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 as well. In fact, the European continent boasts a rich array of festivals celebrating hippie music and culture, featuring international stars from the hippie and reggae scenes.

Here’s a selection of the best festivals to give you an idea of what Europe has to offer without the need 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 includes hip hop (Ty Dolla Sign, MHD), the focus remains on psychedelic music and reggae, with a constant roster of stars from 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 firmly rooted in the peace and love culture, featuring a vibrant festival atmosphere with reggae, dub, and ska sounds. Seasplash is also affiliated with the well-known Outlook music festival, which focuses more on soundsystem-style 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 that embody the hippie movement in the world, and even fewer in Europe, offering regular performances by impressive stars like Reggae Sun Ska. Welcoming both revered veterans of the hippie scene and modern talents from the new generation, this festival showcases the best the genre has to offer. Blues, soul, folk, reggae – all the most recognised musical styles from hippy culture are present.

Some festival-goers are interested in the more extreme side of this event. Drugs, sex, and outdoor drinking are common, but always within the spirit of 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 is back in 2019 after a long absence, celebrating the flower power movement. The scale is slightly smaller than it once was, but it retains the festival spirit, having 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, Europe’s premier 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: 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 not the first place that comes to mind for hippie style, a large part of Central and Eastern Europe has a rich appreciation for this culture. The Slovak Uprising Festival isn't afraid to explore the enduring 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 the summer in style for European hippie festivals. The second half of the region’s annual reggae party shares a passion for the culture with its sister festival, but the lineups are completely different, giving German reggae fans even more chance 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-West France by an artificial lake, Dub Camp invites a wide range of sounds, singers, selectors, DJs, and more to a picturesque rural setting. Furthermore, the festival is firmly committed to environmentalism 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 made their way to this Belgian town, confirming the festival's status as a European reggae institution year after year.

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

Nomadic Reggae Festival

Headliners (2019): Alborosie, Sinsemilia, Israel Vibration

Organised by a charitable organisation, the festival proceeds go towards building a medical centre in the rural Malian community of Sanankoroba. Even without the allure of the admirable work they do, 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 isn’t held in Europe, it is important to mention due to its historical significance and the scale 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 regarded as the pinnacle of rock 'n' roll and free love, featuring superstars such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Santana. Fifty years later, one of its original organisers sought to pay tribute to Woodstock with a festival bringing together a range of musical acts, both old and new, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the weekend and its promises of peace, love, and music.

How to Dress for a Hippie Festival?

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

Chic Hippie Bohemian Skirts