Woodstock might be a thing of the past but that doesn’t mean the Summer of Love is. You don’t have to be a flower child to celebrate music, nature, peace and love. Don all the colours of the rainbow, grab some daisies and make love not war at some of these summer "must" music events.

Spring Festival, Graz, Austria • 12 – 15 May
Summer can't start until spring is over. Give spring the send off it deserves at Spring Festival. Going strong for 10 years, Spring Festival has grown from a small party to a fully-fledged celebration of club culture. The festival combines live acts and DJ sets from established artists and international sensations with newcomers and local talent. Club kids unite, and do what you do best₀dance. For the full line-up, check the festival schedule at www.springfestival.at.

Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN • 10 – 13 June 2010
Four days, multiple stages, comedy acts and several styles of music and an entertainment village with a movie theatre, hair salon and yoga studio—yep, that's Bonnaroo. Rolling Stone named this camping music fest as one of their 50 moments that have changed the world of rock & roll. This year’s line-up includes: Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon, Jay Z, Stevie Wonder, Tinariwen, Regina Spektor and lots more. The full schedule is available at www.bonnaroo.com.

Isle of Wight Festival, Seaclose Park, New Port, Isle of Wight • 11-13 June 2010
The first Isle of Wight Festival took place only 11 days after Woodstock. And the he second Isle of Wight fest was one of the largest and most famous of these early festivals. After more than 600,000 people flooded the island, the authorities passed the Isle of Wight Act, which stated that gatherings of more than 5,000 people on the island were illegal without a special license. That's proof positive the man is always bringing the music down. This year's line-up is just as impressive as the festivals of the past—Jay Z, The Strokes, Paul McCartney, Suzanne Vega, Blondie, Vampire Weekend, Doves and lots more. A full schedule is available at www.isleofwightfestival.com.

Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa, CA • 11-13 June 2010
The Harmony Festival's founder Debra Giusti says that “the Harmony Festival was birthed in 1978 from the passionate core values of the 60’s movement.” And while that sounds fairly uncomfortable, at least the festival continued to thrive and grow. Now 34 years later, Harmony attracts an average of 30,000 people every year. This year includes a performance by Lauryn Hill as well as attractions like the a techno and tribal dance tent, eco village, culinary showcase, healing sanctuary and wellness pavilion. To see more, go to www.harmonyfestival.com.

Glastonbury, Worthy Farm, Pilton, UK • 23-27 June 2010
Yes, Glastonbury is sold out, but there are tickets for the inventive (or those willing to pay any price). As the world's largest greenfield festival, Glastonbury always attracts the top names in music. There is something for every music taste, from jazz and acoustic to dance, pop and alternative. Eclectic and impressive, this year's line-up includes performances by U2, Muse, Imogen Heap, Willie Nelson, The National, Pet Shop Boys and La Roux. Just don’t forget the umbrella and wellies—it really does seem to rain every year. For more information, go to www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk.

Rock Werchter, Werchter, Belgium • 1-4 July 2010
One of Europe's four largest summer music festivals, Rock Werchter has been growing every year since 1974. It has received the Arthur Award for best festival of the year four times since 2000. As usual, the line-up is a fantastic mix of established talent and up-and-coming acts, including a number of Belgian musicians. Performing on the main stage are Muse, Sterephonics, The Ting Tings, Green Day, Paramore and lots more. Go to www.rockwerchter.be for the full line-up.

Exit Festival, Novi Sad, Serbia • 8-11 July 2010
The Exit Festival knows how to rebel. In fact, it began in 2000 as an act of rebellion. For 100 days, thousands of young people and students flocked together to debate issues like repression, xenophobia and censorship. The first festival ended only one day before the election that put an end to Milosevic’s regime. Festival organisers decided to continue the event, and made the Petrovaradin Fortress their new venue. Exit is the perfect combination of music and social activism, spreading the word on issues like the environment and human trafficking. Performing this year are Placebo, Missy Elliot, Mika, Klaxons, The Horrors and more. For the full schedule, check here www.exitfest.org.

Love Parade, Duisburg, Germany • 24 July 2010
Dubbed as one of the "most peaceful events worldwide," the Love Parade celebrates peace like peace deserves to be celebrated…with electronic music and dance. Is there a better way to celebrate peace? Nope, we can’t think of one. The original's popularity has inspired cities like Oslo, Rio San Francisco, Mexico City, Tel Aviv and Sydney to create versions of their own. Bring a glow stick and prepare to share some love with others (only with their permission, of course). Find out more at www.loveparade.de.

Sziget, Obudai Island, Budapest, Hungary •11-16 August 2010
Sziget might be more about rock & roll and less about peace, love and understanding but it still has something in common with Woodstock. Where Woodstock had Max Yasgur's dairy farm, Sziget has Obudai Island in the middle of the Danube. The island transforms from natural landmass to rock & roll city for rock lovers from all over the world. The line-up this year is as varied as last, with performances by Bad Religion, Faithless, Gwar, Iron Maiden, and Muse. Read more about the festival at www.sziget.hu.

Bestival, Robin Hill (near Downend and Newport), Isle of Wight • 9-12 September
Bestival describes itself as being “born out of ten fun years of pioneering music events and record releases from Rob da Bank's Sunday Best empire.” The Bestival scene certainly sets it apart from other festivals; it comes equipped with cocktail bars, hidden discos and “adventures that will inspire peace, love and dancing.” Come prepared because this year’s highly anticipated theme is…fantasy. Prodigy, Dizzee Rascal, Flaming Lips and Roxy Music are just a few of those playing. For the full schedule and to learn more about the festival, go to www.bestival.net.

Image Credits:
Isle of Wight Festival copyright Tom Oldham and Simon Wells 2009