Just Hanging Out
Woodstock took place over a whole weekend, and it’s safe to say that while it was extraordinarily exciting, it was also quite tiring to keep up with all the exciting things going on. It makes sense that this guy needed to take a bit of a break and snooze on the hood of a car in between musical sets.
Just Hanging Out
Traffic Jams
Getting to the festival was no easy feat as tens of thousands of music fans waited in traffic jams to get to Bethel for the festival. The roads ended up looking like parking lots with bumper to bumper standstill traffic. Eventually the roads were shut down, leaving some disappointed fans unable to reach the festival.
Traffic Jams
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix closed out the weekend, leaving fans waiting until day three for his iconic performance. There he performed his version of the Star Spangled Banner on the electric guitar that will live on forever. It turns out the band that performed with him was just a temporary crew, as his previous band broke up right before the festival.
Jimi Hendrix
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin performed at Woodstock and received $7500 for the gig. Her performance was legendary, especially her performance of “Piece of My Heart.” She and her band were flown out to the festival on a helicopter. When she wasn’t performing, she joined in on the festivities and had a good time alongside the fans and festival-goers.
Janis Joplin
John Sebastian
John Sebastian was not originally meant to perform at Woodstock, but his surprise performance ended up being quite unforgettable. He attended the festival and was asked to perform and he agreed on the spot! He even played three unreleased songs to a delighted audience.
John Sebastian
Unexpected Turnout
When it was originally planned, the festival was meant to take place in Wallkill, New York. It was later moved to Woodstock, a summer arts colony which was beloved by many musicians at the time. The planners estimated about 50,000 would show up, and were absolutely not prepared when 400,000 ended up coming instead.
Unexpected Turnout
No Place For Hate
One of the most important aspects of Woodstock was its discrimination policy. Anyone despite race, gender, and age could attend the festival without any issue. Many parents took their kids to the festival, and by the looks of it, they had a great time there as well! There are even stories of some babies being born at the festival, how crazy is that?
No Place For Hate
Sri Swami Satchidananda
Spiritual leader Sri Swami Satchindananda was also in attendance at Woodstock, and he kicked off the weekend with an impressive speech heard by the festival goers. He spoke about the energy and power of sound that the universe is run by.
Sri Swami Satchidananda
See And Be Seen
Woodstock ended up being one of the most prominent events of the 1960’s, especially for teenagers and young adults. It was certainly one of the most influential cultural events of the decade where young people were able to let loose, be free, and enjoy themselves without any cares in the world. The hippie movement was at its prime.
See And Be Seen
Busses And Caravans
All around the festival, abandoned busses and caravans could be found. There, people could enjoy some escapism and a bit of privacy away from the open fields of the festival. The vehicles were decked out in art and were a colorful sight to be seen.
Busses And Caravans
Crafts Galore
Plenty of creators were at the festival, selling clothes, hand made crafts, and plenty of drug paraphernalia as well. Of course, anyone looking for tie-dye would easily be able to find it while attending Woodstock.
Crafts Galore
Napping Anywhere
Between all of the musical performances, dancing, and socializing, it’s no wonder that festival goers were absolutely exhausted throughout the weekend. That’s why it was not uncommon to find people taking naps in unusual places, like this tired fellow taking a nap on a motorcycle of all places!
Napping Anywhere
This Way To Gentle Way
Woodstock organizers knew their audience, and they decided to make the signage for the different areas of the festival that would fit the vibe of the whole weekend. You could choose which direction you wanted to go in, whether it was Groovy Way or Gentle Path High Way. Which way would you choose?
This Way To Gentle Way
Jam Sessions
Festivals were the birthplace of the American version of drum circles, which are popular around the world as well. People come together to jam and create music together. What better place to explore your creativity and musical chops than at a legendary music festival?
Jam Sessions
The Sound System
Sound engineer Bill Hanley was in charge of making sure the sound was excellent at Woodstock. He said: “It worked very well. I built special speaker columns on the hills and had 16 loudspeaker arrays in a square platform going up to the hill on 70-foot [21 m] towers. We set it up for 150,000 to 200,000 people. Of course, 500,000 showed up.”
The Sound System
Experience Of A Lifetime
Woodstock Festival was a once in a lifetime experience for many of the people who ended up attending. For those of us who didn’t make it or are too young to have had experienced it, we’re quite jealous. It looked like an absolutely amazing and freeing experience.
Experience Of A Lifetime
Basking In The Sun
While one of the main attractions of the festival were the musical performances as well as the crafts that were available to be seen and purchase, many people took the opportunity to sit back and relax in the warm sun while enjoying the company of other people. They truly had the time of their lives.
Basking In The Sun
A Family Affair
Talk about having a cool dad. This guy brought his two sons along to the festival and is spending some time with them by a psychedelic painted bus. They’re having a grand old time, relaxing with some food and 7-Up soda during the festival.
A Family Affair
Carlos Santana
Rock legend Carlos Santana performed at Woodstock as well. He shared his experience with Rolling Stone magazine, saying: “So I said, ‘Hey, I think I’ll take some psychedelics, and by the time I’m coming down, it’ll be time to go on stage, and I’ll feel fine.’ But when I was peaking around two o’clock, somebody said, ‘If you don’t go right now, you’re not gonna go on.’”
