For three days in August 1969, nearly half a million people came together for one of the pivotal events of the decade. Woodstock. The stage faced a hill before one of the largest concert audiences ever assembled in one place. It’s hard to imagine the size and impact but here’s how you can connect with it all and organize your trip for the fiftieth Woodstock Anniversary in 2019.
This post was inspired by my Catskills visit as a guest of NY Tourism.
A moment from the Museum movie featuring the owner of the festival site.
The Festival is the focus of an award-winning exhibit inside the Bethel Woods Woodstock Museum which is built next to the site of the concert. When you actually stand in the space there’s a palpable buzz. It may look like a sloping field but this spot is powerful. I visited on a cloudy September day and nearly choked back tears while watching how reverantly people came and went from the land. Four Baby Boomers ran down to the gate then coordinated a pose with their arms raised, each face beaming. A quiet man sat on the edge of a picnic table and strummed a few chords. The moment must’ve fulfilled a dream of his.
Others left signed pieces of wood beneath a tree and more of us just wandered, soaking up the buzz. I can only imagine how fun the fiftieth Woodstock Anniversary is going to be. Time to start planning!
Mementos at the Woodstock site
Woodstock isn’t THE Woodstock
Most know about the crowds, traffic jams and the rebel music that played day and night, in rainstorms and mud, blaring anthems to the birthing of a movement. But did you know it almost derailed?
Woodstock Village embraces festival tourism
The festival’s four organizers planned for a rural experience based in the art colony of Woodstock. Tickets were printed. Posters bearing the iconic bird and guitar were ready when the town, famously home to Bob Dylan and The Band rescinded its permission. Regardless, the promoters decided to go ahead with the name and found a farm fifty miles away. “Going down to Yasgur’s farm…” flowed from Joni Mitchell’s signature song. So, stay in the village of Woodstock if you will but be prepared for the trek to the Bethel Woods Woodstock Anniversary celebrations.
A moment inside the Bethel Museum Woodstock Gallery.
2019 – A year of celebrating the Woodstock Anniversary
You may not make it to the site in August but that doesn’t mean you’ll miss the party. Grab your tie-dye shirts and fringed vests for events that are planned at the Bethel Woods site throughout the year. Don’t miss the Museum exhibit “for anyone who lived through The Sixties or wished they had.” The galleries made me giddy but that also contrasted with the colorful and sobering displays about what was going on in the US at the time.
The times they are a’changing. – Richie Havens lyric from his set at Woodstock
Young people felt disenfranchised from the excesses of post-WW2 Capitalism. Watching their friends and siblings fighting a horrendous war from suburban living room televisions became a national pastime. It was grueling and as the war dragged on a sense of angry futility filtered through society. Young adults felt it most and letting your hair grow long, wearing love beads, dropping out of jobs and school, and smoking pot became part of the protest. Civil rights and the powerful words of Martin Luther King demanding change echoed across races. At the same time, there was angry pressure to conform came from many sides.
Music changed too. Soft pop and folk music gave way to the grit of Jimmy Hendricks, the powerful beats of Santana, and the bellowing passion of Janice Joplin. The Summer of Love transformed much of San Francisco and anyone who wasn’t at Woodstock regretted missing it. I was too young to make the trek and idolized a couple I met who had been there. They later named their daughter, Sativa. It’s laughable now but that was a rebellious move she’s had to live with!
VIDEO: Step inside the gallery and meet a Woodstock devotee on the festival field:
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Feeling groovy only went so far.
All was not perfect with the Peace and Music Revolution. Throughout the country, smoking pot led to lost lives as families turned in their children when they found baggies or smoking paraphernalia. There were serious consequences with prison time. Marches against the war turned brutal at home. The National Guard fired on a demonstration at Kent State. Four students were killed and nine injured during a protest against the Cambodian Bombing. Richard Nixon kept sending troops to Vietnam and the draft gave him an endless supply of young bodies. Many came back in bags or changed forever. Young women emancipated with the Pill often found themselves with STD’s or reactions as dosages were still being perfected. The Feminist Movement sprang to life and there were efforts to get equal pay for women in the marketplace. “Make love not war” was one slogan but it was often a lopsided freedom.
