The Merry Pranksters Road Trip

The 1960s marked the birth of the Hippie culture in America. Hippies were considered to be outcasts who did not belong and rebelled against the conventional social structures. However, hippies were often accused of promoting drug abuse. This was a tumultuous phase in America when a lot of things were transpiring. This particular picture was taken in 1964 when the band of Merry Pranksters took a painted bus from California to New York in a bid to travel around America. These hippies united under the common social fabric of outrightly rejecting the Vietnam war, government policies, societal rules, and much more.

Young and Free

The hippie movement was characterized by young people leading a defining movement. The traditional modes of society were outright rejected. The role of women in this movement cannot be ignored as they were the torchbearers of bringing forth new ideas. Though they faced a lot of criticism from society, they remained undeterred in their goals. In this picture, a woman can be seen dancing freely without taking into consideration what people may think of her. Hippies felt alienated from society. They felt that it promoted repression and capitalism. One of the most prominent features that defined them was their distinctive lifestyle.

Hippie Woman At Woodstock

The Woodstock festival broke all records, and the crowd was uncontrollable. Musical performances were given by some of the greatest singers of their time. The initial number of people expected at the festival was surpassed by a big number. The young people who mostly followed hippie culture could be seen dancing everywhere while their favorite artists performed on the stage. People of different races, cultures, and ages were seen attending the event. It seems like people had somehow come to know that Woodstock is going to make history, and they had to be a part of it. This young hippie woman is all dressed up for the festival.

Cuddles And Smiles

One of the great things about the Woodstock Music Festival was that young lovers were captured all curled up in the rainy weather. The hippies adopted unique styles to showcase their taste in fashion. For instance, tye-dye fashion was widely observed in the crowd. The event was attended by scores of couples and families with kids. The newfound freedom of doing whatever they wanted provided them an escape. Here is a beautiful picture of a hippie couple cuddling under a warm blanket. Many photos from the festival, similar to this one, went viral after the event concluded. What an adorable couple!

Let The Music Play

Strangers, friends, and families gathered at the Woodstock Festival and literally created music. They made music out of anything that they could lay their hands on. Taking scraps of articles in their hands, they held music sessions and created their own music. If you walked through the grounds of the place where the event was being held, you would see numerous small groups of people jamming together. It was truly a musical community, as anyone could join any group and create beautiful music. Hippies surely knew how to enjoy their freedom and music. It was a community of one of a kind.

I Found A Friend In You

One of the best things about community events is that you get a chance to forge new friendships. And this applies to Woodstock Music Festival as well, wherein scores of individuals gathered and formed long-lasting relationships. The music event broke the ice between strangers who left with new friends in their circle. The theme of this festival revolved around the concepts of love, rock n roll, and peace. If you stumbled upon any stranger, you were surely going to hit it off and build a beautiful bond no matter what cultural background you belong to. Hippies would have fun in large groups and enjoy the music.

On The Road

It goes without saying that the Woodstock Music Festival exploded with people. The attendees came from all corners of America. The organizers of the festival were in no way prepared to handle a crowd of this magnitude. At one point, they were forced to admit everyone when people started climbing the fences to see their favorite artists perform. One can only try to imagine the surprise on the faces of onlookers when thousands of hippies flooded the place. The roads were jam packed with cars, and it seemed everybody had the same destination, which was Woodstock. This clearly shows how important the festival was for some people.

Forever Young

After the closure of San Francisco’s Fox Theatre, the hippies took it upon themselves to keep their memory alive forever. Many dressed up for the dance performances and bought everything that was left from their stock. The duo dancing in this picture can be seen celebrating the freedom and spontaneity of life. This popular movement was one of a kind and was widely documented. Hippies lived by one motto, “Live and let live.” Most of them were college dropouts who rejected the social norms. They believed in dancing freely, even on the roads, without feeling ashamed about anything. They simply didn’t care what society thought of them.

Freedom and Religion

A lot of people believed that hippies were a threat to society whose aim was to disrupt the peace of people. Most people had this preconceived notion that hippies were anything but religious, and no one among them could be a practicing Christian. However, this was just a myth, and this picture confirms the same thing. In this picture, the woman is attending a concert and vibing with the hippie culture while wearing a cross around her neck. This clearly shows that people had a lot of misunderstandings regarding this tribe. Well, all they really wanted was to be wild and free!

The Coolest Mama

Woodstock was a grand affair, and a lot of bizarre things happened at the festival that made headlines. It was reported that the event was attended by almost half a million people, which included pregnant women as well. Rumors were that many women gave birth in the midst of the festival. Well, everything about hippies was wild and precarious, so you should not be surprised. Here in the photograph is a mother carrying her child while attending the famous Woodstock festival. Well, people could not miss the chance of being a part of this historical event, and it didn’t matter if they had to bring their kids along.

