What does the term "Summer of Love" refer to?

The term "Summer of Love" specifically refers to the summer of 1967 when around 100,000 people converged in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. This cultural phenomenon was marked by the rise of the counterculture movement, which embraced peace, love, and communal living, heavily influenced by the music of the era, notably bands like the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. The gathering was a significant moment in American history, embodying the ideals of the Hippie movement, as well as promoting a message of love and anti-war sentiments amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War.

The other options do not accurately describe this historic event. The civil rights protests occurred in various forms during the same period but are not encapsulated by the term "Summer of Love." Although notable art exhibitions were held in various locations during this time, they are not specifically linked to the ethos of the Summer of Love. Likewise, while music festivals were a popular form of expression and gathering during the 1960s, the festival most synonymous with the Summer of Love is not specifically one that was held in Los Angeles but rather the collection of events and gatherings in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury area.