Woodstock took place between August 15 and August 17 in 1969. It was the weekend that changed everything about festivals. Nearly half a million people arrived at open plots of land in upstate New York, where memories that last a lifetime were made. These are some of the lesser-known photos that really show what went down during that incredible and historic weekend.
Press Area
This is the press area for Woodstock. Obviously, everything was done in pen and on paper back in the day, so a lot of the litter on the ground was probably scrapped stories! They even had to bring their own typewriters. That guy was probably the only one wearing a tie at that event.
Where's the Stage?
Simply hearing the music was enough for these folks! They were so far away from the stage that they couldn't even see it, but that didn't matter. They were there to have a good time!
Night View
Since a lot of cameras weren't able to take great photos at night, there aren't many photos of night-time Woodstock performances. This photo chowcases the sheer size of the night-time audience during a show.
Muddy and Happy
Nothing could get these hippies down. Even though they were completely drenched in rain and mud, they were still able to hang out and enjoy each others company. That's quite the life style!
A Quiet Place
Is there a better place to catch a quick midday nap? This cemetery was on the land that Woodstock took place on, so it technically wasn't off-limits. Hopefully, everyone stayed respectul of the dead!
Passing the Time
Before phones were a thing, people had to pass time in different ways. This girl decided to break out her bubbles and decorate the space with their pearlescent glow! They were waiting for the next act to hop on stage.
Safe From the Rain
A LIFE magazine photographer happened to catch the rainiest day of the festival. A lot of folks were lucky and came prepared, just like this couple. They took cover under a plastic tarp that helped them stay warm and dry in the midst of the storms.
Wringing Out the Rain
This couple, on the other hand, was not so lucky. Their blanket was completely drenched and needed to be wrung out, along with everything else they brought. It looks like it didn't bother them too much, though!
Getting Creative
Hippies will be hippies! The concert goers ended up creating incredible structures all through out the event. These hand-made structures served as tents, meeting points, and even mess halls.
Working on Hygiene
Obviouslly, the middle of hundreds of acres of open land does not lead way to proper hygiene etiquette. Somehow, they were able to set up simple water systems so people would rinse off. This was especially helpful on the rainy days!
All-Weather Event
Regardless of the weather conditions, Woodstock didn’t stop. The rain wasn’t going to ruin this experience. In fact, many people claimed that the rain made it better! They were "closer with nature."
Ridin’ Down Happy Ave
With one main road in and out, traffic was obscene. Many attendees just ditched their rides and walked the rest of the way. This was a road way before Woodstock took place, which is pretty cute.
Grown-Up Playground
This tower was meant for lights and amplifiers, but these guys used it to get a better view! That's pretty smart. Plus, they were away from all of the other sweaty concert goers.
Among the Crowd
These teens hung out on the grass near the free stage at Woodstock and took in the tunes. His jacket? Out of this world.
Fashion Icon
Crop tops and bell-bottoms? This is an iconic look from the ’60s, that’s now made its way back around again. Fashion truly goes in cycles. We could learn a lot from the people at Woodstock!
So. Many. People.
If you think Coachella seems like an aggressive amount of people, Woodstock was far worse. People were packed like sardines to get a glimpse of their favorite artists.
Making Sweet Music
This photo is glorious, everybody has a DIY “instrument” to get in on the musical action.
Taking a Snooze
This guy has the right idea. At Woodstock, rest was hard to come by–you had to get it while you could. Honestly, this is pretty impressive. His balance in impeccable.
The Documentary
There’s a whole documentary about the Woodstock experience. Released by Warner Brothers, directed by Michael Wadleigh and edited by Martin Scorsese, the film was a huge success and received an academy award.
Keepin’ It Real
Wonder where this couple got the newspaper at on a farm with 400,000 people around, either way, there was a bit of normalcy in the middle of the chaos. You gotta pass the time somehow!
The 60s Vibe
There’s a whole lot of hippy fashion going on in this picture. Crop tops, headbands, and bell-bottoms all scream 1960s style. It looks like she was making some sort of headpiece.
Makeshift Shower
Showering at the festival was an afterthought, so people made do with the small spigots the grounds provided. These little water spots were scattered through out the festival grounds. People did their best to stay clean and hydrated!
Wet & Wild
Woodstock was a washout, but it wasn’t a bust. This party wasn’t about to stop for a little rain. Luckily, these people came prepared. Rain wasn't going to get their day!
Astonishing Aerial View
This aerial shot from Woodstock shows just how massive the crowd really was at the festival. Every inch of the farmland was covered. If you're claustrophobic, maybe Woodstock isn't the place for you.
Getting Some Shuteye
After a wild weekend, concert-goers were catching a snooze anywhere they could find one. Honestly, when all you've been doing is standing all day, anywhere to lay down will do!
Reliving the Magic
Ever since the original Woodstock, fans have been trying to recreate it over the years. Looks like they’ve got the whole wet and muddy part down. They definitely took advantage of the rainy weather.
Little Woodstock
This little girl has no idea what a remarkable event she was attending, she was just having fun catching toads. Woodstock was probably a magical experience for the children who attended!
Ahead of His Time
The fashion at Woodstock was truly one-of-a-kind. This guy was serving looks in this matching getup. No one was getting in his way of anything, that's for sure.
A Personal Show
Concert-goers brought everything from guitars to drums, to flutes and harmonicas. Honestly, bringing a flute to a festival is pretty cool.
Woodstock Village
Woodstock resembled somewhat of a refugee camp. Because so many more people attended than anyone expected, they had to get creative. Seems like they did a pretty alright job!
Groovy Moves
These two concert-goers were really feeling the music, either that or they indulged in a little extra-curricular activities. Of course, dancing was one of the top activities to do at Woodstock. You have to feel the vibes!
