Top 10 Hippie Festivals in Europe

The spiritual home of hippies is undoubtedly the Caribbean (especially 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 array of festivals celebrating hippie music and culture, bringing together international stars of the hippie and reggae scene.

Here’s a selection of the best festivals to give you an idea of what Europe has to offer, without needing to book a flight to see Bob Marley in Jamaica.

Summerjam

Headliners: Marteria, Gentleman, Ziggy Marley

Since 1985, the German festival Summerjam has been one of the most respected hippie festivals in Europe. Although the lineup now also includes hip hop (Ty Dolla Sign, MHD), the focus remains on psychedelic and reggae music, consistently featuring stars of the genre.

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

Seasplash Festival

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

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

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

Reggae Sun Ska

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

There aren’t many festivals in the world, and even fewer in Europe, that regularly feature as impressive star power as Reggae Sun Ska. Inviting both revered veterans of the hippie scene and modern talents from the new generation, the festival showcases the best that the scene has to offer. Blues, soul, folk, reggae—all the most recognized musical styles of hippy culture are represented.

Some festival-goers are drawn to the more extreme side of this festival. Drugs, sex, and outdoor drinking are common, but always within the bounds of the peace and love doctrine.

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

Uppsala Reggae Festival

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

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

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

Rototom Sunsplash

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

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

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

Uprising Festival

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

Even though it may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of hippie style, much of Central and Eastern Europe possesses a rich appreciation for this culture. The Slovak Uprising Festival is unafraid to explore the ongoing influence of reggae, showcasing drum and bass, jungle, dubstep, and dancehall alongside more traditional sounds.

When and where: August 23-24, 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 annual reggae celebration in the region shares its passion for the culture with its sibling festival, but the lineup is completely different, giving German reggae fans even more opportunity to celebrate the music they love.

When and where: May 31 - June 2 and August 10-12, 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 northwest France by an artificial lake, Dub Camp invites a wide range of sounds, singers, selectors, DJs, and more to a picturesque rural site. Additionally, the festival is firmly committed to environmental issues and an eco-friendly approach.

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

Reggae Geel

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

The oldest hippie festival in Europe, Reggae Geel has been held annually since 1979. Countless legends of the scene have made their way to the Belgian town, reaffirming the festival’s status as an institution in European reggae.

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

Nomadic Reggae Festival

Headliners (2019): Alborosie, Sinsemilia, Israel Vibration

Organized by a charitable organization, the festival’s proceeds go towards building a medical center in the rural Malian community of Sanankoroba. And even without the allure of the admirable work they’re doing, the lineup features true legends of the genre over three days in southeastern France.

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

Special Mention: Woodstock Festival

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

Fifty years ago, a festival took place in Bethel, New York, that would forever remain in the American imagination. The Woodstock Music and Arts Festival of 1969 defined the era of hippiedom, often considered the pinnacle of rock ‘n’ roll and free love, featuring superstars like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Santana. Fifty years later, one of its original organizers wanted to pay tribute to Woodstock, hosting a festival featuring a variety of old and new musical acts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the weekend and its promises of peace, love, and music.

What to Wear to a Hippie Festival?

At Boho Via, we help you spread hippie culture through your clothing. Get a bohemian hippie look, perfect for peace and love festivals.

Check out our chic hippie-style skirts and get ready for the festival of a lifetime!

Chic Hippie Bohemian Skirts