Woodstock 50 Coming to Watkins Glen, New York

August 16th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary Woodstock festival.

In August of 1969, Woodstock, one of the largest music festivals ever to be held in the United States, made music history. The festival boasted a staggering attendance record, with over 400,000 people attending, and solidified the legacies of the acts who performed, like Jimi Hendrix, Country Joe McDonald, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, The Who, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Joe Cocker, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Now, after months of rumors, it's finally been confirmed: Woodstock is coming to Watkins Glen, New York in 2019 on August 16th, 17th, and 18th.

Woodstock 2019

The 50th-anniversary celebration of Woodstock will not return to its traditional Bethel, New York location. Instead, Woodstock 2019 will be held in Watkins Glen, New York, in anticipation of the large crowds the producers are expecting. According to co-founder Michael Lang, this year's production aims to add more social significance and depth to the festival, something previous festivals, excluding the very first one, have lacked.

This year's celebration will also introduce newer bands while keeping some of the legacy bands that performed in the original festival lineup. Lang also hopes to make this year's festival "multi-generational," drawing crowds of all ages. Tickets will go on sale for Woodstock 2019 this February.

The Original Woodstock Festival's Significance

The Woodstock brand was founded on the principles of "universal human rights, ethical business practices," and "unfettered creative expression," among others. Many who witnessed Woodstock first-hand claimed it to be one of the greatest demonstrations of peace and love they had ever seen; Joni Mitchell would say that the festival was "a spark of beauty" during one of the most turbulent times in American history. The official symbol of Woodstock is even called "The Bird of Peace."

Despite the bad weather, many thousands sought enjoyment rather than disappointment and made the best out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Today, people all over the world celebrate the legacy of this iconic music festival and remember the artists, both dead and alive, who performed there.

Why not start prepping now?  Check out this original 1969 Woodstock t-shirt from Rocker Rags here.