Where was Woodstock originally supposed to be held? This question brings us back to the early 1960s when the iconic music festival was first conceptualized. The original plans for the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, often referred to as the “Woodstock Festival,” were quite different from the legendary event that unfolded in Bethel, New York, in August 1969. The festival’s initial location and the subsequent changes in venue are a fascinating part of its storied history.
The original site for the Woodstock Festival was dairy farm in Wallkill, New York, which was to be known as the “Aquarian Exposition.” This site was chosen by John P. Roberts, the festival’s promoter, along with Michael Lang and Artie Kornfield, who were instrumental in organizing the event. The Wallkill farm was selected because it was relatively remote, which was a crucial factor for the organizers, as they aimed to create a space where attendees could come together without the interference of the outside world. The dairy farm was a tranquil setting, surrounded by nature, which seemed to be the perfect backdrop for the counterculture movement that the festival was meant to embody.
However, the organizers soon encountered various issues that led to the change of venue. One of the main problems was the permit, which was initially approved for a smaller, more contained event. As the festival’s scale grew, so did the concerns of local authorities and residents about the potential impact on the area. The Wallkill farm was also experiencing some financial difficulties, which made it less feasible for the organizers to proceed with the event there.
In the end, the festival was moved to the town of Bethel, New York, which is located in the Catskill Mountains. The new location was chosen after a series of last-minute negotiations and deals with local landowners. The change of venue was not without its challenges, as the organizers had to work quickly to prepare the site for the tens of thousands of attendees expected to attend the festival.
The story of where Woodstock was originally supposed to be held and the eventual relocation to Bethel is a testament to the perseverance and adaptability of the festival’s organizers. The festival’s journey from Wallkill to Bethel is just one of the many reasons why Woodstock remains a legendary event in the annals of music history.
