If you are a 60s buff, then you are definitely familiar with the image of Woodstock. This music festival, which was meant to be a small gathering among like-minded individuals, ended up being an event that epitomized the hippie era and all it stood for. These historical photos bring you right back to this moment—a time in history when peace didn’t seem so out of reach.
Bubbles
the carefree woman in this photograph is simply enjoying life and blowing bubbles. Why has it become such a symbol for Woodstock? The image can capture what it truly means to be free, not only in the sense of togetherness but also in solitude.
Bubbles
The Flute
This audience member takes it upon herself to keep the music going while playing in between sets. Her demeanor and the people around her capture the sheer pleasure these individuals felt from just living life and loving music.
The Flute
Enjoying the View
When you hear the word hippies, this image may very well be what comes to mind: with not a care in the world, these guys have the best seat in the house, and it looks like they’re enjoying every moment.
Enjoying The View
Tim Hardin
The legendary Tim Harden performed on the first day of the festival. With nothing but his guitar and vocals, Hardin made history that day. Because of his tragic death from a drug overdose, the sight of a pensive Tim Hardin is extra emotional.
Tim Hardin
Resting
With a hat covering his eyes and his legs stretched out, this man found the perfect spot to lounge in between two cars. If you can take anything away from this image, it’s that there’s always time for some you time no matter where you are.
Resting
Sri Swami Satchidananda
You can’t spell Woodstock without Sri Swami Satchidananda. This legendary guru gave the opening speech at the beginning of the festival, reminding all of its attendants of the importance of music and its role in peace. He certainly influenced his audience. The four-day festival is one of the most peace-loving events in history, despite having little supervision.
Sri Swami Satchidananda
Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker performed on the last day of the concert. While he may not have been the biggest star to appear, his energy made a lasting impression on everyone, especially in this image.
Joe Cocker
Fortunetelling
Woodstock was all about spirituality and finding yourself. This image of one woman reading another woman’s palm emphasizes the openness that people who attended this festival brought with them.
Fortunetelling
Nap Time
Taking a moment to sleep on the roof of a car in the middle of a festival with thousands of people is certainly impressive. It’s also a perfect symbol for love and peace—finding your other half and enjoying life in the midst of all the craziness.
Nap Time
Sharing is Caring
Part of what made Woodstock so unique was its sense of community and sharing. In this image, a meal is being prepared for everyone at the festival—part of the love-all sensation that emanated through this time.
Sharing Is Caring
Being Carefree Also Means Caring
There were several professional nurses at Woodstock, there to help with everything they could. Tragically, there were a couple of deaths during the festival, but also a couple of births. For this, the event received some mixed reviews. Whatever your thoughts, this image represents the caring sentiment that was such an important part of the festival.
Being Carefree Also Means Caring
Family Event
Woodstock was not only for young adults. Several families came along for fun. Here is a picture of a chill dad grooving with his pups outside their psychedelic minivan…far out!
Family Event
And the Audience Goes Wild
500,000 people on a 600-acre dairy farm certainly leave an impression on you. This blur of Woodstockers joining together to have a good time is a sight to see. It’s funny to think only 100,000 tickets were sold. Perhaps peace and love just shouldn’t cost anything.
And The Audience Goes Wild
Staying Clean
Staying clean must have been a tad challenging during this festival. You have to admire these people for even trying to wash off in the first place. A little dirt never hurt anyone!
Staying Clean
Medical Emergencies
With an event made out of 500,000 people, injuries are bound to happen. This image shows the less easy-going part of the festival. Helicopters flew in several times with emergency supplies. This medical crew represents the unsung heroes behind this memorable moment in history.
Medical Emergencies
Old School
Nowadays, it’s hard to remember a time without social media and smartphones, giving us direct contact with our loved ones. This image is especially pertinent to us today, as it shows us journalists recording the events by hand and people making contact with friends and loved ones through a good old-fashioned landline phone.
Old School
Melanie Safka
Melanie Safka made her big break when allowed to play at the festival after The Incredible String Band was canceled. She was one of the only three women who played at the event. Despite her nerves, which she said caused her voice to quiver, she was able to pull off a beautiful and memorable performance.
Melanie Safka
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin remains one of the most loved performers of all time. On the second day of the festival, she gave a goosebumpy performance of Piece of my Heart. With her unique persona and extraordinary talent, Janis Joplin certainly belonged on the Woodstock stage.
