Hulaween 2024: A Journey Through Music, Art, and Community

As a relative newcomer to the music festival scene, my experiences up until now have included
large-scale events like EDC, Groove Cruise (Cabo), and Electric Forest. Each one had its
unique vibe, but nothing quite prepared me for the magic of Hulaween. Now, having added it to
my festival check- list, I can confidently say that Hulaween has topped them all, and I can’t wait
to return next year.

Tipper has long been on my bucket list of must-see artists, and his Friday night performance did
not disappoint. Since I have never been to a Tipper show or set, and knowing it was going to be
one of his last performances. I was completely hypnotized by the fusion of his intricate
soundscapes and jaw-dropping visual effects. I had the perfect vantage point near the flow
artists, and live painters creating surreal works in the crowd.

On Saturday, Sublime featured original members Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums),
along with Bradley Nowell’s son Jakob, the band took us on a nostalgic ride through Sublime’s
timeless hits. Jakob Nowell’s voice is very similar to his father’s, making the performance feel
both familiar and fresh. I was in tears when the big screen flashed a baby picture of Bradley and
Jakob together, highlighting the powerful legacy that Sublime has left behind. Their set was a
beautiful tribute to both the band’s history and the timeless connection between parent and
child.

The Sunday night collaboration between Bobby Weir and The String Cheese Incident was the
main reason I wanted to cover this festival. What really touched me on an emotional level was
the end of the set, where they honored Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh in a heart-wrenching
singalong tribute song that Bobby Weir wrote a day before their performance. I can honestly say
tears streamed down my face as we all united in song. The music, the energy, and the sense of
community were truly unforgettable. This moment alone made Hulaween as one of my all-time
favorite festivals.

Can we talk about Spirit Lake? Oh my goodness! This area was a wonderland of mesmerizing
art installations and stages to explore, making it an experience in itself. Sam and I were
fortunate enough to get a meeting/tour with JB, the Creative Director behind this year’s vision. If
you haven’t had a chance to experience Spirit Lake yet, stay tuned – my next article will take you
on a deep dive into this amazing space focusing on the daily mapping shows, Oasis, Creative
Station, Mural Maze, etc.

The Off Limits 360 Stage, presented by DEF at the lake, had an intimate, warehouse-rave feel
that felt like a secret escape. The stage was set against a backdrop of pyro effects courtesy of
Incendia, adding a touch of fire to the atmosphere. You could definitely hop up the stage and see
artists like Levity B2B Eater throw down on the decks. Another unforgettable element was the
Incendia stage, which featured not only stunning pyro effects but also live flow performances
that left the crowd in awe.

Hulaween in my honest opinion felt like the place where hippies and ravers unite. It blends the
best aspects of music, community, and artistic expression in a way that’s hard to describe but
impossible to forget. From emotional moments with legendary artists to mind-expanding
performances and stunning visual art, it’s clear that Hulaween is a festival that offers something
for everyone. I highly recommend this event to anyone seeking an experience that will stay with
them long after the music fades. Many thanks to Hulaween for this experience! Here are the photos for the event!