Woodstock '99 facts for kids

Woodstock '99 was a big music festival that happened in 1999. It was the second time people tried to bring back the feeling of the original Woodstock festival from 1969. This event took place from July 22 to 25, 1999, in Rome, New York. This location was about 200 miles (320 kilometers) away from where the first Woodstock happened.

Unlike the first Woodstock and Woodstock '94, this festival faced many challenges. These problems became more well-known than the music itself.

What Went Wrong at Woodstock '99?

Woodstock '99 had several issues that made it a difficult experience for many people.

Extreme Heat and No Shade

The weather during the festival was very hot. Temperatures often reached 100 °F (38 °C). The festival was held on an old air base, which meant there were no trees. This lack of trees meant there was no shade to help people stay cool.

Expensive Food and Drinks

People attending the festival were not allowed to bring their own food or drinks. They had to buy everything from sellers inside the event. The prices were very high. For example, a single slice of pizza cost $12. A small 590ml bottle of water cost $4. This made it hard for many people to stay hydrated and fed.

Not Enough Toilets

There were not enough toilets for all the people at the festival. Because of this, many toilets quickly broke down. This created unsanitary conditions for everyone.

Audience Behavior and Bonfires

The festival also saw some difficult audience behavior. During a performance by the band Limp Bizkit, some people started tearing plywood from walls. This happened while the band played their song “Break Stuff”.

At another point, candles were given out for a special event called a candlelight vigil. However, some people used these candles to start bonfires instead. They even threw water bottles onto the fires to make them burn longer.

See also

In Spanish: Woodstock '99 para niños