This Is What It Was Actually Like To Be At The Original Woodstock In 1969

Ever wonder what it was really like to attend Woodstock? Though we can't actually go back in time to join the half million flower children during the three days of love and peace, these photos from LIFE do give us an insider's perspective. Taken by photographers Bill Eppridge and John Dominis, these photos capture the fascinating events which took place back in 1969. You'll find muddy fields and leafy woods full of hippies, beatniks, flower children, and music lovers. Some are naked while others sport the most unique fashion. 1. Woodstock 1969 In 1969, LIFE magazine photographers captured these images from the Woodstock music festival. 2. Peace, Love and Rock & Roll The festival was held August 15-18, 1969 in Bethel, New York. 3. Yasgur's Farm The event was held at the 600-acre farm owned by Max Yasgur. 4. Several youths huddled together under a piece of clear plastic in the rain during the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. LIFE 5. A Big Crowd... By the start of the festival, organizers had sold 186,000 tickets. 6. ...Becomes A Bigger Crowd Many more than those 186,000 wound up showing up. They tore down fences and attended for free. 7. Free Show Since more and more people kept showing up, the promoters eventually declared that it was from then on a free festival. 8. Total Attendance In total, it's estimated that Woodstock was attended by 500,000 people. 9. Nap Time When you're at a concert that lasts three and a half days, you find unusual places to get some sleep. 10. Free Love Despite the large crowds, some hippies managed to find some semi-private moments. 11. Pointing The Way Whether you wanted to get groovy or get high, these signs at Woodstock pointed the way. 12. Star-Spangled Trousers Hippies were known for opposing the Vietnam War, but some still manged to also express their patriotism. 13. Rainy Days It frequently rained during the festival, but nobody seemed to mind too much. 14. Keeping Dry Some in attendance even found creative ways to stay as dry as possible. Credit: guff

This Is What It Was Actually Like To Be At The Original Woodstock In 1969

by Zack Walkter
Published March 23, 2018

5. A Big Crowd…

6. …Becomes A Bigger Crowd

7. Free Show

5. A Big Crowd…

6. …Becomes A Bigger Crowd

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7. Free Show