Carlos Santana
Sharing Is Caring
Due to the fact that so many more people showed up to the festival than expected, there were logistical issues that came up. One of these was the fact that there was not enough food, but people were in a “peace and love” mode the whole weekend and they shared food in order to make sure that there would be enough to go around.
Sharing Is Caring
Incredible Performances
Woodstock is best known for the performances by so many legendary musicians. The list of performers included The Who, Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Ravi Shankar, Canned Heat, Jefferson Airplane, The Band, Joe Cocker and the Grease Band, Blood Sweat & Tears, and Crosby Stills Nash & Young, among others.
Incredible Performances
Helping Those In Need
One of the most incredible aspects of the festival was the fact that everyone was in a giving mood and that people did not hesitate to help one another out. This gave Woodstock an incredible community feeling, which truly helped it stand out from any other festival.
Helping Those In Need
On The Roof Vans
Psychedelic vans were the mode of transportation of the day, and that was clearly evident at Woodstock. They were not only very cool to look at, but they were also quite comfortable and convenient for long term travel. Sitting on their rooftops provided a great way to see the shows, while the interior was perfect for a between set nap.
On The Roof Vans
Anything Goes Style
While nowadays it’s a given that any style of dress is common at music festivals, it was not always the case. However, perhaps the idea was born at Woodstock, where people would wear anything and everything. This guy carried around a stick with a skull perched on top, and nobody seemed to bat an eye.
Anything Goes Style
Hugs All Around
Festival goers were not shy about sleeping all around the campgrounds throughout the weekend. People ended up sharing sleeping quarters and sleeping bags. Huddling together was common not only because it was the Summer of Love, but also so people could stay warm!
Hugs All Around
Unforgettable Weekend
Woodstock began on August 15th, 1969 and continued for three days. The “Aquarian Experience: 3 Days of Peace and Music” would eventually just be known as Woodstock festival ended up being a culture defining weekend that would forever remain a centerpiece of the 1960’s counterculture movement.
Unforgettable Weekend
Janis Onstage
Janis Joplin had one of her most prominent performances at Woodstock. Tragically, Joplin passed away due to a drug overdose just a year later. For those who attended Woodstock, they had the privilege of seeing her in one of her most legendary performances before she was taken away from the world.
Janis Onstage
Intimate Moments
Of course the main appeal of Woodstock were the legendary musical performances and gatherings, some of the most special and memorable moments for people who attended the festival include more private and intimate moments. There is no doubt that this was an unforgettable experience for many.
Intimate Moments
Food Time
One of the most special things that people experienced at Woodstock was the fact that everyone worked together and contributed to the communal experience of the weekend. People came together to help distribute food and made sure that everyone was properly fed.
Food Time
Rain Or Shine
Woodstock was planned to go on regardless of the weather, as the expression goes “come rain or shine.” And certainly both did! While there were moments of lovely sunshine, the rain also came and caused a lot of flooding. However, it doesn’t look like it dampened anyone’s experience!
Rain Or Shine
Daytime Dreaming
As we’ve seen, people took the opportunity to take a nap literally anywhere and anytime over the weekend. These two decided to just get on top of their car and take a snooze before rejoining the weekend’s festivities.
Daytime Dreaming
Working On Flexibility
Yoga rose to prominence in the United States beginning in the 1960’s and its popularity has only grown since then. People at Woodstock took the opportunity to learn and practice yoga together. There were even makeshift yoga classes that took place right there at the festival.
Working On Flexibility
All Together Now
People came together from all walks of life to enjoy a weekend of music, love, and enjoyment. One of the most important aspects of Woodstock was cultivating a community feeling. Everybody hung out together and it was a fantastic place to meet new people.
All Together Now
Another Piece Of Her Heart
Woodstock was of course one of Janis Joplin’s most iconic performances ever, especially since she branched out and embarked on a solo career. While performing at Woodstock, she stayed on stage until 2am! She won the crowd over.
Another Piece Of Her Heart
Come One Come All
Though at first there was an entrance fee to get into Woodstock, after it was clear that way more people had showed up than initially expected, the event organizers gave up on collecting an entry fee. People happily showed up and flooded the campgrounds. Even organizers knew that they had no chance of restricting the amount of people allowed in.
Come One Come All
Writing Music
Musician Tim Hardin performed on the third day of the festival. Although he is not one of the huge headliners, his hit song “If I Were a Carpenter” was certainly popular. The folk singer penned many songs and was a popular performer at the festival.
Writing Music
Peaceful Bubbles
The festival took place on a farm owned by Max Yasgur. The festival moved him to tears, and he said: “If we join them, we can turn those adversities that are the problems of America today into a hope for a brighter and more peaceful future.” If it weren’t for Yasgur, there would never have been a Woodstock festival.
Peaceful Bubbles
Flower Children
The “flower child” movement grew to prominence especially in the wake of the Vietnam War. People who flocked to Woodstock used the weekend as an opportunity to demonstrate peace and solidarity in opposing the war and its horrific events.
Flower Children
Keeping Up With The News
In order to keep up with the news throughout the weekend, people had to refer to newspaper and magazines. For young people these days, it’s hard to imagine a world without smartphones and the Internet in order to keep up with current events.
Keeping Up With The News
Youth Culture Fashion
This girl is absolutely channeling the fashion trends of the time: bell bottoms, neutral tones, and plenty of accessories. We wonder if arm cuffs will ever make a comeback, because she is certainly rocking it.
White Panther