America’s top 21 cannabis events of 420 2023

To sleep, perchance to dream of the ideal 420 party? Well Leafly nation, you never need to dream on that front—we got you. As I say every year, the numbers keep getting better and the states with either recreational or medical cannabis (21 rec, 40 medical) keeps going up. That means more and more opportunities to gather around ganja and honor both the plant and the people who dedicate themselves to it.

This year is a “make new friends, but keep the old” ethos, with a mix of long-standing gatherings and new ideas to help you repeat a dank experience or step outside your cushy (pun intended) comfort zone. Happy 420! 

Best 4/20 events in California

420 Hippie Hill

How to put to words the Bay Area’s most enduring cannabis cultural event? And now with Erykah Badu herself as host? This is FOMO defined. Through rain and shine, through legal and not, and blinding clouds of cannabis smoke, Hippie Hill continues to prove cannabis’ role as a community conduit. There will be music galore, the most exotic, boutique brands, and winners for King of Z Hill announced. And this year, thanks to a collaboration with BLK Prime, those outside of the Bay or tied up with other commitments (like, clear your schedule), you’ll be able to tune into the livestream set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. Free!

Cannescape

Sometimes 4/20 doesn’t need to be a grand affair. If you prefer more of a wellness retreat vibe, the Cannescape overnight experience has education and experiential learning in spades, against the backdrop of the Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. There will be CBD cocktails, a five-course plant medicine dinner, experts on hand, breakfast, a hotel stay, and access to volcanic mud baths. This is a bougie experience for sure—tickets go for $1,200 per couple or $650 for individuals. (1507 Lincoln Avenue Calistoga, CA, 94515)

Willie Nelson turns 90

How to honor a man whose musical and cannabis legacy looms from coast to coast? Have him throw a birthday party! Willie Nelson and a gaggle of his fans, colleagues and disciples will play a two-day concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. respectively. Featured acts include Neil Young, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, and The Chicks, among dozens of others. Tickets are steep, and start at $460. (2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068)

Dazed and Confused watch party

I personally wait for the next great stoner film of the 2020s. But in the meantime, if you’re in LA, roll something up and roll up to one of the two The Cannabis & Movies Club’s screenings of a timeless classic, Dazed and Confused on April 23. Tickets start at $20, and go up to $75 if you want the “date night” special with snacks, a bong, and accessories included. (The Lyric Hyperion Theater 2106 Hyperion Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027)

Evergreen San Francisco

I’m a crunchy-adjacent San Francisco kid, so I’m a little biased here, but how much closer can you get to a farmers market where the farmers grow weed. Evergreen SF runs for about a week around 4/20, starting April 12. Just about any kind of weed lover will find something to do, be it a documentary on music by the likes of Joan Baez, many, many dispensary deals, comedy, a cabaret, and an art gala. If none of these appeal to you somehow, don’t worry, there’s more! Most events are free.

Glasshouse Fest 

If you’re one of the biggest cannabis companies in California, you kind of owe your patrons and broader community a cannabis-centric Coachella. The latest Glasshouse Fest, which has previously featured acts like Flying Lotus and Eric Andre comes around again on 4/20. The brand hasn’t released event details just yet, but stay tuned. glasshousefarms.org/glasshousefest/

Kushstock

Highest 4/20 party in Colorado

Mile High 420 Fest

420 on the Rocks 

You know the drill! The Red Rocks Amphitheater has hosted some of the biggest names in both hip hop and cannabis culture, and 2023 keeps that going. Join the prince of stoner music himself Wiz Khalifa, Joey Bada$$, and support from Berner, Chevy Woods, Action Bronson and more on April 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $40. (18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465)

New York weed events for 4/20

NY Cannabis Freedom Festival

New York’s nascent recreational cannabis industry has experienced, to put it lightly, some growing pains, but the consensus remains: Everyone has the right to enjoy cannabis freely. So is the ethos of New York City’s fifth annual Cannabis Freedom Festival. Expect two days of workshops, vendors, and seminars from the industry’s biggest players, starting April 19. www.ny-cff.com/ Tickets start at $30.

Family Ties Brunch

The heavy hitters of New York City want to go to brunch with you. On April 20 starting at 10 am, you can roll and dine with titans of East Coast cannabis. You’ll need to register ahead of time to get the Manhattan location, and it’s not for newbies. Tickets start at $50.