Soaking in The Rain

To see the great performances happening at Woodstock, Hippies came to New York from different places. They endured rain, bad weather, traffic mess just to be a part of the three-day music concert. Known to be as the “musical event of the century,” this was a gathering of people who had a mutual love for music, dance, freedom and who openly criticized the government for the happenings in Vietnam. The weather was so unpleasant that the whole place was covered in mud, but people stood through it all just to watch their favorite bands play. And this picture says the same.

Get Groovin

What was supposed to be an event for 50,000 people witnessed an influx of around 500,000 people. This is a huge number, and one can only imagine what a sight it would have been. Hippies were seen dancing wildly, throwing their hair around to show everyone what it was like to live a free life. Woodstock was a festival that made history, and it is considered to be a significant event that changed the course of the counterculture revolution in America happening in the ’60s. Such was the popularity of this event that people crashed the gates and climbed the fences just to be a part of it.

Crazy Yet Peaceful

Woodstock was one crazy event, and the hippies could not afford to lose the chance to be a part of this magical event. The whole area was filled with the crowd, and the people who organized the event were worried about the chances of a violent breakout. However, no untoward incident was reported, and the festival went smoothly. In this picture, a woman can be seen singing her heart out and dancing to the tunes of heavy metal music, which is quite popular with the hippie culture. Scenes of people dancing and singing freely were a common spectacle at the Woodstock event.

Celebrating Togetherness

The 1960s counterculture movement in America is significant for its wild nature. The American youth rejected the capitalist society and raised their voice against war. They promoted the idea of loving freely and not limiting it to the institution of marriage. One slogan that went viral during those days was, “Make love, not war.” In this photograph, young people are dancing freely at the Woodstock music festival that lasted for three days. This event is remembered by people for a lot of reasons. Braving bad weather and traffic, people traveled for miles just to attend this festival. They could not afford to lose the chance of attending this grand event.

Warm Love

Bobbi and Nick Ercoline attended the Woodstock festival, just like so many other people, but they were in for a great surprise. This iconic photograph of the couple embracing under a blanket ended up being on the cover of Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More. And even after all these years, the couple is still together and have appeared in several interviews talking about their amazing journey. The Woodstock music festival attracted a large number of people from different parts of the country who were anti-establishment, breaking all the shackles that inhibited the flow of free thought. This couple just got way too lucky.

Slaying With My Girl

The hippies redefined how fashion was perceived in society. Before the 1960s, the youth was not so bold in their choice of clothing, but things began to change as the hippie culture rose in popularity. Here, in this picture, two hippies can be seen walking the streets of London. Since hippies outrightly rejected the mainstream, they conveyed their rebellion even through their clothes. Men and women both could be seen draped in loose dresses, floral shirts, scarves, and headbands. They rejoiced in this newfound freedom of wearing anything that they liked without conforming to the rules of society. This was one of the things that liberated them.

Media Paints Woodstock In Bad Light

One of the reasons why Woodstock became so popular is because it got wide media coverage. Different media channels had made their way to the festival to report what was happening there. However, a lot of people accused them of painting the wrong image of the event. The media claimed that a lot of bad stuff was happening at Woodstock, which made a lot of people uneasy and worried back home. Nonetheless, the people who attended the event said that the whole thing went peacefully, and there was no incident that could cause potential discord. The two contradictory statements did create confusion.

Sending The Message Of Peace And Love

The Woodstock festival was based on the theme of love, peace, and happiness. The idea was to share the message of togetherness by celebrating music and freedom. Though the place had a huge number of attendees, the event at large was peaceful. Groups of hippies were scattered throughout the place, and they made their presence felt through their clothes and music. Even though organizers were a little worried about the situation, everything went well in the end. The message was sent all across the world. All these young people wanted was to have a good time with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Wild And Free

The hippie movement was an escape for the youth who felt oppressed back at home. This community of people would regularly journey to different places in order to find peace or to just wander in the wild. One of the most common activities associated with this tribe was that of dancing freely. Groups of people would form a circle and dance wildly without thinking about how society would perceive them. This would, in turn, liberate them and make them believe that they did not have to follow certain rules just to feel that they belonged somewhere. A free life is what they desired.

A Taste Of Love And Free Thought

Right at the beginning of the 1970s, San Francisco was teeming with hippies. Some were free-spirited, while others adopted a wild nature to make their identity known. In addition to this, it should also be noted that San Francisco was very lenient when it came to keeping up with those who rebelled against social structures and promoted the idea of multiculturalism. A lot of black and white photos came forward from that era. These pictures documented the daily life of hippies who were mostly deemed as social outcasts. This community favored individualism and the idea of a free society that did not repress marginalized groups.

