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 happening in Europe. In fact, the European continent boasts a rich offering of festivals that celebrate hippie culture and music, bringing together international stars of the hippie and reggae scene.

Here’s a selection of some of the best, to give you an idea of what’s available 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 Europe’s most respected hippie festivals. While the lineup now includes hip-hop acts (like Ty Dolla Sign and MHD), the focus remains on psychedelic music and reggae, constantly featuring stars from these genres.

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 peace and love culture, featuring a colorful festival atmosphere with reggae, dub, and ska music. Seasplash is also affiliated with the renowned Outlook music festival, which focuses more on the soundsystem style of 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 worldwide that truly embody the hippie movement, and even fewer in Europe, that regularly showcase impressive stars like Reggae Sun Ska. The festival features both revered veterans of the hippie scene and modern talents from the new generation, showcasing the best that the scene has to offer. Blues, soul, folk, and reggae — all the most recognized musical styles of hippie culture are represented.

Some festival-goers are interested in the more extreme side of this festival, where drugs, sex, and outdoor drinking are common, yet always within the ethos of peace and love.

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, celebrating the spirit of flower power. While it may be a bit smaller than before, it maintains the festival’s spirit 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 hippie music and culture. Workshops, forums, and seminars complement the impressive lineup, 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

Although 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 is keen on exploring 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 half of the region’s annual reggae celebration shares the passion for culture with its sister festival, but the lineups are entirely different, meaning German reggae fans have even more opportunities 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 the northwest of France, by an artificial lake, Dub Camp features a wide array of sounds, singers, selectors, DJs, and much more at its picturesque rural site. Additionally, the festival is committed to environmental causes and adopts 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 graced the Belgian town, confirming the festival’s status as an enduring European reggae institution.

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

Nomad Reggae Festival

Headliners (2019): Alborosie, Sinsemilia, Israel Vibration

Organized by a charitable organization, proceeds from the festival go toward constructing a medical center in the rural Malian community of Sanankoroba. Even without the appeal of their admirable work, the lineup consists of true legends of the genre for 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 due to its significant history and the scale of the event, as well as recent news surrounding it.

Fifty years ago, a festival took place in Bethel, New York, that would forever resonate in American history. 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 organizers sought to pay tribute to Woodstock, hosting a festival that brought together a multitude of old and new musical acts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that weekend and its promises of peace, love, and music.

What to Wear to a Hippie Festival?

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

Chic Bohemian Hippie Skirts