Top 10 Hippie Festivals in Europe

The spiritual home of hippies is undoubtedly the Caribbean (especially Jamaica). However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t huge events and hippie festivals in Europe as well. In fact, the European continent boasts a rich array of festivals that celebrate hippie music and culture, featuring international stars of the hippie and reggae scene.

Here’s a selection of the best options, 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. Although the lineup now also includes hip-hop (Ty Dolla Sign, MHD), the focus remains on psychedelic and reggae music, with a constant presence 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

Seasplash Festival is firmly rooted in the peace and love culture, offering a vibrant festival with reggae, dub, and ska sounds. Seasplash is also affiliated with the renowned Outlook 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 that embody the hippie movement worldwide, and even fewer in Europe, that regularly feature impressive stars like Reggae Sun Ska. The festival invites both revered veterans of the hippie scene and fresh talents from the new generation, showcasing the best the scene has to offer. Blues, soul, folk, reggae—all the most recognised musical styles of hippie culture are represented.

Some festival-goers are drawn to the more extreme side of this event. Drugs, sex, and alcohol outdoors 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 is back in 2019 after a long absence, highlighting flower power. The scale is now slightly smaller than it was before, but it retains the spirit of a 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 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

Although it might not be 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 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 celebration in the region shares the passion for culture with its sister festival, but the lineup is 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 Noir & Lion Rouge

Located in the northwest of France, beside an artificial lake, Dub Camp invites a wide range of sounds, singers, selectors, DJs, and much more to the picturesque rural site. Furthermore, the festival is firmly 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 taken place every year since 1979. Countless legends of the scene have graced the Belgian city, affirming the festival's status as a European reggae institution every 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 profits from the festival go towards building a medical centre in the rural Malian community of Sanankoroba. Even without the admirable work they do, the lineup features true legends of the genre over three days in southeastern 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 the event, as well as recent news surrounding it.

Fifty years ago, a festival was held in Bethel, New York, that would forever be immortalised in American culture. The Woodstock Music and Arts Festival of 1969 defined the era of hippiedom, often seen as the peak 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 bringing together a host 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 the hippie culture through your clothing. Get a bohemian hippie look, perfect for peace and love festivals.

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

Chic Hippie Skirts