Best 4/20 events in Oregon and Washington

Laser Childish Gambino

Freaks, geeks, and stoners unite! Back in the day, laser shows were an innovative way to enhance the concert experience with frenetic, colorful beams of light. In an homage to acts like Pink Floyd, the Laser 420 show pairs contemporary tunes by Childish Gambino and a 420-specific program for two shows on April 20. Tickets for adults go for $15. pacificsciencecenter.org/events/laser-420/ (200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)

Northwest Cannafest

As the number one cannabis city in the US, it’s only natural Portland would throw a proper weed party. The second Northwest Cannafest brings weed to the block party in the form of cover bands for Fleetwood Mac and U2, local vendors, and a special 4:20 p.m. party. Tickets start at $27.50 (17880 SW McEwan Lake Oswego, OR 97035) 

Best Arizona weed event for 4/20

Waldos World 420 Fest 

We owe 420, a day, a code word, a way of life, to the Waldos. So in their honor, Glendale has dubbed their 420 homage the Waldos World 420 Music Fest. FYI, it’s on April 22, not 4/20. But there will be all the tenets of a good 420 party: marijuana, munchies, music, and like-minded people. Tickets start at $15. (5307 West Glendale Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301)

Best weed event for 4/20 in Illinois

Waldos Forever 

Although the Waldos created 420 many miles from Chicago, the windy city knows where to give credit where it’s due. Celebrations begin with education and logistics the weekend before, with opportunities to renew your medical marijuana card and partake in stoner trivia. Day of, expect pizza, DJs and beverages galore, with some comedy to close out the night. And if you really want to, you can go for a run on Saturday. Events are free, but first come first serve. See website for locations.

Massachusetts’s best weed event for 4/20

Grass is Greener

I guess the Massholes are now Grassholes? A revamp of the Carniroll festival, the Grass is Greener gathering has bloomed into a two-day music festival of its own, with Action Bronson and Wyclef Jean leading the dozens of musical acts set to perform across three stages. There’s also many a food truck, carney games, live pro wrestling, a car show, and hot air balloons. Music and access begins Friday at 12 p.m. Tickets start at $75 for single-day admission. (138 East St. Hadley, MA, 01035)

Missouri’s best weed event on 4/20

Smokey River 420 Festival

smokeyriverentertainmentdistrict.com/read-420-festival/

It seems like Missouri just legalized recreational cannabis yesterday, but they’ve hit the ground running. Their 420 Festival will take place at the Smokey River Entertainment District, with a balls-to-the-wall lineup of weed and food vendors. Tickets start at $70. (3703 N Cobbler Rd, River Bend, MO 64058) 

Georgia’s sweetest weed event on 4/20

Sweetwater 420 Fest

Call it a cosmic cure to cottonmouth. Georgia’s Sweetwater 420 fest continues to attract psychonauts and music fans alike. The Sweetwater Brewery’s latest 420 events on April 22 and 23 feature a heady lineup of funky, eclectic musical acts from the South, including Shakey Graves, Neal Francis, and Ghostland Observatory. Tickets start at $70 for general admission. () 

New Mexico’s best weed event for 4/20

Ice Cube and Bone Thugs 

It’s gonna be a good day if your 420 live soundtrack is Bone Thugs and Ice Cube. These cannabis lovers perform at the Rio Ranch on 4/20 with supporting acts that include Tha Luniz and Warren G. Show starts at 5 pm and tickets go for $110 or more. (3001 Civic Center Circle – Rio Rancho, NM)

Best Washington DC 4/20 weed event

420 Week by the National Cannabis Festival

nationalcannabisfestival.com/420week

Why limit your antics to just Thursday? Our nation’s capital, despite not being able to fully legalize cannabis, will be putting on a whole week of events to prove how much the people love pot. It all culminates with 2 Chainz and Juicy J helming an all-day musical concert, while a huge vendors fair and “munchies zone” provide nosh and educational nourishment. General admission starts at $85, while VIP starts at $425. Doors at 12 pm at the RFK Stadium.

Best Montana 4/20 weed event

420 Block Party

While Missoula’s Hempfest is slated for October, the Missoula Block Party is ready for 4/20. The tunes will be psychedelic, the vibes immaculate, and you’ll get to tour Montana’s dispensaries as they keep the Big Sky state cloudy with dank smoke. And entry won’t cost a thing. (123 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59802)

And that’s it for America’s coolest weed events of 420 2023. Never miss the latest heat—download the Leafly App (Android, iOS) and turn on notifications to scoop those flavors first.