Janis Joplin
Dealing with Rain
Some might complain about their blankets getting soaked in water. Not this couple! In this image, they are simply taking things as they are. One of them is even enjoying a cigarette as he does so. Lesson learned: Life happens. Sometimes you just need to get up and deal with it.
Dealing With Rain
Knowledge is Power
It’s always the right time to read. Just ask the guy on the porch. Woodstock wasn’t just about music and dancing. It was also about stepping away from life for a little while—enjoying some pure, unfiltered, perched-in-the-air reflection.
Knowledge Is Power
Woodstock Designed
If you had to choose the official pattern to represent Woodstock, it would be these tapestries. Even today, you can see some nostalgic college students hanging these designs up in their dorms. Some statements truly are ageless.
Woodstock Designed
Catching Zzz Where You Can
As you can imagine, finding a time and place to sleep in a packed music festival can be a challenge. This guy arguably found the best spot, stretched out on a motorcycle with a pillow under his head and a perfect view of the crowd (just in case he misses anything).
Catching Zzz Where You Can
Sleeping like the Dead
Some saw the cemetery as the perfect place to camp out. While this may not have been a totally respectful thing to do, it certainly did feed to the circle-of-life vibe that emanated from the festival.
Sleeping Like The Dead
Woodstock Chic
With a carefree attitude comes a carefree look. This happy Woodstock couple totally captures this feeling of release—loose hair, unattended beards, and bright, comfortable clothes.
Woodstock Chic
Jimi Hendrix & the Gypsy Suns and Rainbows
Jimi Hendrix always gave a memorable performance. His Woodstock performance was made exceptionally memorable by his impromptu assemblage of a new band—made of musicians who never even performed until that day! Gypsy Suns and Rainbows didn’t last long after their Woodstock performance, but their memory certainly remained.
Jimi Hendrix & The Gypsy Suns And Rainbows
People, People, People
Taking part in Woodstock meant taking part in some tight crowds. Even so, the sense of togetherness is definitely felt in this photo. So many people united by their love for music is certainly a sight to see.
People, People, People
Listening to the Beat
During the festival, it seemed as if the music was flowing through people’s veins. Nothing else mattered but music and self-expression. This image totally captures this moment, with some people using barrels as their instruments. It’s interesting to note that many would play music with people they hadn’t even met yet! If only this sense of inclusiveness could exist everywhere…
Listening To The Beat
Safe and Warm
This cozy photo totally demonstrates the air of love and togetherness that kept the festival going and made it such an iconic moment in history. As sunlight starts to fill the air, these young lovebirds look like they are more than at peace with where they are.
Safe And Warm
Decked Out
While Woodstock is mostly associated with colorful clothing, many opted for different styles—like this young woman, who went for the all-black, mega-cool look. This festival’s beauty was that it was a place for everyone to be themselves—united only by a shared love of peace and music.
Decked Out
Missing out on Concerts Doesn’t Mean Missing Out on Music
According to Bill Hanley—the man behind the sound systems for the festival—the special speaker columns built would have worked just fine for the originally intended number of people—200,000 at most. But since 500,000 people ended up attending the concerts, it was bound to happen that not everyone would get to hear their favorite artists. No threat, though! The amiable atmosphere meant that music was constantly playing, and everyone got to hear something. People like this guy took it upon themselves to deliver a grand performance, even in places like the parking lot!
Missing out on Concerts Doesn’t Mean Missing Out on Music
Car Roofs Have Multiple Uses
With such a crowded event, people got pretty creative with where they parked their vehicles…and themselves for that matter. These people chilling on top of their cars are yet another example of the endless ingenuity people displayed to find a good viewing spot.
Creativity, folks! It’s a thing…
Car Roofs Have Multiple Uses
Chilling with the Trees
In the spirit of Woodstock, people got pretty comfortable in nature. Trees became a total sanctuary to cozy up among and relished in the shade. Definitely, a healthier alternative to ACs and these folks certainly seem to be enjoying their time!
Chilling With The Trees
Just Me and My Guitar
This guy just totally demonstrates what Woodstock was all about: music, creativity, self-reflection, and nature. While Woodstock was, needless to say, crowded, somehow, people always seemed to find the time to embrace solitude and just create. It was the perfect place to be for any budding musician at the time.
