Woodstock 40th Anniversary
In August 2009, the world marked forty years since half a million people gathered on Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York. The anniversary brought concerts, books, films, and reunions — a generation revisiting the event that had defined it.
West Fest — San Francisco, October 25, 2009
The largest Woodstock anniversary event was West Fest, a free concert held at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on October 25, 2009. Organized by Boots Hughston of 2b1 Multimedia and the Council of Light, and produced in association with Woodstock co-creator Artie Kornfeld, West Fest drew an estimated 70,000 people across three stages over the course of a single day.
Forty-two bands performed, including original 1969 Woodstock acts sharing the stage with contemporary artists. Indigenous blessings, peace movement speakers, and a Green Vendor Village rounded out the event. The goal was simple: demonstrate that the spirit of the original Woodstock — peace, love, and music as genuine social forces — was not a period artifact but a living tradition.
“We’ve once again reached the point where we realize that we can make a difference,” said Boots Hughston. “This is the Mecca of our generation — a chance to see people and artists that we haven’t seen in 35 years.”
Read our exclusive interview with Boots Hughston about organizing West Fest.
Heroes of Woodstock Tour
Throughout August 2009, the Heroes of Woodstock tour brought original Woodstock performers back to the stage. Hosted by Country Joe McDonald and anchored by a performance at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts — the site of the original festival — the tour featured Canned Heat, Jefferson Starship, Ten Years After, and other acts that had played the original 1969 event. For many attendees, it was the first chance to see these performers in decades.
WoodFest '09 — Davis, Oklahoma
WoodFest '09 (August 14–16, Davis, Oklahoma) was among the largest Woodstock-related events to take place away from the original site. The three-day festival drew national and international attention as one of the most ambitious anniversary celebrations outside the Northeast.
Essra Mohawk — the singer-songwriter who was scheduled to perform at the original 1969 Woodstock but missed it due to traffic — was among the performers at WoodFest. Read our interview with Essra Mohawk.
Books Published for the 40th Anniversary
The 40th anniversary prompted a wave of publishing. Six commemorative books appeared or were announced, including:
- Artie Kornfeld's memoir — “The Pied Piper of Woodstock,” the personal account of Woodstock's co-creator. Read our exclusive interview with Artie Kornfeld.
- Michael Lang's memoir — The co-organizer's first-person account of the festival.
- “Woodstock: The Oral History” by Joel Makower — a mosaic of first-person voices from performers, organizers, and attendees. Read our interview with Joel Makower.
- Several pictorial accounts and children's books inspired by the anniversary.
Taking Woodstock (2009 Film)
Ang Lee's film Taking Woodstock, starring Demetri Martin and based on Elliot Tiber's memoir, was released in 2009 to coincide with the anniversary. The film tells the story of how the festival came to be held at Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel — specifically through Tiber's role in connecting the organizers with Yasgur when their original Wallkill, NY permit fell through.
Read about Elliot Tiber's role in bringing Woodstock to Bethel and the full article on the Taking Woodstock film.
The Restored Woodstock Documentary
Warner Brothers released the restored “Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music” Ultimate Collector's Edition for the 40th anniversary — a new transfer of Michael Wadleigh's Academy Award-winning documentary with additional footage and improved audio. The documentary, originally released in 1970, remains the definitive visual record of Woodstock 1969.
See our full guide to Woodstock films and DVDs.