Taking Woodstock

In 1969, the Tiber family faces serious financial difficulties as they struggle to maintain their family-owned El Monaco Resort in Bethel, New York. With the threat of losing their establishment looming over them, tensions rise as Elliot seeks ways to help his family avoid foreclosure.

Elliot urgently approaches a local bank to plead for mercy in a heartfelt attempt to prevent foreclosure on their motel. His mother, Sonia, shares her painful history as a Russian refugee, intensifying the emotional climate surrounding their precarious situation.

Determined to turn their fortunes around, Elliot hatches a plan for a small music festival. He successfully secures a $1 permit from the town's chamber of commerce to host the event, a position he also holds as president.

Elliot learns that the Woodstock Festival organizers are facing setbacks at their planned location and decides to offer them his newly acquired permit. He also provides accommodations at the El Monaco Resort, which is welcomed by Michael Lang, one of the festival organizers.

Local farmer Max Yasgur offers his land for the festival, initially agreeing on a fee of $5,000. However, as the anticipated attendance grows, they renegotiate the fee to $75,000, showcasing the evolving scale of the event.

As preparations for the festival unfold, Elliot and Yasgur face considerable local backlash. Elliot’s motel is targeted for violations, and their property is marred with graffiti, reflecting the community's unrest regarding the upcoming event.

Elliot hires a unique addition to their security team, a cross-dressing Korean War veteran named Betty von Vilma. This decision adds an unexpected yet colorful character to their festival preparations, highlighting the eclectic atmosphere of the festival.

While organizing the festival, Elliot grapples with his identity, specifically his concerns about hiding his homosexuality from his family. At the same time, he develops feelings for one of the festival's organizers, adding to his emotional turmoil.

As the festival kicks off, Elliot is encouraged by his father to join in the celebration. Riding a motorcycle through heavy traffic, he finally arrives at the concert, where he gets swept up in the festivities, including a unique experience in a Volkswagen Bus.

After the festival, Elliot shares a breakfast with his parents and suggests that they replace him now that their financial issues are alleviated. However, his mother finds this suggestion painful and they instead experience a renewed bond filled with joy and laughter.

The morning after another joyful festival day, Sonia reveals a shocking secret: she has secretly saved $97,000 under the floorboards. Elliot feels conflicted, realizing that while he worked hard to alleviate their struggles, his mother was hiding a substantial sum.

Feeling discontent with his mother's secrecy, Elliot resolves to leave for California to seek independence. As he packs, he receives support from his father, who encourages him to pursue his own path.

In a final visit to the festival site, Elliot reflects on the muddy aftermath of the concert. He has a heartfelt moment with Michael Lang, who hints at exciting future projects, including a free concert for The Rolling Stones.