Joplin In San Francisco

Janis Joplin was a musical icon who moved to San Francisco when she was pretty young. She shot to fame after performing some of the popular hits with Big Brother and Holding Company at a musical fest. Most women in San Francisco during the sixties were struggling to fit in the society. However, she was of a strong character and decided to pursue her individuality. During that period of time, San Francisco was brimming with hippies who would walk its streets freely. Joplin was deeply affected by this movement and was closely associated with the countercultural movement, which had a great impact on her life.

Blissful Dance

The hippie culture is remembered due to its distinct features. These include the tie-dyed t-shirts, loose shirts, headscarves, adopting various peace signs and slogans. Young people would regularly visit fests and cultural events where they felt like they belonged. For instance, in this picture, a couple is dancing freely at a gathering. At the cusp of the 1960s, many young people were attracted to the lifestyle of hippies. It was especially because of the way they led their lives. Rejected by society, they fought for their identity. Their anti-government movement is another factor why so many young people joined forces with them.

Jamming Session

San Francisco had witnessed one of the highest influx of hippies who especially took shelter in the Haight-Ashbury district. This was because the place welcomed these so-called outcasts rather than isolating them. Here, George Harrison can be seen playing for a group of people in San Francisco. Finding solace in music, people belonging to the hippie community would often connect with each other through it. Harrison had a close connection with the hippie culture, and he would often perform for them. These social gatherings were said to hold a special place as they helped people, who could even be strangers, to connect with each other.

A Sunny Day In San Francisco

The generation born post World War 2 in America was quite different from their ancestors. They did not hesitate to question government policies and break away from traditional values. Another unique thing about them was they chose various means to earn their livelihood. During this time, San Francisco witnessed growth in free clinics and grocery stores, which was central to the lives of these young hippies. Identifying them was quite an easy task as they wore pretty unusual clothes. To show people they could survive without bowing down to the capitalist society, Hippies invented various ways in which they could sustain themselves.

The sad ending of the Summer of Love vibe in NYC

In San Francisco, The Summer of Love vibe persisted for a long time. However, the case was not the same in New York, where it ended soon. A lot of people from the hippie community engaged in clashes and verbal arguments with the residents of that particular area. Tragedy struck when a hippie couple was found murdered in their apartment. Soon after this, the parents of the children who had left home grew worried. This also spread the feeling of terror amongst other community members. They fled to the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco, where they felt relatively safe and where they did not face any opposition.

The Epicenter of Hippies: “East Village”

The Summer of Love vibe was prevalent in different neighborhoods of New York, but the epicenter was considered to be the East Village. Because of their unique lifestyle, hippies were rejected by most people, but some of them welcomed them because of business purposes. More people meant that the business would flourish. Another thing observed due to the influx of hippies was that the rent prices of apartments reached a new high. As the Summer of Love pilgrimage came to an end in New York, the Lower East Side kept the name of “East Village,” which was there during the time of the hippies.

In Search Of A New Home

After the Hippie culture gained momentum in the 1960s, a new concept was born popularly known as “Summer of Love,” in which many youngsters moved to the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco and East Village in New York after shunning their affluent suburban homes. It is said about 50,000 people left their homes to be a part of this pilgrimage. The large influx of people into these cities got a mixed reaction. This was a large movement as scores of people left behind everything to become a part of this mass displacement. However, after a series of mishappenings and reports of violence, the Summer of Love vibe died down.

Hippie Women Flaunt Their Style

The famous Woodstock Festival was attended by a huge number of people, which included plenty of women as well. Draped in fashionable tops and with a classy headband around their forehead, they were defining fashion anew. Labeled as one of the most famous music events of the century, Woodstock attracted large crowds. And the women were a part of this as well. Some of the iconic pictures taken at the event revealed how women showcased their style by adopting a unique look. And mind you, they looked absolutely ravishing in their cool look. Hippie women knew how to carry themselves, for sure.

Grace Slick In The House

People who could not attend the Woodstock festival still regret to this day that they missed an opportunity of a lifetime. One of the amazing things about this fest was that some very popular musicians performed live at the event. One prominent face that graced the occasion was none other than the lead performer of Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick. Many people try to know what actually happened at the carnival, but that is something only the artists can tell. Even to this day, Slick still mentions Woodstock in her interviews, labeling her experience as memorable. Here in the photograph, Slick is spotted at the fest dressed in a beautiful top.

Smile! You Are At Woodstock

It goes without saying that Woodstock Music Fest was a community event wherein people had an opportunity to interact with personalities from different backgrounds and races. You could sit in groups, chat about the latest events happening in the world, and make new friends. It was truly an event of companionship. Women and men alike participated with full vigor, and both the genders adopted unique fashion styles. While some people adorned loose dresses, others wore crop tops. On the whole, the idea was to discover your individuality and characteristics that make you stand out. The eccentric taste of the hippie community was greatly remembered after the fest concluded.

