In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated large portions of the Southeast last week, Suwannee Hulaween has shared an update on the status of the festival’s 2024 edition, set to take place at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL from October 24th–27th.
Many fans had been concerned about the festival’s viability after rain, high winds, and flood waters rendered various venues in the region unusable for upcoming events. That concern was compounded when the 2024 edition of Suwannee Roots Revival, originally due to take place at the park from October 10th–13th, was canceled in Helene’s aftermath. As Suwannee Roots Revival organizers wrote in their cancellation announcement, “There are just not enough days between now and the festival date to repair the damage which has left the park with no electricity, no water, little cell service and with an inestimable number of downed trees and repairs to be made.”
On Wednesday, however, the Suwannee Hulaween team informed fans that the 11th-anniversary edition of the festival is pushing forward: “Dearest HulaFam,” a post on the festival’s social media accounts reads, “We are grateful to announce that thanks to the incredible combined efforts of Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Suwannee County, and the Hulaween team, the festival will go on as planned on October 24–27, 2024!
Related: The Spirit Of The Suwannee Isn’t Going Anywhere (2020)
“The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left its mark and our hearts go out to everyone affected,” the post from Hulaween continues. “The road to recovery will be challenging. It will require a significant investment of resources and a lot of heart. Teams are working tirelessly around the clock to bring Spirit Lake and the festival grounds back to life.”
While the Spirit of the Suwannee looks to be operational in time for Hulaween, the festival’s organizers will also look beyond their own event to help those in need in the region. The post continues, “We believe in this community, this experience, and the power of gathering. With immense appreciation for the work already underway, we pledge to support these efforts by donating a portion of every ticket sale to disaster relief. This festival is not just about music & art; it’s about coming together, especially in trying times. So, let’s keep the faith, lift each other up, and get ready to reunite for our 11th annual Hulaween! See you in just a few short weeks. We’ve got this!”
As Hulaween founder Paul Levine noted in a separate post, “From the moment the cruel winds of Hurricane Helene were in the rearview mirror the staff of the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park went to work and together with Team Hulaween started doing everything possible to get the park ready to produce Hulaween 2024. County officials and industry professionals were consulted to ensure that we could not only produce a great show but also a safe one. With heavy hearts traumatized by that terrible storm and saddened by the suffering so many of our friends and family are enduring, we will work tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable Hulaween for those that can attend and honor those that can not. And we will help many people on our festival team, in our community and beyond to help restart their lives. I can’t wait to celebrate our community in three weeks.”
In addition to the eclectic festival’s typical appearances by perennial host band The String Cheese Incident (x5), Hulaween 2024 will come to a close on Sunday, October 27th with a one-night-only, two-set collaborative performance featuring Grateful Dead co-founder Bobby Weir billed as The Bobby Weir Incident. Other headlining acts include Sublime (featuring original band members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh alongside Jakob Nowell, the son of original singer Bradley Nowell), Tipper, Black Pumas, Chris Lake, Tash Sultana, Liquid Stranger, Killer Mike, CloZee, Chase & Status, Umphrey’s McGee, Of The Trees, Nora En Pure, and Greensky Bluegrass.
Other notable acts set to perform at Hulaween 2024 include Cory Wong, Daily Bread, Lettuce, LP Giobbi, Zingara, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Dirtwire, DJ Brownie, Dumpstaphunk, Eggy, Holly Bowling, Karina Rykman, Maddy O’Neal, Manic Focus, Mike Dillon and Punkadelick, Mildlife, Moontricks, The New Mastersounds, Sam Grisman Project, Say She She, Spafford, Tand, TAUK Moore, ElephantProof, Guavatron, and more. For ticketing details and more information on Suwannee Hulaween 2024, head here.
For more information on affected concerts/venues and ongoing Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the Southeast, head here.
Revisit Live For Live Music‘s on-the-ground coverage of Hulaween’s 10th-anniversary edition in 2023 here.
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