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 in Europe as well. In fact, the European continent offers a rich array of festivals that celebrate hippie music and culture, bringing together international stars of the hippie and reggae scene.

So here’s a selection of the best, 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. While the lineup now also includes hip hop artists (Ty Dolla Sign, MHD), the focus remains on psychedelic music and reggae, with the program consistently filled 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

The Seasplash Festival is firmly rooted in peace and love culture, showcasing a vibrant festival with reggae, dub, and ska sounds. Seasplash is also affiliated with the renowned 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 epitomise the hippie movement around the world, and even fewer in Europe, that regularly feature such impressive stars as Reggae Sun Ska. Inviting both revered veterans of the hippie scene and talented newcomers, the festival showcases the best that the scene has to offer. Blues, soul, folk, reggae – all the most recognised 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 with respect for 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 flower power. The scale is now somewhat smaller than it was previously, but it retains the spirit of the festival that has 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, the European festival of reggae and bohemian style, 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 it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think 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 ongoing 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 part of the annual reggae festival in the region shares the passion for culture with its sister festival, but the lineup is completely different, meaning German reggae fans have even more opportunity 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 the north-west of France, by an artificial lake, Dub Camp invites a wide range of sounds, singers, selectors, DJs, and much more to its picturesque rural site. Moreover, the festival is firmly committed to environmental issues and adopts a green 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, reaffirming 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 charity, the festival's proceeds go towards building a medical centre in the rural Malian community of Sanankoroba. And even without the allure of their admirable work, the lineup features true legends of the genre for three days in the south-east of France.

When and where: 2-4 August 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 history and scale of this event as well as the recent news surrounding it.

Fifty years ago, a festival took place in Bethel, New York, that would linger forever 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 like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Santana. Fifty years later, one of its original organisers wanted to pay tribute to Woodstock, with a festival featuring 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?

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

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

Chic Hippie Skirts