Top 10 Hippie Festivals in Europe

The spiritual home of hippies is undoubtedly the Caribbean (particularly Jamaica). However, that doesn't mean there aren't huge events and hippie festivals in Europe as well. In fact, the European continent boasts a rich selection of festivals that celebrate hippie music and culture, bringing together international stars of the hippie and reggae scene.

Here's a selection of the best that Europe has to offer, giving you a taste of what you can enjoy without needing to book a flight to see Bob Marley in Jamaica.

Summerjam

Headliners: Marteria, Gentleman, Ziggy Marley

Since 1985, the Summerjam festival in Germany has been one of the most respected hippie festivals in Europe. While the lineup now includes hip hop acts (such as Ty Dolla Sign and MHD), the focus remains on psychedelic music and reggae, with a programme consistently featuring stars of these genres.

When and where: 6-8 July 2018; Cologne, Germany

Seasplash Festival

Headliners (2019): Mad Professor, Lee Scratch Perry, Dub Pistols

The Seasplash Festival is deeply rooted in the peace and love culture, featuring vibrant reggae, dub, and ska sounds. Seasplash is also affiliated with the renowned Outlook music festival, which focuses more on soundsystem music.

When and where: 18-19 July 2019; Sibenik, Croatia

Reggae Sun Ska

Headliners (2019): Ziggy Marley, Dub Inc, Morcheeba, Calypso Rose

There aren’t many festivals dedicated to the hippie movement around the world, and even fewer in Europe, that regularly feature impressive stars like Reggae Sun Ska. This festival brings together both revered veterans of the hippie scene and modern talents from the new generation, showcasing the best the scene has to offer. Blues, soul, folk, reggae—all the most recognised musical styles of hippy culture are represented.

Some festival-goers are drawn to the more extreme aspects of this festival. Drugs, sex, and alcohol in the open air are commonplace, but always in keeping with the spirit of peace and love.

When and where: 2-4 August 2019; Vertheuil, France

Uppsala Reggae Festival

Headliners: Jimmy Cliff, Alborosie & Shengen Clan, Tarrus Riley & The Blak Soil Band

The largest hippie festival in Scandinavia returns in 2019 after a long absence, celebrating the flower power movement. The scale is a bit smaller than before, but it maintains the spirit of a festival that has welcomed hundreds of reggae icons from all generations.

When and where: 27-28 July 2018; Uppsala, Sweden

Rototom Sunsplash

Headliners (2019): Ziggy Marley, Chronixx, Busy Signal, Queen Ifrica, Israel Vibration, Marcia Griffiths

Rototom Sunsplash, the European festival of reggae and bohemian style, is a week-long celebration of hippie music and culture. Workshops, forums, and seminars add to the impressive offering, all united in promoting a message of peace, love, and solidarity.

When and where: 16-22 August 2019; Benicassim, Spain

Uprising Festival

Headliners (2019): Ms. Lauryn Hill, Chase & Status (DJ Set) & Rage, Jo Mersa Marley, Elephant Man, Nneka

While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of the hippie style, much of central and eastern Europe has a rich appreciation for this culture. The Slovak Uprising Festival isn't afraid to explore the ongoing influence of reggae, showcasing drum and bass, jungle, dubstep, and dancehall alongside more traditional sounds.

When and where: 23-24 August 2019; Bratislava, Slovakia

Ruhr Reggae Summer (Dortmund & Mülheim)

Headliners: Patrice, Beenie Man, Macka B, Alpha Blondy, Protoje, Ky-Mani Marley

The Dortmund edition kicks off summer in style for European hippie festivals. The second part of the regional reggae celebration shares the passion for culture with its sister festival, but the line-up is completely different, meaning German reggae fans have even more opportunities to celebrate the music they love.

When and where: 31 May - 2 June and 10-12 August 2018; Dortmund and Mülheim, Germany

Dub Camp Festival

Headliners (2019): Mungo's Hi Fi, King Shiloh Sound System ft. Omolo Noir & Lion Rouge

Located in north-western France, by an artificial lake, Dub Camp invites a wide range of sounds, singers, selectors, and DJs to a picturesque rural site. Moreover, the festival is firmly committed to an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach.

When and where: 11-14 July 2019; Joué-sur-Erdre, France

Reggae Geel

Headliners (2017): Jah Cure, Steel Pulse, Christopher Martin

The oldest hippie festival in Europe, Reggae Geel has taken place annually since 1979. Countless legends of the scene have made their way to the Belgian city, reaffirming the festival's status as a European reggae institution every year.

When and where: 3-5 August 2018; Geel, Belgium

Nomade Reggae Festival

Headliners (2019): Alborosie, Sinsemilia, Israel Vibration

Organised by a charity, the profits from the Nomade festival go towards building a medical centre in the rural community of Sanankoroba, Mali. Even without the appeal of the admirable work they are doing, the lineup features true legends of the genre over three days in south-eastern France.

When and where: 2-4 August 2019; Frangy, France

Special Mention: Woodstock Festival

Although this festival doesn't take place in Europe, it’s important to mention it due to its historical significance and the impact of the event, as well as recent news surrounding it.

Fifty years ago, a festival was held in Bethel, New York, that would forever resonate in American culture. The Woodstock Music and Arts Festival of 1969 defined the era of hippiedom, often regarded as the pinnacle of rock 'n' roll and free love, featuring superstars like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Santana. Fifty years later, one of the original organisers sought to pay tribute to Woodstock, hosting a festival that brought together a mix of old and new musical acts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the weekend and its promises of peace, love, and music.

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Chic Hippie Skirts