Memorial plaque at the Woodstock site.
Hope on the horizon
It may be a bit of escapism but I remember the positive power of that time. The music still thrills. Do yourself a favor and watch the documentary, Woodstock, Three Days of Peace and Music (Director’s cut.)Â In 2019 watch the PBS two hour documentary which will examine the events that led up to the three-day festival. It will be part of the American Experience series. Listen to the Soundtrack music. You’ll get the sense of wonder many performers felt as they looked out across the crowd. You might feel inspired to learn more. Whichever way you go consider the current American experience so full of division and imagine a sweep of music and change. Could it happen again?
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Map of the Bethel Woods complex for the Woodstock Anniversary.
If you go to the Woodstock Anniversary celebrations
Check out the blog by Wade Lawrence, the museum director and curator at Bethel Woods. His posts are deep with stories and interviews with many of the Woodstock performers.
I’m not big on festivals or outdoor events with a lot of people, but I do love all the Woodstock history. I will watch the anniversary activities and appreciate them from afar! Thanks for bringing this to my attention too, I hadn’t even thought about the fact that the anniversary is coming up. Landing on the moon is coming up too!
I just decided I really want to go to Woodstock next year now. I’ve added it to my notes to keep it on my radar! I go to Bonnaroo down here in Tennessee and I’d say it’s got a very similar vibe to Woodstock and I love it!
Very cool! I’ve often thought of making a trek to Woodstock to see what it’s like. I’m not sure I necessarily want to be there for the anniversary. Huge crowds aren’t my thing, but good to know that you can visit any time and learn more about how it was in 1969.
What a step back in time! I remember watching the reports with fascination and wondering what it would be like to be there and part of the scene. It would be great to visit now and let my imagination run wild again.
This looks like so much fun. I love watching documentaries on Woodstock, I think it seems like such a magic thing – despite everything that went wrong too! Great post.
This is a great post Elaine. I love how much passion you put into it and I am all pumped up to go to Woodstock now. The 50th anniversary sounds like a great event. If feels a bit like 1969 again with the country divided over politics and space launches starting at the Cape again. I absolutely believe that, not only can another Woodstock happen but it will happen and must happen for the health of the nation.
Always so kind. Thank you both. I hope you’re right that another cultural event might help unite and heal. Saw Bohemian Rhapsody last night and it reminded me of how powerful the Live Aid Concert was. Recommend it.
The energy of all the people in the Bethel area is astounding. It’s always nice to take a nice stroll through and chat with the locals as they’re all open and willing to meet new people.
I had 2019 was a big woodstock anniversary year. Tbh I also didn’t know much about Woodstock itself! Thanks for sharing… I feel like I always learn some really historically relevant information from your travels and your blog posts 🙂
I have heard of Woodstock, and knew it was a festival of peace and parties I didn’t know that it was and still is considered to be such an integral part of the US experience that it is now on the National Registry of historical places. This was truly educational and fascinating for me.
Woodstock has always been a big curiosity of mine and I don’t know why since I’m not a big fan of the 60s. All of those signed pieces of wood are really cool as is the memorial plaque. I can’t believe the 50th anniversary is next year!
It surprised me too to think that the festival happened fifty years ago. Those bits of wood touched me too. It’s as if visitors didn’t want to let go and leave a bit of their presence at the place. Fascinating.
Ooh I didn’t realize it was the 50th anniversary next year, that will be one hell of a party! I’d love to go, although it obviously wouldn’t be the same as the original – perhaps I’ll just play Jimi and Janis full blast & imagine I was there 🙂
At first look of the colorful car in front, I thought it’s a jeepney! A jeepney is a traditional and public transportation in the Philippines! Very similar to it! Anyway, happy 50th anniversary Woodstock! Oh yoga! If I’d attend here, I’d definitely sign up for yoga retreat!
What a legendary and near-mythical place Woodstock is! It will be a great idea to revisit it… although I wish we could bring back the great artists of that era too!
