Around this time last year, my Instagram was full of clips, photos and soca of what seemed like everyone in the DC area were at this event Hookie Carnival. So after doing my googles and a little scrolling, I found out what all the hype was with HookieLife. So I made this year was my first time attending Hookie Weekend which happened to be their 10th year of all things carnival. I had a great time and here to share what to expect.
The people at Hookie Life know how to get the summer properly started in the DMV area. With Mother Nature blessings us this weekend, the sky was beautifully clear and the sun was shining…maybe too much for some at 90+ degrees (feeling like 100 degrees)! Started us off with a free fete for Hookie DC Carnival Weekend perfectly titled Release Therapy, On June 27. The vibe on vibe with DJs on DJs spinning everything you want with Pumpa making an appearance. Only thing I’ll say, come early or take carshare because parking averaged $30.
Some of us played “Hookie” from work to enjoy soca in the pool while catching Kes the Band, Nailah Blackman & Pumpa live. The pool party took place at Gateway which felt like the perfect location. Parking everywhere. Food trucks upon entrance. Covered bar area. Picnic seating area. Rooftop view with bar. VIP cabanas lining the sides and back with the inflated pool back center to keep you cool and pump up the fun and stage front center. The pool party this year was my favourite because the music with good, dancing in the pool was cooling and the vibe was great even though light drizzled tried to turn the fete into a wet fete!
Now any Lion’s Pride J’Ouvert is the best because who really doesn’t like to 
wine, drink and get a little dutty?! It is the most freeing and fun plus you get to throw paint and no one bats an eye. But this J’Ouvert…I needed prayer! lol For those of us who made it Saturday morning you know the heat (95 feeling like 100+ degrees) got the best of us but we kept it pushing still. Yes, this was a drink inclusive event but ice and water were my best friends this day.
Buuuuuut the heat didn’t stop the fete! We fete until early afternoon, me lying with each passing minute that ‘I’m leaving soon’ but the soca wouldn’t release me. But if J’ouvert isn’t your thing, no worries, Hookie Life came ready with their version of pretty mas. Riddim & Road closed out Hookie Weekend Sunday afternoon with drinks and soca. Wearing our favourite mas wear from previous years is like walking down memory lane for many carnival chasers. Seeing the mix & match of different colours and costume was a sight as well.
There were a few minor hiccups here and there and I wish there was a little more organization, mainly with J’ouvert bag distributions and drink trucks but all in all Hookie DC Weekend is a carnival to try at least once.
PS: Did you find this post helpful or inspiring? Great! Don’t forget to share and save THIS PIN to your board.