Just Me And My Guitar
Got Milk?
We may have mentioned a couple of times that this festival took place on a dairy farm…well, let’s just say people took full advantage of that fact…like this guy, who decided to get himself some refreshing milk from the resources available.
Got Milk
High Ways and Highways
When things felt confusing and without direction, Woodstock represented young adults’ chance to explore their own paths and passions. These fun signs surrounded by nature demonstrate that feeling of freedom from constriction.
High Ways And Highways
The Less Groovy Side of Things
Unfortunately, traffic accidents are simply unavoidable in large gatherings; Woodstock was no exception. It’s sad but true that lots of people got hurt during this event. But it’s also true that the air of care and togetherness meant that there were plenty of people willing to stop what they were doing and help when they were needed.
The Less Groovy Side Of Things
Flower Power!
No wonder so many movies were made based on Woodstock! Just look how beautiful and happy this couple is! We can’t help but think of them as the main role of some romantic Woodstock movie!
Flower Power!
Dancing for the Rain
When people hear the words hippie dance, they probably picture something, not unlike this image. But dances like these are a part of what made Woodstock so great—an openness to new customs and spiritual togetherness. Far out, indeed!
Dancing For The Rain
Far Out Cruising
It’s pictures like these that make us wish this style still existed. The jacket, the hair, the motorcycle—it’s all too groovy to handle! Maybe what that woman was whispering was, “I hope our look never goes out of style!”
Far Out Cruising
Tie-Dye-lightful!
You can’t spell Woodstock without tie-dye! Well, you can, but…you get it. Tie-dye was practically the unofficial dress code for many festival-goers at Woodstock. And with those lively, meshed patterns, we can understand why. Just in case you were wondering where people got their far-out attires, you got your answer right here in this picture…
Tie-Dye Lightful!
Making a Difference
Woodstock became an emblem for peace, love, and connection through music in a time so full of rifts and close-mindedness. This picture of people sitting together but looking out towards different fields of vision symbolizes just that.
Making A Difference
“Our Culture, Our Music, Our Art”
John Sinclair summed up what Woodstock was all about when he said, “Our culture, our art, our music, our books, our posters, our clothing, the way our hair grows long, and eat and sleep – it’s all one message – the message is freedom.” And that’s precisely what the festival was—a place to put aside your prejudice, your ties to synthetic life, and just do what humans are born to do—come together, create, and rock on!
“Our Culture, Our Music, Our Art”
Inside The Fisheye Teepee
Fish-eye photos were actually not so commonly seen at Woodstock; however, these folks were lucky enough only to own a fish-eye teepee but to have captured one amazing shot. They cleverly placed their camera on the ground in the middle of their teepee, which resulted.
Inside The Fisheye Teepee
Lotus Or Ustrasana?
During the 1960s, yoga was trendy, and this was no different at any Woodstock festival. Many people took the time to learn some new yoga poses and get their daily yoga dose during the event. No Woodstock event was ever complete without the presence of yoga.
Lotus Or Ustrasana?
Two Hours Of Down Time
Getting any amount of sleep while attending Woodstock was not always the easiest task, and those who were unfortunate enough not to have any form of protection had to make do with their surroundings. The music constantly lasted for 48 hours, between Saturday noon until midday on Monday, and there were only two hours of silence.
Two Hours Of Down Time
Santana
Before people attended Woodstock, they had no idea as to who Santana actually was. That was until Santana took to the stage on the second day, where they performed one memorable show. This San Francisco rock band was very new to the music scene and had just released their first album earlier that month.
Santana
Woodstock VS Coachella
This is probably the epitome of what the “coolest” Woodstock couple looked like. Her long, Bohemian style dress was so in fashion back in the 60s. But if we compare it to the fashion at 2019 Coachella, not much has changed, right? How can we forget her stunning blonde waves and this dude’s amazing fro?
Woodstock VS Coachella
Instant Gratification
This photo is a great representation of the pure joy people felt attending Woodstock along with the other hundreds of thousand people. From peace signs to huge smiling faces, Woodstock in the 1960s was full of electric energy and pure joy. Every person that went to Woodstock has the best time of their lives and couldn’t wait for the next amazing festival.