Really enjoyed reading more about Woodstock. Around the world, it has a cultural significance, so huge was it for the Zeitgeist of the era. Interesting to learn more about the reasons for that as it comes to its 50th anniversary.
Before this all I knew about Woodstock was that it was a notoriously famous music concert that put the farmers and concert organizers in great debt. There was so much I didn’t know about Woodstock. Thank you for this very interesting article. I might actually end up watching the documentary to know more!
The debt is a good point. I have a feeling though that the organizers were savvy enough to have an interest in all the products, licensing and the movie rights. Hopefully they retired well!
Wowza! 50 years since Woodstock is unreal! It must have been pretty cool to have been there and taken in the vibe. I don’t recall hearing about any shootings or violence against attendees. Not like today when you take your life in your hands to attend festivals and public events.
Indeed. Wish I were able to attend more in our area, but then concerts, especially big ones like Coachella, are very different. Still wonderful to be part of.
Fifty years… Geez! Given that I’m only 5 years younger, the fact that the iconic music festival is turning the big 5-0 is hard for me to wrap my head around.
Now THIS looks like a fun time, Elaine. Gotta love those times; much more chill. Plus that is a gorgeous area of NY state. Different vibe than today, methinks 🙂
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I’m not big on festivals or outdoor events with a lot of people, but I do love all the Woodstock history. I will watch the anniversary activities and appreciate them from afar! Thanks for bringing this to my attention too, I hadn’t even thought about the fact that the anniversary is coming up. Landing on the moon is coming up too!
I’m not big on crowds either but would try to attend at least one of the celebrations during the year if they were closer.
I just decided I really want to go to Woodstock next year now. I’ve added it to my notes to keep it on my radar! I go to Bonnaroo down here in Tennessee and I’d say it’s got a very similar vibe to Woodstock and I love it!
I’ve heard that Bonnaroo is wonderful. Ahh, to be young again!
Very cool! I’ve often thought of making a trek to Woodstock to see what it’s like. I’m not sure I necessarily want to be there for the anniversary. Huge crowds aren’t my thing, but good to know that you can visit any time and learn more about how it was in 1969.
I’m not a big crowd person but there will be events throughout 2019 that should be manageable. You can visit the 60’s exhibit anytime as I did too.
What a step back in time! I remember watching the reports with fascination and wondering what it would be like to be there and part of the scene. It would be great to visit now and let my imagination run wild again.
You’d love the Bethel Woods Arts Center too, Cathy. There were several exhibits that we didn’t have time to see and music events year round.
This looks like so much fun. I love watching documentaries on Woodstock, I think it seems like such a magic thing – despite everything that went wrong too! Great post.
Thanks, Eileen. It was an epic time – good, bad, but mostly positive.
This is a great post Elaine. I love how much passion you put into it and I am all pumped up to go to Woodstock now. The 50th anniversary sounds like a great event. If feels a bit like 1969 again with the country divided over politics and space launches starting at the Cape again. I absolutely believe that, not only can another Woodstock happen but it will happen and must happen for the health of the nation.
Always so kind. Thank you both. I hope you’re right that another cultural event might help unite and heal. Saw Bohemian Rhapsody last night and it reminded me of how powerful the Live Aid Concert was. Recommend it.
The energy of all the people in the Bethel area is astounding. It’s always nice to take a nice stroll through and chat with the locals as they’re all open and willing to meet new people.
So glad you enjoyed the post, Jim. I always love meeting locals especially when they share so beautifully.
The Village of Woodstock, New York may have the name but there is only one original Woodstock site in the Town of Bethel, New York.
http://www.town.bethel.ny.us
http://www.bethelbusiness.com
http://www.scva.net
http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org
http://www.yasgurroadproductions.com
I tried to make that clear, Rita. Thank you for including the links.
I had 2019 was a big woodstock anniversary year. Tbh I also didn’t know much about Woodstock itself! Thanks for sharing… I feel like I always learn some really historically relevant information from your travels and your blog posts 🙂
Thanks, Sarah. Glad you enjoy the posts. I try to insert a bit of perspective into the places and events I cover. You make it worth while.
