From Fort Lauderdale to Houston, a new movement invites America to reclaim joy and connection—one Friday at a time.
-- In a culture that often glamorizes hustle and burnout, The Play Hooky Experience offers something radically different: permission to pause. Officially launching May 23, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, this immersive tour re-imagines what it means to “take a day off” by turning it into a moment of collective healing, vibrant connection, and pure, unapologetic joy.
Founded by DJ, entrepreneur, and community builder Darryl “FollowtheDj” Dungee, the Play Hooky Experience is part festival, part wellness event, and part cultural celebration. It’s a carefully curated day of games, music, movement, and meaningful interactions with local vendors and artists—all designed to offer a mental and emotional reset for attendees.
The tour travels across eight cities—Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Chicago, Dallas, Charlotte, Baton Rouge, and Houston—each stop infused with the local flavor and heartbeat of the host community. Whether it’s BET Weekend in LA or Black Yacht Weekend in Chicago, Play Hooky seamlessly merges mental health advocacy with cultural visibility. This is more than an event; it’s a movement powered by the idea that joy is a form of resistance—and rest, a form of restoration.
Dungee, who has spent decades using music as a medium for connection and upliftment, says this tour was born out of necessity. “This isn’t about skipping work,” he shares. “It’s about reclaiming parts of ourselves that get buried beneath deadlines and expectations. Play Hooky is a reminder that we’re allowed to feel good, to reconnect, and to protect our peace—without guilt.”
At its core, The Play Hooky Experience is family-built and community-driven. What began as a passion project has grown into a national platform with the power to shift and engage with wellness, culture, and connection. It’s a space where people of all ages can feel safe to exhale, move freely, and remember what joy really feels like.
In addition to its public-facing events, Play Hooky offers partnership opportunities for brands and corporations looking to invest in employee wellness. With a fresh approach to team-building and morale, organizations can sponsor local experiences, host custom activations, or purchase group access for their staff. With mental health concerns on the rise, Play Hooky presents a timely and transformative solution.
The tour is actively accepting sponsorships and local partnerships, with brand alignment opportunities available across wellness, lifestyle, entertainment, and community sectors. Early supporters will benefit from premium placement, media exposure, and the opportunity to align with a feel-good movement rooted in purpose and impact.
Founded by a DJ who used music as a lifeline, powered by local communities across the country, and guided by a mission to turn a single day off into a lifelong mindset—The Play Hooky Experience is where joy meets justice, and healing meets rhythm.
To learn more, view tour dates, or inquire about sponsorship and media passes, visit www.playhookyexp.com or follow on social media @theplayhookyexperience.
Contact Info:
Name: Ciara Suesberry
Email: Send Email
Organization: The Play Hooky Experience
Address: 5511 Parkcrest Dr, Austin, Texas 78731, United States
Phone: +1-281-223-9701
Website: https://www.playhookyexp.com
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89159571
If there are any errors, inconsistencies, or queries arising from the content contained within this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our reliable team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours, taking proactive measures to rectify any identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. Ensuring accurate and dependable information is our top priority.