15 Vintage Photos From the Monterey Pop Festival (1967)

Music History April 7, 2025

The Monterey Pop Festival of 1967 was a pivotal point throughout music history. It captured the famed Summer of Love and introduced the world to numerous, soon-to-be legends. It was held over a few days in California and featured iconic performances by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and Otis Redding. We’ll take a look at some of the vintage photos that capture the magic of the time.

1. Brian Jones, Nico, Dennis Hopper, and Judy Collins at the Monterey Pop Festival, 1967

A group of people gathered closely together. Some are dressed in vintage clothing, and one person is wearing sunglasses and holding a book. An intricate umbrella is in the background, and more people are on an upper level, observing.
5frogmargin

Everyone seems to be catching the vibes.

2. Jack Cassidy, Jerry Garcia, and Jorma Kaukonen. Monterey Pop Festival, June 1967

Three people are engaged in conversation outdoors. One is wearing a wide-brimmed hat, another has long hair and is wearing a jacket, and the third has curly hair and a sweater. The background is blurred, suggesting a casual setting.
jennysays39

Jerry looks like he’s up to something.

3. Michelle Phillips, backstage at the Monterey Pop Festival, June 1967

Black and white image of a woman with long hair, resting her chin on her hand. She wears a patterned jacket and has a thoughtful expression, smiling slightly. A microphone and instruments are visible in the background.
jeffmartin48

Michelle knew how to take in all the energy at these shows.

4. Of course the Monterey Pop Festival featured some iconic cool shades

A group of people wearing stylish sunglasses and large yellow earrings. They are dressed in colorful clothing with patterns, showing various expressions as they look in the same direction.
chrisjayy

These shades have definitely already or are bound to make a serious comeback.

5. Brian Jones at The Monterey International Pop Festival, the Monterey Fair Grounds, June 1967

A black and white photo of a crowd at a 1960s outdoor event. People are dressed in typical 1960s fashion, with patterned clothes and round sunglasses. They appear focused and attentive, facing a point outside the image.
loosebus2035

Brian loved to get dressed up in the iconic fits.

6. Waiting for the show to start, Monterey Pop Festival, 1967

A woman in a red shawl with white trim sits smiling on a stool, while a man in a jacket leans his head on her shoulder. They appear relaxed and comfortable, sitting near a chain-link fence. The setting is outdoors.
needdarkness20

They don’t seem to mind the waiting time at all.

7. Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, Monterey Pop Festival, June 1967

A person with shoulder-length hair is standing outdoors, wearing an elaborate outfit with patterned layers, lace, and a floral scarf. The background features greenery and a few blurred figures in a park-like setting.
ilikecaramelapples

Brian seems to be having a moment of deep reflection.

8. The Who at the Monterey Pop Festival, 1967

Three rock band members performing on stage with vibrant lighting and fog. The drummer is behind a set of drums labeled "WHO," while the guitarist raises his instrument. The scene is dynamic and lively, with colorful stage lights.

The Who always knew how to bring the heat with their performances.

9. Jimi Hendrix at Monterey Pop Festival, 1967

A man in an ornate military-style jacket with intricate detailing looks up thoughtfully. He wears a medallion necklace and a headband, with another person beside him. The background shows a modern architectural structure. Black and white image.
deleted

Just the epitome of a legend.

10. Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas at Monterey Pop Festival (1967)

A woman with long hair holds a cigarette, looking off into the distance. She is amidst a crowd of people, some blurred in the background. She wears a light jacket over a shirt. The scene appears candid and captures a moment of contemplation.
morrisseysflower

Michelle’s out there getting lost in the crowd.

11. In the crowd at The Monterey International Pop Festival, Monterey Fair Grounds, June 1967

Black and white photo of a woman smiling and looking upwards. She has long hair and is wearing a patterned scarf. Another person is partially visible in the background, wearing glasses and hoop earrings.
loosebus2035

Everyone seemed to be having the best of times at the Monterey Pop Festival back in 1967.

12. Otis Redding, Monterey Pop Festival, 1967

Man in a suit passionately singing into a microphone on stage, with pink and blue stage lights creating a vibrant atmosphere.
susoutthemoon

You already know that this was just the kind of performance from Otis Redding that one never forgets.

13. Otis Redding performing at the Monterey Pop Festival, June 1967

A man passionately sings into a microphone on stage during a performance. He is wearing a suit and is flanked by a band, including trumpet and saxophone players, against a dark background.
hjuggernaut

Otis is fully going for it here. He obviously must’ve nailed it too.

14. Country Joe McDonald, Monterey Pop Festival, 1967

A person wearing a hooded jacket looks upward thoughtfully. The face is painted with streaks, and they are adorned with necklaces and various pins on the jacket. The black and white image adds a somber, contemplative mood.
deleted

Country Joe knew how to give the camera the smoldering stare.

15. Jimi Hendrix, Monterey Pop Festival, June 1967

A black and white photo of a man seated at a drum set. He wears an ornate jacket with intricate designs and multiple necklaces. His expression is calm, and he holds a drumstick in one hand. The background is plain.
macjl

Jimi looks absolutely locked in.

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