Woodstock is iconic place known worldwide, but as I can see here, it’s a lot more than just a field. Thanks for the info!
Indeed. Woodstock is much more than a blank space. The energy and movement still vibrate there.
I have heard of Woodstock, and knew it was a festival of peace and parties I didn’t know that it was and still is considered to be such an integral part of the US experience that it is now on the National Registry of historical places. This was truly educational and fascinating for me.
Thanks, Janiel. It’s a special time and place for those of us who are into cultural travel. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Woodstock has always been a big curiosity of mine and I don’t know why since I’m not a big fan of the 60s. All of those signed pieces of wood are really cool as is the memorial plaque. I can’t believe the 50th anniversary is next year!
It surprised me too to think that the festival happened fifty years ago. Those bits of wood touched me too. It’s as if visitors didn’t want to let go and leave a bit of their presence at the place. Fascinating.
Ooh I didn’t realize it was the 50th anniversary next year, that will be one hell of a party! I’d love to go, although it obviously wouldn’t be the same as the original – perhaps I’ll just play Jimi and Janis full blast & imagine I was there 🙂
You’ve got it, Claire! Jimi all the way…and Santana…and Jefferson Starship…
At first look of the colorful car in front, I thought it’s a jeepney! A jeepney is a traditional and public transportation in the Philippines! Very similar to it! Anyway, happy 50th anniversary Woodstock! Oh yoga! If I’d attend here, I’d definitely sign up for yoga retreat!
Thank you, Catherine. I hadn’t made the connection to Jeepneys!! Of course. I remember seeing them in Puerto Princesa. Namaste.
What a legendary and near-mythical place Woodstock is! It will be a great idea to revisit it… although I wish we could bring back the great artists of that era too!
So many from that time are gone, many prematurely. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to time travel back to that Festival?!
Really enjoyed reading more about Woodstock. Around the world, it has a cultural significance, so huge was it for the Zeitgeist of the era. Interesting to learn more about the reasons for that as it comes to its 50th anniversary.
I didn’t know how far reaching the Woodstock zeitgeist was. I hope you get to enjoy a bit of that spirit from afar.
Didn’t realize it is 50 miles from the town, good to know. I would love to explore this museum and will watch for the PBS special.
Glad to be of service, Sherianne. I look forward to the special as well.
Before this all I knew about Woodstock was that it was a notoriously famous music concert that put the farmers and concert organizers in great debt. There was so much I didn’t know about Woodstock. Thank you for this very interesting article. I might actually end up watching the documentary to know more!
The debt is a good point. I have a feeling though that the organizers were savvy enough to have an interest in all the products, licensing and the movie rights. Hopefully they retired well!
Wowza! 50 years since Woodstock is unreal! It must have been pretty cool to have been there and taken in the vibe. I don’t recall hearing about any shootings or violence against attendees. Not like today when you take your life in your hands to attend festivals and public events.
So sadly right, Doreen. I thought about today’s violence when I was writing this up. We can’t let the *!!?**! ‘s get us down.
What an unusual event, I wasn’t aware. We need more of these kind of festivals.
They spread peace and joy!
Indeed. Wish I were able to attend more in our area, but then concerts, especially big ones like Coachella, are very different. Still wonderful to be part of.
Fifty years… Geez! Given that I’m only 5 years younger, the fact that the iconic music festival is turning the big 5-0 is hard for me to wrap my head around.
Very fun post to read!
Visiting from #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, Ericka. Age is a funny thing. Woodstock will remain forever youthful in my mind.
Now THIS looks like a fun time, Elaine. Gotta love those times; much more chill. Plus that is a gorgeous area of NY state. Different vibe than today, methinks 🙂
Right on all points, Ryan. I look forward to returning to see more of that part of NY State one day.
Such an interesting post! I didn’t know some of the facts behind Woodstock, like how it got it’s name
I never knew so much about Woodstock. Thanks for the great article!
Thanks, Nina. Fun to put this together.