Woodstock 1969 Many large concerts occurred throughout America in the summer of 1969, but none were as well known and symbolic as Woodstock. Its impact on America’s culture and society as well as its youth will not be forgotten for many years to come. Four men named Michael Lang, Artie Kornfield, John Roberts, and Joel Rosenman originally established Woodstock. The men’s initial idea for the festival was to promote the idea of a new recording studio in Bethel, New York, which is where the event actually took place. Because of the extensive amount of rain that fell before and during Woodstock, the site was chang