You are invited to a 1967 “Be-In” ☮️✌🏽💚
On April 30, 1967, more than 4,000 people attended a Be-In held at Volunteer Park in Seattle. A “be-in" was a large public gathering, part celebration, part political statement, similar to civil rights "sit-ins" and anti-war "love-ins," that brought together hippies and activists to share music, art, and experiences, often with an emphasis on peace, love, and psychedelics. The most famous example is the 1967 Human Be-In in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, which launched the "Summer of Love".
More than 4,000 people showed up at Volunteer Park from all walks of life. Even a few marines from Fort Lewis were in attendance. Attendees were given free balloons, incense sticks, or flowers. Six local bands played music throughout the day. Most people brought picnic lunches with plenty of food to share with strangers. Someone brought a grill and handed out free shish-ka-bobs until they ran out. People flew kites, blew soap bubbles, or just basked in the warm sunshine.
At the end of the day, it was casually mentioned over the loudspeakers that everyone should pick up 13 pieces of paper or waste on their way out. After most people left, the park was cleaner than it was on most Sundays. A few stayed late, and the sound of conga drums and wooden flutes were heard amongst the trees.
(Photo: A volunteer named “Casey" attending the
April 30, 1967 Be-in)
The 1967 Be-In held at Volunteer Park was more than just a gathering; it was a profound cultural moment representing the ideals of the 1960s counterculture movement. These events were designed to promote peace and love while opposing the Vietnam War and advocating for civil rights. Attendees often embraced psychedelia, art, and music as expressions of freedom and resistance against social norms. Be-Ins were peaceful public protests that integrated celebration with message, drawing diverse groups from all backgrounds, including unexpected attendees such as marines from Fort Lewis in Seattle’s case. The shared experience of music from multiple local bands, communal meals with shared food like shish-ka-bobs, and collective activities such as flying kites and blowing soap bubbles fostered an inclusive atmosphere. These aspects exemplify how Be-Ins embodied the essence of community and harmony. Environmental consciousness was another notable feature of the Be-In at Volunteer Park, where organizers reminded participants to pick up trash, resulting in a cleaner park than usual. This demonstrated a respect for nature intertwined with the era’s values of peace and responsibility. The sounds of conga drums and wooden flutes late into the evening further captured the celebration’s soulful and spiritual vibes. Understanding events like the 1967 Be-In provides valuable insight into how grassroots activism, combined with cultural celebration, can influence societal change. The Be-In not only helped shape the identity of the hippie counterculture but also inspired future gatherings and movements dedicated to peace, environmental awareness, and social justice. Such gatherings hold lessons in unity and creative activism that remain relevant today.
