Updated Nov. 1, 2013
RECAP: See photos from Hulaween 2013
*** Friday, Oct. 25 – Hulaween 2013 featuring Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays at The Mai-Kai, 3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. (954) 563-3272. Free admission. Valet and paid self-parking. Happy hour 5 to 7 p.m. Live music and costume contest in The Molokai bar, 7 p.m.-midnight. [Official website | Facebook event]
* Full preview: Beware the ‘Horror of Party Beach’ at The Mai-Kai’s Hulaween
* Video: Clips guaranteed to get you in the Hulaween spirit
The 56-year-old Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale hosts many signature events throughout the year, such as The Hukilau in June and the legendary Polynesian restaurant’s anniversary party in December. But perhaps the most distinctive (and frighteningly festive) is Hulaween every October.
Marking its fifth anniversary on Oct. 25, Hulaween has become one of South Florida’s most authentically fun Halloween bashes. No fancy gimmicks or wacky concepts, just a good old-fashioned costume party in The Mai-Kai’s nautical-themed Molokai bar featuring some of South Florida’s best retro-themed bands.
Deerfield Beach surf band Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays will be making its Hulaween debut this year, providing the perfect soundtrack of classic instrumental tunes from the ’50s and ’60s, plus their exceptional originals. Once again, The Atomic Grog will dig up 50+ years of rockin’ Halloween tunes to play between sets. Expect the dance floor to again be filled with zombies and monsters of every persuasion.
The Mai-Kai scared up the first Hulaween on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, with live music from South Florida’s rockabilly favorites, Slip and the Spinouts. Between sets, DJs Moderna Muerte and Oscular Science kept the party in high gear. The first sponsor was Seven Tiki Rum, and the event’s first grand-prize-winning costume was based on a classic Mai-Kai cocktail, the Deep Sea Diver.
* See photos on Facebook
Hulaween moved to Friday in 2010 and The Hep Cat Boo Daddies provided the roots rock tunes on Oct. 29. Seven Tiki returned as sponsor, and drink specials once again included a raffle of The Mai-Kai’s famous Mystery Drink. The winning costume was the ominous “Dead Guy.”
* See photos on Facebook
In 2011, Hulaween turned 3 on Friday, Oct. 28, with the return of Slip and the Spinouts and a new sponsor, Mount Gay Rum. Partiers sampled the special Mount Gay Grog, and the costume contest runner-up was treated to all five rums in the Mount Gay portfolio. The winner received a hotel getaway on Miami Beach.
* See photos on Facebook
The fourth Hulaween featured the third appearance of Slip and the Spinouts on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, plus retro Halloween tunes courtesy of The Atomic Grog and a special “lost cocktail,” the appropriate Last Rites. Costume contest winner Mr. Voo Doo earned a two-night, three-day hotel stay in Orlando.
Captain Morgan made its debut as the sponsor, and The Mai-Kai mixed up a special version of its iconic Barrel O’ Rum featuring Captain Morgan Black. The Captain Morgan girls were also on hand with free samples. The girls and the Captain will be returning in 2013.
* Atomic Grog recap, photos, video | Facebook photos
Don’t miss Hulaween 2013 on Friday, Oct. 25, kicking off at 5 p.m. with The Mai-Kai’s festive happy hour and classic retro Halloween Tiki tunes presented by The Atomic Grog. Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays start rocking at 7 p.m., performing three sets of surf and rock ‘n’ roll favorites. In addition to the free Captain Morgan Black samples, two of The Mai-Kai’s most popular tropical drinks – the Jet Pilot and Shark Bite – will be half-priced all night.
Now in its fifth year, Hulaween promises a vintage Halloween experience unlike any other in South Florida.
Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays
* Facebook page | ReverbNation.com: Audio, video | YouTube videos
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* 2013 Preview: Beware the ‘Horror of Party Beach’ at The Mai-Kai’s Hulaween
* 2012 recap, photos: Hulaween was hoppin’ all night at The Mai-Kai
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