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 massive events and hippie festivals in Europe. In fact, the European continent boasts a rich selection of festivals that celebrate hippie music and culture, gathering together international stars of the hippie and reggae scene.

Here’s a selection of the best, to give you an idea of what’s on offer in Europe 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 packed with stars of the genre.

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

Seasplash Festival

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

Seasplash Festival is deeply rooted in peace and love culture, featuring a vibrant festival with reggae, dub, and ska sounds. Seasplash is also associated 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 such impressive stars as Reggae Sun Ska. The festival showcases both revered veterans of the hippie scene and emerging talents from the new generation, highlighting the best that the scene has to offer. Blues, soul, folk, reggae—all the most recognised musical styles of hippy culture are present.

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

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, showcasing the flower power spirit. The scale is now somewhat smaller than it was previously, but it retains the essence of a festival that has hosted 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, Europe’s reggae and bohemian style festival, is a week-long celebration of hippie music and culture. Workshops, forums, and seminars complement the impressive offerings, 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

Even if it’s not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of 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 continuing 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 region's annual reggae celebration shares the passion for culture with its sister festival, but the lineups are completely different, meaning that German reggae fans have even more chances 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 Black & Lion Red

Located in northwest France by a manmade lake, Dub Camp invites a wide range of sounds, singers, selectors, DJs, and much more to its picturesque rural setting. Additionally, the festival has a strong commitment to environmental issues and an eco-friendly 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 been held annually since 1979. Countless legends of the scene have graced the Belgian town, solidifying the festival's status as an institution in European reggae.

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

Nomadic Reggae Festival

Headliners (2019): Alborosie, Sinsemilia, Israel Vibration

Run by a charitable organisation, the profits from the festival go towards building a medical centre in the rural Malian community of Sanankoroba. Even without the appeal of the admirable work they’re doing, the lineup consists of true legends of the genre over three days in the southeast of France.

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

Special Mention: Woodstock Festival

Although this festival does not take place in Europe, it’s important to mention it due to its history and the significance of the event, as well as the recent news surrounding it.

Fifty years ago, a festival took place in Bethel, New York, which would forever be etched in the American imagination. The Woodstock Music and Arts Festival of 1969 defined the era of hippiedom, often seen as 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 organisers wanted to pay homage to Woodstock, hosting a festival that brought together a crowd of old and new musical acts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that weekend and its promises of peace, love, and music.

How to dress for a hippie festival?

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

Take a look at our chic hippie skirts and get ready for the festival of your life!

Chic Bohemian Hippie Skirts