TOO good. Once again with a wild blend of music genres, Hulaween aims to blow everyone away with the top names from every genre. For those looking for that deep EDM vibe, Claud VonStroke or Louis The Child are some of the many great acts that will surely blow you away.

Beyond the EDM bubble, there are some killer names that has everyone pumped. The epic, “The String Cheese Incident” will have EVERYONE feeling cheesy all 3 days. While, My Morning Jacket, Disclosure, Umphrey’s McGee, Logic, STS9, Big Gigantic, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Boyz Noise and SO many more will have your ear balls’ smiling. This massive mix of Jam, Funk, and everything between is sure to keep your feet moving all weekend long. For the full line up, check this link HERE.

The Amphitheater Although the music was incredible in 2015 no matter where we were, one stage in particular stood out. In the middle of this magical world and music park is an Amphitheater & vibe like no other. I’m still uncertain what creates such a blissful feeling, but the way the music rings up from the semi-circle, or the way everyone can dance without concern of space, has me dreaming about it weekly. I’m sure anyone who saw Odesza or Griz last year feels the same.

Art Installations This is where Hulaween really stands out. The creative team pulls together artists from all around the world to create what I can attest to be the greatest sensory playground I’ve had the pleasure to explore through. Lead by creative geniuses like Andy Carroll, and many other small teams, Hulaween goes beyond a few neon lights and frazzles.

The interactive outdoor displays all seem to cross barriers which most art & site decor teams never venture into. Tickling multiple senses at once, playing with the eyes perception, or engulfing you with a warm heat from a flame spitting wooden statue; Carroll and his team go above and beyond to make Hulaween a memorable experience for each of its patrons. Check out an awesome interview with Carroll himself HERE!

Incredible Food Vendors Many festivals seem to cut corners and bring their patrons generic, bland, and overpriced food. Luckily, Hulaween seems to shy away from anything most others in the industry see as standard. As a classic food group in all festival goer’s diet, Pizza & other traditional meals are found in the food court. But then, incredible, unique, tasty options will have you contemplating ever leaving. Alex Gibson of South Florida said “The Gouda Boys are the David Bowies of festival foods – Loud, original, and unapologetically delicious. It’s food that leave you satisfied and yet, still wanting more”

Campfires Another unique festival plus, is the ability to have a campfire! Nothing is better than roasting a marshmallow and warming up after a long day of bagged wine and groovy tunes. Especially good, when it drops to a few degree’s past chilly, and you forget to put your onesie on. Warm up your body by the campfire & plan your next day with squad!

Everyone Attending With all the genres of music, one of the most diverse crowds come together at Hulaween. This mix of cultures brings an indescribable blend of vibes all weekend long. Not only was everyone open and accepting to the many genres of music, but with a smile and high five, accepting of every culture, walk of life, or oddity that boogied around the venue.

Impromptu Playground Raves Not advertised, but very real, are the impromptu parties & raves you’ll see around the campgrounds. 5 foot speakers, car batteries, and a few mixing decks randomly pop up and create their own stages all around camping. Whether it’s a 9 am Mimosas sound off or a 3 AM playground rave, keep your ears open for tunes in the weirdest of places, as you’ll likely meet some incredible souls & dance to even better beats.