The 2024 Hulaween Festival at Suwannee Music Park in Florida brought together a remarkable blend of music, art, and unforgettable experiences from October 24-27, celebrating its 11th year with incredible performances and a deeply immersive atmosphere. This year’s “Weir’d” theme resonated through every aspect of the festival, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a strong pull to return year after year.
One of the most exciting debuts was the DEF (Define Everything Future) collective’s new 360-degree stage, OFF LIMITS, at Spirit Lake. The stage featured surprise performances from artists like Ravenscoon, Eazybaked, Off The Trees, and Levity. Sunday night brought a special treat as Chris Lake took the stage, delivering a high-energy set powered by new tracks from his project Anti-Up with Chris Lorenzo. The setup featured pyro-effects surrounding the stage, adding to the electrifying atmosphere.
Festivalgoers were also given a special opportunity to witness Tipper’s last festival appearance before his retirement, as he performed a breathtaking set on The Hallows stage, bringing together a vast crowd of loyal fans and newcomers alike. Dave Tipper’s performance became an iconic moment, his energy igniting a powerful connection with the audience from start to finish.
In a touching tribute, Bobby Weir honored his late bandmate Phil Lesh by joining The String Cheese Incident for a special set known as ‘The Bobby Weir Incident.’ A poignant performance of “Fire On the Mountain” brought a wave of emotion, with a tribute headstone and offerings throughout the weekend celebrating Lesh’s legacy and his lasting impact on psychedelic music.
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The Spirit Lake grounds were an experience of their own, masterfully crafted by artist Justin Bologino. Over 40 art installations spanned the lake, with nightly 2-hour shows combining organic visuals and a mesmerizing soundtrack that captivated attendees. The lake became a space of wonder and reflection, pulling people into the artistry and enchantment surrounding them.
The entire festival exuded an inviting, electric energy that brought people closer together. New friendships were made, old friendships grew stronger, and the magical presence of the bats that call Suwannee home added to the Halloween spirit. With a mix of music, art, and community, Hulaween 2024 was nothing short of enchanting, promising even more magic for next year’s gathering at Suwannee.