I have been a participant in rainbow gatherings since the late 80s.  While the rainbow gathering means many different things to many people, I view it as direct democracy: no leaders, no organization, no corporation of any type. The gathering is people getting together to build a temporary community for a short period of time. This community then dissolves and reforms at another time and place.

To give you an idea of the ideals of many gathering participants, I’ve included the invitation to the first gathering in 1972.

We, who are brothers & sisters, children of God, families of life on earth, friends of nature & of all people, children of humankind calling ourselves Rainbow Family Tribe, humbly invite:

  • All races, peoples, tribes, communes, men, women, children, individuals — out of love.
  • All nations & national leaders — out of respect
  • All religions & religious leaders — out of faith
  • All politicians — out of charity

to join with us in gathering together for the purpose of expressing our sincere desire that there shall be peace on earth, harmony among all people. This gathering to take place beginning July 1, 1972, near Aspen, Colorado – or between Aspen the Hopi Navajo lands – on 3000 acres of land that we hope to purchase or acquire for this gathering —  to hold open worship, prayer, chanting or whatever is the want or desire of the people, for three days, but upon the fourth day of July at noon to ask that there be a meditative, contemplative silence wherein we, the invited people of the world may consider & give honor & respect to anyone or anything that has aided in the positive evolution of humankind & nature upon this, our most beloved & beautiful world — asking blessing upon we people of this world & hope that we people can effectively proceed to evolve, expand, & live in harmony & peace.

Every year I maintain a blog for the annual 4th of July gathering. You can find the 2024 Gathering blog online. You can subscribe to blog posts from that blog via email. I also maintain a personal email list for information related to rainbow gatherings.

Please note you will receive a confirmation email and must click on the link to activate your subscription.


In 2008, Jonathan Kalafer came to the Rainbow Gathering to make a documentary and experienced peace in the face of violence. The film’s title comes from frequently heard shouts at the gathering of “we love you” and it’s typical response, “we love you more.”

WE LOVE YOU: A Rainbow Gathering Documentary” from New Jersey Pictures on Vimeo.