So you’ve heard about Hookie Weekend and you’re considering going. This year, it falls on between June 27 – 30, 2019 and I am here to tell you why it’s a good look. Hookie Life is a promotion group based in Washington, DC that decided to bring back some semblance of “carnival” to the DMV area since the carnival parade was moved to Baltimore.
First of all, there is SOCA. Who doesn’t want to wine and jam with rum? Secondly, Hookie will be celebrating TEN YEARS this year, so I truly believe it will be epic. Lastly, it’s super affordable, especially if you are in the tri-state area.
GETTING THERE
If you are flying into Washington, DC, you have three airport options. BWI (Baltimore), DCA (Reagan National) and IAD (Dulles – This airport is far as hell FYI). I attended last year, and like the year before, I enjoyed myself. It is a 4-hour drive from the NY/NJ border.
WHERE TO FETE
The Hookie Carnival weekend kicks off with a free fete, Release Therapy on Thursday, June 27. On Carnival Friday, Hookie wows us with their annual pool party “duck work” type event where party attendees play ‘hookie’ from work. The following morning, we kick off Saturday Morning with Lion’s Pride Jouvert. TRUST ME, it’s worth it! It was my favorite event last year.
Shine DC and Riddim and Road are newer to the weekend’s lineup. Shine DC has several international and local DJs in attendance, and Riddim and Road is my second favorite event, this is when we get to wear costumes. Plan to stay until about 6pm on Sunday. Tickets are now on sale
Thursday, June 27
9PM – Release Therapy – Free Event
Friday, June 28
12PM – Hookie X Pool Party – Purchase tickets here
Saturday, June 29
7AM – Lion’s Pride J’Ouvert – Purchase tickets here
4PM – Lotus – Garden of Heaven – Purchase tickets here
5PM – Shine DC – Purchase tickets here
Sunday, June 30
12PM – Riddim and Road – Purchase tickets here
WHERE TO STAY
Washington, DC is extremely drive-able so you can just about stay anywhere but most of the events take place in Northeast, Washington DC, so staying in the Capitol Hill/H Street Corridor area is best.

THINGS TO PACK
Based on the parties, you need carnival chic outfits for Release Therapy and Shine. A bathing suit/swim trunks is needed for Hookie X and of course jouvert wear. Lastly, bring an old costume with you, Riddim and Road should not be missed.
Ticket prices will go up, so don’t stick.
What else do you need to know? See you at Hookie’s 2019 Events
Hi are any of the events inclusive of liqour or food? Can you bring your own cooler?
All events have food/drinks on sale, no you cannot bring outside drinks or food.
do you get three t-shirts in the jouvert purchase price?
hi there, you only get one tshirt per purchase