Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US) a party.

1880		Harvard Crimson 18 June 🌐 ‘To go on a hoot’ is the last Williams slang for a toot, howl, or bust.
1943		in New World (Seattle) 15 July 3: ‘Hoots’ will Honor Birth on July 31st [HDAS].
1999		K. Sampson Powder 86: If there’s a bit of a hoot to be had, why not seize the opportunity?