Gabriel Rickles
The ’60s were the time when music, activism, and a free-spirited lifestyle blended into a cultural revolution. That hippie ethos hasn’t faded; it continues to thrive at modern-day festivals that honor the same values of peace and creativity. These events take inspiration from gatherings like Woodstock and Monterey. So, let’s look at ten festivals keeping the hippie dream alive.
Woodstock Music and Arts Fair
Held in 1969, Woodstock remains the quintessential hippie festival. Over 400,000 people gathered for three days of peace, love, and music. Acts like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin embodied the era’s rebellious spirit. Today, its legacy lives on with events that honor the festival’s roots.
Hulaween
Taking place at Florida’s Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, the festival delivers an eclectic mix of music, ranging from jam bands to electronic beats. Its Halloween twist, with elaborate costumes, makes it a visual wonderland. It’s not just a festival—it’s a place to get lost and found at the same time.
Rainbow Gathering
Since 1972, Rainbow Gatherings have been about free spirits and collective living. Thousands converge each year to celebrate peace and nature. Completely free and unsanctioned, the gathering is a radical example of communal living. Here, you can discover a community that rejects the norm.
Glastonbury Festival
Though founded in 1970, Glastonbury cherishes the counterculture roots of the ’60s. Its muddy fields and diverse music acts draw over 200,000 attendees annually. A mix of rock and spirituality keeps the spirit of the ’60s alive. It’s an unmissable event for lovers of history and modern music alike.
Burning Man
In the Nevada desert, Burning Man challenges festival norms. Since 1986, it’s been a temporary city of art, self-expression, and community, where attendees embrace radical self-reliance and creativity. Don’t miss an experience that pushes boundaries in a truly hippie way.
Herzberg Festival
Germany’s Herzberg Festival has been a hippie haven since 1986. Held in a picturesque forest, it attracts a mix of psychedelic rock lovers and free-spirited souls. Embracing the essence of the ’60s counterculture, it’s a gathering dedicated to music, art, environmental consciousness, and much more.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party
Austin’s Eeyore’s Birthday Party celebrates fun and philanthropy. This whimsical event has cherished the hippie spirit with a quirky twist. Enjoy live music, costumed revelry, and a laid-back vibe, all while supporting local charities. Plus, Eeyore’s is a reminder that joy can coexist with doing good.
The Aquarius Festival
Australia’s Aquarius Festival, held in the ’70s, was a landmark event for the global hippie movement. It focused on sustainable living. Here, participants expressed their idealism through music and activism. The spirit of the Aquarius Festival still echoes in modern alternative festivals today.
The American Roots Music Festival
Celebrating a rich history of American music, this annual festival in New Orleans brings together fans of folk and blues. It honors the rebellious and soulful spirit of the ’60s while fostering inclusivity and cultural awareness—values deeply rooted in that transformative era.
The Levitation Festival
In Austin, Texas, Levitation brings together a diverse mix of psychedelic, rock, and indie acts. The festival, formerly known as Fun Fun Fun Fest, channels the experimental spirit of the ’60s. With its focus on creative expression, it serves as a modern-day hub for the free-spirited vibes of the era.
