Top 10 Hippie Festivals in Europe

The spiritual home of hippies is undoubtedly the Caribbean (especially Jamaica). However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t huge events and hippie festivals in Europe as well. In fact, the European continent boasts an impressive array 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, giving 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. While the lineup now also includes hip hop (like Ty Dolla Sign and MHD), the focus remains on psychedelic and reggae music, constantly featuring stars of these genres.

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

Festival Seasplash

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 famous 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 showcasing the hippie movement worldwide, and even fewer in Europe that regularly feature impressive stars like Reggae Sun Ska. This festival invites both celebrated veterans from 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 present.

Some festival-goers are drawn to the more extreme aspects of this festival. Drugs, sex, and alcohol in the open air 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 returns in 2019 after a long absence, highlighting the flower power movement. The scale is now a bit smaller than it used to be, but it retains the spirit of a festival that has welcomed hundreds of reggae icons across 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 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: 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 though it’s not the first place that comes to mind when thinking 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, highlighting 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 annual reggae celebration in the region shares a passion for the culture with its sister festival, but the line-ups are completely different, meaning that 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 Black & Lion Red

Located in northwestern France by an artificial lake, Dub Camp welcomes a wide range of sounds, singers, selectors, DJs and much more to this picturesque rural site. In addition, the festival is committed to environmental sustainability 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 the Belgian town, affirming every year the festival’s status as a European reggae institution.

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's profits go towards building a medical centre 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 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 due to the history and significance of this event, along with the recent news surrounding it.

Fifty years ago, a festival took place in Bethel, New York, that would be forever etched in American history. 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 its original organisers wanted to honour Woodstock by bringing together a crowd of past and present musical acts to celebrate the 50th anniversary 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 skirts and get ready for the festival of a lifetime!

Chic Hippie Skirts