Instant Gratification
Love Makes The World Go ‘Round
During the 3 days of peace and music, sharing was a huge trend, especially as everyone felt completely unified. Naturally, people made sure there was enough food to feed roughly 400 000 mouths throughout the festival. However, unfortunately, things did not go as planned, which meant they needed to share. But they did not mind, as they were celebrating positivity and love.
Love Makes The World Go ‘Round
Family Friendly
At Woodstock, there was no place or time for any form of discrimination. This meant that regardless of the person, age, race, or gender, they were there. So, this meant that parents would take their children with them. But that’s not the best part; during the festival, there were actually a handful of babies born over the 3 days. Quite amazing, right?
Family Friendly
Caught In The Act
With 400 000 people all in one space, wanting a bit of privacy was not something that could easily happen. As a result, those who wanted a few romantic moments to themselves had to actively seek out a spot where they thought no one would find them. Unfortunately for these lovebirds, their fellow festivalgoers caught them in the act.
Caught In The Act
Fashion Forward
Let’s not forget, this was the 60s. The fashion during this time was stunning and represented a sense of freedom. Girls wore hip-hugging bell-bottom jeans along with t-shirts or crop tops; not much was left for the imagination. The fashion was considered to be “eccentric,” but Woodstock was the best place for both men and women to rock the latest trends.
Fashion Forward
No AC? No Problem!
As we’ve mentioned before, tons of people attended Woodstock, so traffic into the location was terrible and somewhat impossible. In 1960, not all cars had air conditioners, which can be rather annoying to deal with. So these young men decided to enjoy the traffic jam and sit in the bonnet of their car. At least they had the concert to keep them entertained.
No AC? No Problem!
Monkey Business
Security at Woodstock wasn’t exactly on the tight side, which meant people brought along anything and everything…including their pet monkey. When nearly half a million people show up to a rock concert, it’s not that easy to control all the shenanigans. This picture definitely shows us just how much fun every person (and animal) had celebrating peace and love.
Monkey Business
Kids Entertainment
Believe it or not, but this photo is real and actually is from Woodstock. Parents with young children gathered to watch a free puppet show…what better way to keep your kids entertained? Although this was a rock music festival mainly for adults, people came out with wonderful ways to treat their children and, of course, keep them happy.
Kids Entertainment
The Challenge Of Getting There
First things first, of course: transportation. To get into the event, you would have to join tens of thousands of other people who flocked to Bethel, New York. The roads looked like parking lots! It is not surprising to hear that people decided to go on foot simply. The roads eventually closed down, which meant some people did not even get to the road leading to the festival. On stage, Arlo Guthrie announced, “The New York State Thruway is closed, man.” As a matter of fact, it remained open the whole time, although the state police had to shut the Harriman and Newburgh exits to stop more people from going to the Woodstock Festival.
The Challenge Of Getting There
A Surprise John Sebastian Set
John Sebastian’s Woodstock performance was not actually scheduled, but it was still unforgettable. He watched the festival but agreed when the organizers asked him to perform as an acoustic guitar player. Overall, he played three unreleased songs on top of two others. What an icon!
A Surprise John Sebastian Set
Bigger Than They Thought
It was difficult to develop a fitting venue for the festival to fit all of the expected attendees. In the beginning, the plan was to hold it in the summer arts colony called Woodstock, which was a favorite of many musicians. However, the first festival location was Wallkill, New York. When the locals found out how big it was going to be, they expressed objections to it. After this, they moved the event to farmland in Bethel. Despite the planning, they were not prepared for the 400,000 attendees that ended up coming. They only had 50,000 people in mind! The event exceeded expectations in terms of both the activity and the guests. As a matter of fact, Governor Rockefeller considered sending the National Guard for crowd control help. Sullivan County even declared a state of emergency!
Bigger Than They Thought
Buses And Caravans Aplenty
There were caravans and abandoned buses scattered across the festival grounds. This served as the ideal escape from reality or the opportunity to enjoy a little privacy!
Buses And Caravans Aplenty
Shopping Galore
There were also makeshift shops that sold crafts, clothes, and drug paraphernalia. It only boosted the aural and visual fest Woodstock had to offer. These are still common sights at music concerts and festivals, of course. During the festival itself, many people left with tie-dye shirts on their backs! If people came without a change of clothes, they had nothing to worry about.