The Endless Sea
For the performers, there was nothing quite like playing for a crowd of 400k. This was probably so nerve wracking! Or maybe not at all, since they couldn't even make out peoples' faces.
Taking It All In
The sheer amount of people on this hillside is just a slight indication of how jam-packed the festival was. The butterfly kite is also a very “Woodstock” touch. This isn't just the concert ground... People slept there, too!
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is the best guitarist of all time, and the proof is in the pudding. He had the largest crowd of any performer at Woodstock. He's known as one of the most memorable acts at Woodstock.
The Style Of The ’60s
This chick kept it concert-casual for her time at Woodstock. With her all-black getup, you'd think she was at a metalhead show. Nope, just Woodstock! She was probably a little tougher than the rest of them, though.
The Woodstock Guru
The Woodstock Guru opened the festival with a heartfelt speech. Of course, Woodstock had a guru… The man on the right of the photo is holding microphones for reporters. This guy was a legend!
Boho Jewelry Vibes
The festival was also a fashion showcase–from standard late 60s bellbottoms and fringe to layered boho-inspired jewelry, Woodstock had it all. This girl was truly ahead of her time with that frosted lip-stick... That's very 1990s.
Learnings with the Guru
The Woodstock Guru also chatted amongst the crowd and shared his wisdom with the attendees. He was a very popular attendee. Everyone who got a moment to sit with him was in awe!
The Endless Line
Not only was the festival crowded, but getting there was an even bigger mess. The line was totally standing still... The jam lasted for so long that people got out of their cars!
Drummer Boy
Musicians were obviously drawn to the festival, even if they didn’t have stage time. They performed whenever and wherever throughout the weekend. During the downtime, many crowd goers would find the next amateur musician they could just to pass the time.
Not for the Claustrophobic
With almost half a million people in attendance, it was bound to get a little tight in the crowds, but this took tight to a whole new level. Nobody seems too bothered by it, though.
Sly And The Family Stone
The festival was pretty unstructured. Sly and The Family Stone didn’t start their set until 3:30 am and didn’t finish until 4:20 am. Seems intentional, no?
Population: Four-Hundred Thousand
This broader shot of the crowd shows just a portion of how many bodies were packed into the show. You almost can't even register how many people are there... the sheer amount is crazy!
Can You Feel The Vibes?
People found a seat anywhere they could at the festival, and with loads of VW vans in attendance, rooftops became a favorite place to watch. Nowadays, show runners would never let you bring your vehicle into a festival. So lame!
Miracles In Line
One woman gave birth in the back seat of her car while waiting in the line just like this to get into Woodstock. That baby has one epic story. This gridlock is kind of terrifying.
Grace Slick Live
During this time, you were a Janice Joplin fan or a Grace Slick fan–there was no sharing allegiance. It's agreed that both women drew out some incredibly passionate fans. The crowds went wild!
Joe Cocker Jams
Check out those thick sideburns–if they don’t scream the 1960s than nothing does. Where do the sideburns stop and the beard starts? They're almost forming mutton chops...
Santana in the Flesh
Arguably one of the best guitarists to ever live, Carlos Santana played an unbelievable set at Woodstock. He even brought his own maracas, how fun!
Richie Havens Rocked
The people really showed up for Richie Havens’s performance. Looking out into the crowd, it was hard to decipher where the sea of people ended. Talk about sensory overload.
Bert Sommer Sidestage
Bert Sommer checked out the crowd before putting on a show. The artists were very casual at the festival and frequently took in other musicians’ performances. Everybody loves everybody at Woodstock!
The Raddest Kids on the Block
These children didn’t realize it at the time, but they were at the most iconic festival of all time. Lucky kids! This was probably normal life for them, but it was a wild fantasy for everyone else.
Poppin’ Bottles
Janice Joplin knew how to have a good time, even in between sets! She was just one of the crowd goers at this point, popping bottles to have a good time.
Flower Child Love
This madly in love couple was out enjoying the day at Woodstock. I wonder where they are now? This is such a sweet picture!
In the Moment
This festival was full of happy folks dancing and singing along to their favorite musicians. Everything was truly sunshine and rainbows, even if the sunshine and rainbows weren't out in the sky. It was all in the crowd!
Solo Jam Sesh
This concert-goer took a little time to unwind with his amigo, the guitar. Who knows where he got that nest from... maybe he made it himself? That would make the most sense, it is Woodstock after all.
Baby on Board
A mother’s job never ends, even at Woodstock. This little girl doesn’t know that she witnessed history. A lot of kids were able to have the time of their lives alongside their parents!
Tim Hardin Signing Off
Everybody wanted an autograph from the man, Tim Hardin, and he was kind enough to sign off on a bunch for festival-goers. You can tell he's a trooper because he's obviously signing these things in his free time... He still has the guitar strapped around his neck!
Janice Joplin Doing Her Thing
Everybody wanted to see Janice. Literally, everybody, and she sure soaked up the moment. Janice was truly thriving at Woodstock, and everybody loved her!
Sing-A-Long
Aside from the musicians who played on the big stage, many of the attendees brought along their own instruments. Woodstock really resembled a hippie commune in some ways!
Magic School Bus
This Magic School Bus was a bit different than the one on the children’s TV show. This would have been a great spot to sit back and relax in between sets! Or maybe even a spot to stay the night...
Got a Light?
These two took some time to share a smoke while taking in all the action at Woodstock. It looks like they were back stage... Wonder if they were with anyone cool?
Good Times
These two took it all in, literally, as they watched the show. They do look like they were enjoying themselves! Sitting back and relaxing with your friends is what it's all about.
The Woodstock Diet
Round the clock partying makes for a hungry crowd, but then again, this was the late 60s, and thin was in. These two fit the classic hippie stereotype perfectly.