Top 10 Hippie Festivals in Europe

Top 10 Hippie Festivals in Europe

The spiritual home of the hippies is undoubtedly the Caribbean (Jamaica in particular). But that doesn't mean that there aren't huge hippie events and festivals in Europe too. In fact, the European continent has a rich offer of festivals that celebrate hippie music and culture, bringing together international stars of the hippie spirit and reggae.

Here is a selection of the best, to give you an idea of what is offered in Europe without having to book a flight to see Bob Marley in Jamaica

Summerjam

Headliners: Marteria, Gentleman, Ziggy Marley

Since 1985, the German Summerjam festival has been one of the most respected hippie festivals in Europe. Although the program now also includes hip hop (Ty Dolla Sign, MHD), the focus remains on psychedelic music and reggae, and the program is constantly filled with stars of this genre.

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

Seasplash Festival

Headliners (2019): Mad Proffesor, Lee Scratch Perry, Dub Pistols

Seasplash Festival is firmly rooted in peace and love culture, with a colorful festival and reggae, dub and ska sounds. Seasplash is also affiliated with the famous Outlook bass music festival which is more focused on soundsystem style music. 

When and where: 18-19 July 2019; Sibenik, Croatia

Reggae Sun Ska

Reggae Sun Ska

Headliners (2019): Ziggy Marley, Dub Inc, Morcheeba, Calypso Rose

There are not many festivals dedicated to the hippie movement in the world, and even less in Europe, that regularly offer stars as impressive as Reggae Sun Ska. Inviting both revered veterans of the hippie scene, to modern talents of the new generation, the festival showcases the best the scene has to offer. Blues, soul, folk, reggae all the most recognized musical styles of the hippy culture are at the rendezvous.

Some festival goers are interested in the more extreme side of this festival. Drugs, sex and alcohol in the open air are commonplace, but always in the respect of the peace and love doctrine.

When and where: 2-4 August 2019; Vertheuil, France

Uppsala Reggae Festival

Uppsala Reggae Festival

Headliners: Jimmy Cliff, Alborosie & Shengen Clan, Tarrus Riley & The Blak Soil Band

Scandinavia's largest hippie festival is back in 2019 after a long absence and showcases flower power.The scale is now a bit smaller than it used to be, but it retains the spirit of the festival that once hosted hundreds of reggae icons from all generations.

When and Where: July 27-28, 2018; Uppsala, Sweden

Rototom Sunsplash

Rototom Sunsplash

Headliners (2019): Ziggy Marley, Chronixx, Busy Signal, Queen Ifrica, Israel Vibration, Marcia Griffiths

Rototom Sunsplash, Europe's reggae and bohemian festival, is a week-long celebration of hippie music and culture. Workshops, forums and seminars complete the impressive offering, all united in promoting a message of peace, love and solidarity.

When and Where: August 16-22, 2019; Benicassim, Spain

Uprising Festival

Headliners (2019): Ms. Lauryn Hill, Chase & Status (DJ Set) & Rage, Jo Mersa Marley, Elephant Man, Nneka

While it's not the first place that comes to mind when you think of hippie style, much of Central and Eastern Europe has a rich appreciation for the culture. Slovakia's Uprising Festival isn't afraid to explore the continuing influence of reggae, showcasing drum and bass, jungle, dubstep and dancehall alongside more traditional sounds.

When and where: August 23-24, 2019; Bratislava, Slovakia

Ruhr Reggae Summer (Dortmund & Mülheim)

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 region's annual reggae extravaganza shares a passion for the culture with its sister festival, but the lineup is completely different, meaning German reggae fans have even more of an opportunity to celebrate the music they love.

When and where: May 31 - June 2 and August 10-12, 2018; Dortmund and Mülheim, Germany

Dub Camp Festival

Dub Camp Festival

Headliners (2019): Mungo's Hi Fi, King Shiloh Sound System ft. Black Omolo & Red Lion

Located in northwestern France, on the shores of a man-made lake, Dub Camp invites a wide range of sounds, singers, selectors, deejays and more to the picturesque rural location.In addition, the festival is firmly committed to the environment and a green approach.

When and where: July 11-14, 2019; Joué-sur-Erdre, France

Reggae Geel

Headliners (2017): Jah Cure, Steel Pulse, Christopher Martin

Europe's oldest hippie festival, Reggae Geel has taken place annually since 1979. Countless legends of the scene have made their way to the Belgian city, confirming the festival's status as a European reggae institution each year.

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

Festival Nomade Reggae

Festival Nomade Reggae

Headliners (2019): Alborosie, Sinsemilia, Israel Vibration

Organized by a charitable organization, the festival's proceeds go to build a medical center in the rural Malian community of Sanankoroba. And even without the lure of the admirable work they do, the lineup constitutes true legends of the genre for three days in southeastern France.

When and Where: August 2-4, 2019; Frangy, France

Special Mention : Woodstock Festival

Special Mention Woodstock Festival

Although this festival is not held in Europe, it is important to mention it because of the history and magnitude of this event as well as the recent news surrounding this festival.

Fifty years ago, a festival was held in Bethel, New York that would live on forever in the American imagination. The Woodstock Music and Arts Festival of 1969 defined the era of hippiedom, often considered the pinnacle of rock 'n' roll and free love, with superstars such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Santana. Fifty years later, one of its original organizers wanted to pay homage to Woodstock, a festival that brought together a host of musical acts old and new to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the weekend and its promise of peace, love and music.

How to dress at a hippie festival?

At Vie De Bohème we help you spread hippie culture through your clothes. Have a hippie bohemian look, perfect for peace and love festivals.

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