The Best 420 Events and Festivals

Every April, the cannabis community throws its biggest parties and most passionate rallies. Major festivals score big-name talent, while dispensaries roll out deals and demos. Beyond the music and sales, you might find live rosin presses, joint-rolling battles, and everything in between.

What Is a 420 Event?

420 events are cannabis celebrations, from small smoke sessions to massive festivals with music, vendors, and activism.

They're where the culture comes alive every April 20th. You'll find everything from educational panels to product demos, all wrapped in a classic 420 vibe.

What Does 420 Mean?

Think of it as the Bat-Signal for cannabis culture. It started when some California high school students in the '70s, who dubbed themselves the Waldos, would meet at 4:20 p.m. every day to smoke. The term leaked out, hitched a ride with Grateful Dead fans, and blew up worldwide.

Now, April 20th is like New Year's Eve for cannabis consumers. 

What Can You Expect at a 420 Event?

• Live Music: We're talking major headliners at big fests, plus killer local acts at block parties. Pro tip: Bring earplugs.
• Brand Showcases: Licensed vendors demo new products (small samples where allowed), with live extraction demos at larger events. State laws vary on sales.
• Cannabis Education: Growers breaking down terp profiles, doctors explaining cannabinoid science, and activists teaching how to push for reform, all offering trusted cannabis information for every experience level. 
• Cannabis Community: Compare strains with connoisseurs (check state laws before sharing), debate gear with budtenders, and find your people. 
• Hands-On Activities: Joint-rolling contests, live glassblowing, terpene tastings, cannabis yoga, and more.
• Food and Drinks: Local eats, craft sips, and occasional infused samples (check local laws).

How to Find 420 Events Near Me

Looking for 420 events near you? Here’s how to locate them: 

• Check Event Listings: Websites like Weedmaps and Leafly are goldmines for local 420 events. 
• Follow Dispensaries & Brands: Many dispensaries host 4/20 celebrations and promote them on social media. 
• Join Cannabis Communities: Online forums (like Reddit’s r/trees) and local advocacy groups share event updates. 
• Search Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter hashtags (#420Events, #420Festival) can lead you to local gatherings. 

Pro Tip: Bookmark dates early. The best events sell out fast.

Learn other tips on how to find cannabis events near you to get a full scope of where your next sesh could be.

Top 420 Events in the US

If you're looking for the biggest and best 420 festivals, here are some of the best options.

Mile High 420 Festival (Denver, CO)

50,000+ pack Civic Center Park for Colorado’s largest 420 concert. Past headliners like Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz soundtrack the mile-high haze. Meanwhile, local dispensaries often run pop-up giveaways.

Hippie Hill (San Francisco, CA)

The OG free gathering in Golden Gate Park, where clouds of smoke mix with live music and drum circles. Expect over 10,000 people, a DIY ethos, and the purest 420 vibes west of the Rockies.

Seattle Hempfest (Seattle, WA)

Part protest, part festival, the long-standing cannabis rally where activist speeches hit as hard as the live punk bands. Come for the cause, stay for the unbeatable waterfront views.

Kushstock Festival (Los Angeles, CA)

LA’s unapologetic celebration of weed culture: bass-thumping hip-hop, lowrider showcases, and dispensaries serving up exclusive drops. Just follow the smell of freshly rolled Backwoods.

Sweetwater 420 Fest (Atlanta, GA)

This festival is where craft beer and cannabis collide. Big names like Snoop Dogg and Ludacris have topped this Atlanta fest. Eco-conscious vendors and VIP lounges round out the experiences.

MARY Fest (Brooklyn, NY)

MARY Fest is NYC’s chicest 420 experience, featuring luxury weed accessories, grower panels with industry leaders, and sleek consumption lounges. More high-end pop-up gallery than traditional festival.

Nashville Cannafest (Nashville, TN)

Tennessee’s premier CBD-centric festival blends Southern hospitality with progressive hemp advocacy. This smoke-free gathering features wellness workshops, local hemp brands, and live music.

Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival (Kutztown, PA)

This farmers market-turned-cannabis wonderland packs in hundreds of vendors, awesome local eats (don't miss the legendary whoopie pies), and that classic Pennsylvania chill.

Buds-A-Palooza (Phoenix, AZ)

Phoenix's ultimate 420 block party takes over Roosevelt Row with blazing main stage acts, stoner comedy sets, and Arizona's best glass blowers doing live demos. Don't miss the Sublime-sponsored Munchie Mall when those cravings hit.

Legal Considerations When Attending 420 Events

Before heading to a 420 event, keep these legal factors in mind: 

• Age Restrictions: Most events require attendees to be 21+, though some allow 18+ entry for medical patients. Bring your card if you’re a patient.
• Public Consumption Laws: Even in legal states, smoking in public may be restricted. Stick to private venues or designated areas. 
• Prohibited Items: These include outside cannabis (if vendors are present), alcohol, weapons, and glass containers. Assume security will check your bags.
• Purchasing Limits: If cannabis is sold on-site, there may be purchase limits per person.
• Payment Methods: Cash is king. Most events are cash-only due to federal banking laws. ATMs on-site often charge hefty fees, so plan ahead.
• Traveling with Cannabis: Crossing state lines with cannabis is illegal under federal law.

For more details, review your state’s cannabis laws and regulations.

Tips for an Enjoyable Experience

To make the most of your 420 festival, follow these tips:

• Bring Essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, comfy shoes, portable charger, and cash (some vendors may not accept cards). Pre-game smart by locating a nearby dispensary before you go. Just be sure not to bring cannabis to events where it's not welcome.
• Know Your Limits: Start low and go slow, especially with edibles. Wait at least 2 hours before re-dosing.
• Plan Transportation: Designate a sober driver or use rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, etc.).
• Designate a Meet-Up Spot: Cell service often fails in dense crowds. Pick a visible landmark when you arrive.
• Respect Local Laws: Avoid public smoking if it’s prohibited. Only light up in designated areas.
• Connect with Others: The best connections happen in merch lines and food truck queues.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.