A Woman Dances At Woodstock Fest

As you can see from the pictures, fashion was an important theme of the Woodstock festival. All these vintage clothing styles personify free-thinking. Women’s fashion was especially appreciated because they were trendy and attractive. In this picture, a woman can be seen dancing to the song being sung by an artist performing at the carnival. Dressed in a short top with her hair open, it is evident that she is trying to showcase the idea of freedom and free thought. After all, Woodstock was all about finding the meaning of life. People look back and are in awe with one of the historic music fests of all time.

Posing at a Pinball Arcade

Women were at the forefront in the Hippie counterculture movement, breaking all stereotypes. Dressed in casual clothing, they refused to conform to the rules of society. They participated in events and could be seen swinging in the streets boldly. The women of the 1960s were feisty with strong opinions. They would not shy away from their forthrightness. Their main priority was to break away from mainstream culture and lead an anti-war movement. Here a woman can be seen at a pinball arcade wearing hippie clothes. It is also noteworthy to mention that during this phase, women fought for their rights with full vigor.

 

New Beginnings

If you think Woodstock was only about music, then you are completely wrong. People went there to become a part of a well-knit community of hippies who led an unusual lifestyle. People could be seen selling art, making music, forming new friendships, and performing other fun activities. They came to be a part of an event that would make history. Here in the picture, a hippie duo can be seen selling soda on the road. It was a great opportunity to make money because a lot of people had come to attend the event, and selling them stuff was easier and hassle-free.

A Community of One Of A Kind

The popular Hippie movement gave rise to different trends such as hip-hop, bohemian fashion, light wash jeans, and much more. They were anti-establishment who rejected any idea that promoted materialism and restricted the flow of free thought. Even after all these years, the social influence of the Hippie culture is still prevalent. These people had jobs of all kinds. With their earnings, they could pay their bills and continue living like a hippie. They were also known for enhancing the popularity of metal music. Regularly on the road, they would perform dance performances. Not to mention the frequent road trips all around the country.

Together and Free

It was not unusual for hippies to find love in the midst of their rebellion. The actual truth was that they believed in the idea of loving freely. This beautiful photograph of a hippie couple looking out at sea shows how people found their significant other while on a journey to discover themselves. Though not all these relationships ended in marriage, many found comfort in the fact that they could spend time with people who shared the same ideas and beliefs. People from different corners unified under the banner of sharing similar notions, and they were meant to fall for each other.

The Festive Look

The year was 1969 when scores of people gathered to attend the Woodstock dance and music festival in New York. This was a grand festival that attracted a large crowd who came dressed in their best clothes. The hippie couple in the photograph poses for a photograph at the same place. Hippies followed an unusual fashion statement that sent across a powerful message of living freely. Prior to the 1960s, you wouldn’t see young people draped in clothes that revealed most part of their bodies. However, the youth became bold about their choices, and it seemed like nothing could break their wild and free spirit.

 

A Happy Hippie Couple

Woodstock was a sight to see, especially because of the uniquely dressed women. Their wildly strange clothes and influential fashion styles added to the festivities. Even after all these years, these styles are still alive, and people wear them in one form or another. These fashion imperatives handed down from the ‘60s have clearly had a huge impact on the modern generation. Here, a couple can be seen posing for a photograph wearing signature hippie clothes. This grand music carnival will be remembered for a plethora of things, amongst which would be the promotion of eccentric fashion styles. Women’s fashion from that era will be remembered for sure!

Women Lead The Way

If someone mentions the Woodstock festival even today, one is reminded of the three days in Bethel where the mutual love for music and the mutual resentment for the government was shared with great enthusiasm. The younger generation of that time traveled for miles together to be a part of this huge carnival. And amongst the crowd, one could spot a lot of beautiful women dressed in stylish attires. The hippie culture had sprouted a new kind of fashion that the young eagerly embraced. The message spread through the event was all about peace, happiness, and love. Young women participated in this event with full energy.

Young Woman At Woodstock

Missing the Woodstock vibe from the great era of the 1960s? No need to worry. This image will make you nostalgic about one of the greatest music carnivals in the history of America that shaped the way people used to perceive life in general. Women embraced short clothes breaking the stereotype that covering one’s body was a symbol of posterity. They wore their hair loose and danced to the tunes of heavy metal music, making their presence felt. Here in the picture is a beautiful woman dressed in a short top attending the festival. This unusual festival made headlines because of its sheer magnitude.

A Still From The Hippie Era

Three days of music, peace, and love is what defined the Woodstock Festival of 1969. Groovy fashion trends were highly observed at the festival. Besides music, fashion was another theme that defined the carnival. Bold colored clothes, extravagant designs, and short tops were the new trend. Through these styles, these young people, filled with rage, wanted to put forth their unique point of view. Another common fashion accessory used by several women at Woodstock was headbands. The hippie culture was at its peak when the Woodstock festival was held in Bethel, and people flocked to this place in large numbers.