Suwannee Hulaween 2022 Festival Review

Connor Phillips | November 14, 2022

Every year, music enthusiasts challenge Suwannee Hulaween that it is impossible to top their previous year's experience, and every year they prove otherwise. 2022's historic Halloween festival was no different. Touching down at the immersive Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Hulaween 2022 boasted the most diverse and incredible lineup Florida has ever been curated. This once-in-a-lifetime experience took place from October 27th to the 30th, encompassing a sell-out crowd from across the globe.

As one of the more engaging musical camping adventures, Hulaween opened up their grounds the whole week prior to Thursday the 27th, allowing RVs and campers to seize early arrival accommodations. As more and more attendees arrived, they searched the twists and turns of the massive park for the perfect spot to pitch their tents. Thankfully, no one had to stress about getting rained on while setting up their campsite. The weather was magnificent the entire span of the event, with sunny days and a bit cooler nights (with the exception of one short-lived rainfall), inviting festival-goers to toss on their Halloween onesies.

Day one of Hulaween brought an extensive list of breathtaking performances. Over at the fan-favorite Spirit Lake stage, experimental bass label boss Liquid Stranger headed his WAKAAN takeover. Meanwhile, at the main open field of the venue, Mindchatter displayed his artistic vision and ability to operate multiple instruments and synthesizers simultaneously. WAKAAN artists like Canabliss and Tripp St. had the crowd clutching the rails as if their lives depended on it. Then, back at The Hallows, Gigantic NGHTMRE shot lasers, heavenly saxophone progressions, and dubstep into the nightsky. Hailing from Australia, the king of tech house known as FISHER closed out at The Meadow.

Most of the attendees started off their Friday at The Meadow jamming out to The String Cheese Incident. This veteran band has a widespread dedicated following and has headlined Hulaween every year, with multiple sets throughout the weekend. After the second "Cheese" set, people flocked over to The Amphitheater to see Manic Focus perform their live band show, mesmerizing the audience with electro-funk. Proceeding the band, disco duo NEIL FRANCES and CloZee hypnotized crowds with their eclectic styles. Finally, the irresistible groove of Franc Moody radiated an unrivaled energy until the late hours of the night.

Hulaween's attendees was in dire need of stretching their legs on Saturday. The optimal destination for physical and mental recovery was at the Oasis. A large group journeyed to The Oasis for a cohesive session of bass-fueled yoga. Later at 4PM, heavy-bass and riddim duo EAZYBAKED threw down a barrage of ground-shaking dubstep. Meanwhile at The Meadow, The String Cheese Incident put on three extraordinary sets. Their final set of the day had giant floats, confetti, and spooky renditions of iconic Halloween anthems.

As The Cheese played a variety of genres throughout the day, LP Giobbi's FEMME HOUSE took over Spirit Lake. Featuring a legendary lineup of female talent, powerful vocalist and DJ Kaleena Zanders and house guru Miane were two of the standouts. With so many tough decisions to be made, Of The Trees made his Hulaween debut at the Amphitheater. Live painters let their creativity blossom as wubz and intense visuals were channeled by Of The Trees. For Saturday headlining act Louis The Child, The Meadow was packed. Music lovers rejoiced as fireworks and electronic hits spread across the park.

Designed for creatures of the night, Hulaween had more in store after Louis The Child's spectacular performance. People wandered around Spirit Lake observing the transcendent 3D lights shows, innovative mural art, fire-bending, and giant intricate sculptures.

Some of the campers found themselves at Frick Frack Black Jack, wagering their pendants or tinted glasses for an interesting item of their choosing. Others lost themselves in auditory isolation at the silent disco or ended up in Hulaween's haunting village of House Of The Lost. At this exciting Hula-hotspot, there were wedding ceremonies, puppet plays, and other events all weekend long.

The final day of Hulaween had another rotation of stellar talent. Along with The Cheese, prominent house label Desert Hearts ran the show over at the Spirit Lake stage. A lot of the attendees spent timing finding gifts and mementos at Hulaween's fascinating vendors. Between the food, music, visual production, and overall atmosphere at Hulaween, ravers are already planning for next year's Hulaween!

Photos courtesy of Suwannee Hulaween Music Festival