Suwannee Hulaween is right around the corner. We’ve prepared this guide of things to do when you’re not grooving to a set.
Suwannee Hulaween is almost upon us. Jam heads and electronic fans alike are preparing to flock to the beloved Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida this October 26-29 for the annual spooky season celebration in the swamp. This year is sure to be a special one as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023 for a full-moon family reunion. The full moon is also the costume theme for this year, so be sure to come in your best celestial outfit.
Operating since the ’90s, The Spirit of the Suwannee has a rich musical history you can feel as soon as you step onto the grounds. Once you’re inside the park entrance, which is only a stone’s throw from the interstate, you find yourself in the thick of the Spanish moss amid the Suwannee River bank’s swampy, wooded ecosystem. For anyone who enjoys festivals where you can truly feel connected to nature, The Spirit of the Suwannee should be a bucket list venue to attend.
Suwannee Hulaween is the park’s biggest event of the year. With its eclectic lineup and swampy Halloween charm, it’s no wonder why music fans return annually. The festival and the unique property itself hold plenty of magic to explore outside of this year’s incredible lineup, so we’ve put together five must-see things for when you’re ready to take a break from dancing the night away.
Suwannee Hulaween is 99% sold out! If you haven’t grabbed passes yet, now is the time to run to their website to see the available ticket options.
Five Experiences to Explore at Suwannee Hulaween 2023
Frick Frack Black Jack
If you’re in for a peculiar show of Halloween freaks and good, old-fashioned gambling fun, you have to stop by Frick Frack Blackjack. Join in on the games and bring something to gamble, or just watch the fun from the sidelines. Simply spectating this unique game of blackjack played with its “no cash and no limits” rule is pure entertainment. You never know what’s going to show up on the table.
The Bat House
Arguably the coolest phenomenon that exists on the Spirit of the Suwannee property is the bat colony that has grown to an estimated size of 400,000. You can thank these babies for keeping mosquito levels low in an environment as swampy as this one. While there are a few smaller bat houses hidden in other areas of the park, the big one is easy to find and marked on the map. Each evening at sunset, you can watch as thousands take off chirping into the darkening skies. And if you’re up at sunrise, of course, you might catch them returning home.
Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake is a lot more than just a stage at Suwannee Hulaween. The lake itself is always an incredible spectacle thanks to its stunning light shows, and it’s surrounded by artistic installments, two stages, performers, and endless surprises. This year is set to be the biggest edition of Spirit Lake yet, with an immersive experience in store for the festival’s 10th anniversary, alongside its acclaimed projection mapping by Jasper and Shelby Mosher.
Mural Maze
A true Hulaween tradition that has been growing since the very first edition of the festival ten years ago is the Mural Maze. Home to some incredible paintings that come to life with lights at nightfall, the Mural Maze is also tucked among the slew of incredible art you’ll find surrounding Spirit Lake. This year’s installment will be led by Ania Almador and is getting some upgrades for 2023. The mural maze will feature an art gallery, a hydration station, and a lounge and workshop space called Deliberate Creation Station.
The Suwannee River
If you wander far enough and follow the map, you can find yourself on the banks of the Suwannee River, which partially runs through the north and east sides of the campgrounds. The river is definitely a great place to explore if you’re in need of some quiet and seclusion. Dip your toes in to cool off, or bring a blanket to sit on the bank and take it all in. You’ll get a stunning sunrise view over the water if you make it to the east side at daybreak.