Shopping Galore
More Amazing Performances
There were many musical acts over the course of those three days. Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Who were among those who performed! Do you think any other festival will live up to the expectations Woodstock set? We doubt it.
More Amazing Performances
Lending A Hand To Those In Need
As we have said, love was in the air during the three-day event. People did not hesitate to help each other out when necessary. Aside from the music, this sense of community separates Woodstock from any music festival before and after it.
Lending A Hand To Those In Need
Anything Goes
Generally, people are free to wear whatever they want to music festivals. While most people at Woodstock opted for the tie-dye look, some took the opportunity to stand out and send a message. Do you think he was under the influence of drugs at the time? Who knows what message this fellow wants to say, although we have to admit we are impressed by his creativity and dedication.
Anything Goes
Raindrops On My Head
The rain became quite normal for the crowd. They started to become used to it and even enjoy the cool drops. This woman seems not even to notice the weather anymore.
Raindrops On My Head
No Fences
Can you believe that only 100,000 people were expected at Woodstock? The number tripled, and resources soon became scarce. Organizers decided to cut all of the fences surrounding the event, and that’s when the number of attendees skyrocketed.
No Fences
Mister Garcia
Jerry Garcia, singer-songwriter and guitarist, posed a nice photo just before the amazing Grateful Dead took the stage. His glasses, long hair, and beard just scream Woodstock.
Mister Garcia
Just Dance
No matter where you looked, everyone at Woodstock was smiling, dancing, and singing. The music was rushing through their bodies, and their souls couldn’t help but be joyous.
Just Dance
Max To The Rescue
Just before Woodstock was about to occur, the organizers found themselves in quite a predicament after their initial location had sadly fallen through. However, fortunately, this amazing couple stepped up to the plate. Max Yasgur heard about the organizers’ struggles and offered to help. He and his wife owned a 600-acre farm, which they offered to host the festival. Obviously, they asked to be compensated $50,000 for the use of the farm for the three-day event. Once the festival was in full swing, Max made his way on stage, where all heavily applauded him.
Max To The Rescue
Free Of Charge
It’s virtually impossible to find a concert or festival that is completely free in this day and age. Tickets are generally sold out well in advance, exactly what happened in the 60s with Woodstock. As a matter of fact, Woodstock organizers sold 186,000 tickets before the main event happened. Nonetheless, word spread like wildfire that nobody was checking tickets at the gates. So more and more people turned up, and this picture is the result.
Free Of Charge
Hang Out & Chill!
Since this was a 3 full day festival and some people attended Woodstock spontaneously, they needed to wash their clothes at some point. Here we see a picture of people who had just washed their clothes and hung them up near the tents to air dry overnight. Although many people actually opted to go without clothes, these people seemed to be more level-headed.
Hang Out & Chill!
Keeping Themselves Entertained
Out of all the pictures we’ve listed, this is by far one of the most interesting. Now we know what can happen when many young people getaway for 3 days and are “unsupervised”….well, let’s just say things can get a little out of hand. We’ve all been there at least once, right? Well, these fellas sure made the most of the time while their heads were up in the clouds. According to them, you only live once, so why not?
Keeping Themselves Entertained
The Incredible String Band
English pop group, The Incredible String Band, performing at the Woodstock Music Festival Bethel New York, August 15, 1969. From the left are Rose Simpson, Mike Heron, Christina “Licorice” McKechnie, and Robin Williamson. The group’s singer/songwriter, Christina “Licorice” McKechnie, disappeared while hitchhiking in the Arizona desert nearly 20 years later.
The Incredible String Band
Long Line Of Cars
A man drives a Volkswagen Beetle ahead of a long line of cars on the way to the Woodstock Music & Art Fair while flashing a peace sign through the car’s sunroof, in Bethel, New York, in August 1969.
Long Line Of Cars
Hanging For Your Dear…Life?
Festivalgoers hang from bent metal tubing as another untangled rope to tie the tubes together to form a tent frame on the Woodstock Festival’s grounds in August 1969.
Hanging For Your Dear…Life?
A Young Man In A Leather Vest
Near the “Free Stage” at the Woodstock Music & Arts Fair, a shirtless young man in a leather vest makes a face as he leans against a decorated school bus used by the Hog Farmers, a group who had been asked to help construct, ensure security, and provide food for the event.
A Young Man In A Leather Vest