When it comes to camping music festivals, Suwannee Hulaween seems to comfortably sit at the top of the list in the Sunshine State. Now, it’s gearing up for its seventh year, and as always, Hulaween is perfectly timed with Halloween weekend. This year, it falls on Thursday, October 24 through Sunday, October 27.
After years of working out the kinks, Hulaween has grown into polished, well-organized event, consistently securing big names across all genres on its lineup. It’s this versatility in their lineup that provides something for everybody and sets the event apart.
Located in Live Oak, Florida at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, the festival is just about an hour outside of Gainesville, making it the perfectly secluded, artfully-created nirvana.
Even to the dedicated festival-goer, words seem to fail when describing Hulaween and what sets it apart. It’s an excuse to revert back to simplicity: ditch the technology, take in the beautiful camp grounds and know that your only schedule is the one they’ve carefully curated for you.
After the like-minded Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival took a year’s hiatus last spring, you’re probably itching for your next festival fix. So we’ve rounded up the five sets we’re most excited to see so you can get a glimpse at some of the best the lineup has to offer. You can view the entire lineup here.
Anderson.Paak
A pleasant surprise and last minute addition to the lineup, Anderson.Paak is known for his smooth, stripped-back take on what can only be described as a R&B/soul/hip-hop hybrid. If you haven’t heard his solo work, you may recognize him for notable features alongside big names like Chance the Rapper, the late Mac Miller and ScHoolboy Q. His last foray into the Florida festival scene was as a headliner at Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival back in 2017.
Big Wild
Big Wild is no stranger to the Florida festival scene, having graced both the Hulaween (2017) and Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival (2018) lineups before. His upbeat, lush and imaginative take on electronic music never gets old, and I’ve jumped at each and every opportunity to see him live. His background a former hip-hop beat producer adds a unique sound to all he does. When I think back to years past at Hulaween, his performance stands out to me as one of the most memorable, nostalgic moments of the entire experience.
Jai Wolf
New York-based electronic producer Jai Wolf landed himself on my radar a few years ago with his single “Indian Summer.” Remarkably, the song proved to have a contagious, dance-inspiring energy to it— all with no words at all. And it wasn’t just me. The single earned him hundreds of millions of streams, and cosigns from both Skrillex and ODESZA. He’s also signed to the same label as Flume, a feat that speaks for itself.
Whethan
Whethan, a Chicago-based electronic DJ, seems to have stealthily and swiftly taken over EDM charts in the last few years. At only 20 years-old , his sound is comparable in style to Flume, who he cites as one of his biggest influences. Songs like “When I’m Down” showcase his ability to weave indie synth into bass-heavy electronic melodies. He took a break from touring with The Chainsmokers to attend his own high school graduation. Let that sink in for a minute.
Tycho
Tycho, comprised of Scott Hansen, is known for ambient synths and warm, indie melodies. His sounds seem to well-suit the natural beauty of the Suwannee camping grounds as his attention to musical detail creates an almost scenic sound. Chill wave harmonies, masterful textures and artful samples result in a relaxing, dreamily enchanting experience.
Suwannee Hulaween has historically sold out each year, so grab your tickets while you still can here.
Need some tunes to get you excited? Check out our Suwanne Hulaween playlist here.
Photo via Aaron Engler.
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