This year, 420 lands on 4/20/2024 — a date that’s exactly the same when read backwards. How will you be marking this once-in-a-lifetime occasion with events happening? What will be in your pipe this year — from flower and edibles to vapes and beverages, there’s something for everybody. Plus, brush up on some 420-related reading to prep for the big day.
A Brief History on the 420 Festival
Ever wondered where “420” comes from and why it’s linked to marijuana? The origin is quite simple and starts in the 1970s with a group of high school students in San Rafael, California.
These students, known as the “Waldos,” would meet up at a wall after school. They heard about a hidden stash of cannabis plants in the nearby Point Reyes Forest. Every day, they met at 4:20 p.m. by a statue of Louis Pasteur to search for it. They picked this time because their after-school activities were over.
They never found the plants, but “420” became their code word for smoking weed. They didn’t know it then, but “420” would grow into a worldwide symbol for marijuana.
The term spread mainly through fans of the Grateful Dead, a famous rock band closely connected to San Rafael. With some Waldos linked to the band, their secret code got out and became popular among the band’s followers.
Exploring a 420 event promises a day filled with fun, engagement, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections, making it an unforgettable celebration for cannabis lovers worldwide. If you’ve never been to one before or are traveling abroad this year, a few specific events should be at the top of your list. In this article, we’re breaking down the top five April 20th celebrations around the globe. From vibrant music festivals to grassroots advocacy gatherings, these events offer an immersive experience celebrating all aspects of cannabis and the culture that surrounds it.
Exploring the Best Cannabis Events on 420
Heading to a cannabis festival is a treat. Sure, for most of us, 420 is an everyday celebration. But there are very few places to go where you can find so many like-minded cannabis enthusiasts gathered in one place. Luckily, industry leaders, advocates, and brands all get together during this very special time of the year to throw a huge party celebrating all things green. Attendees can always expect good vibes, uniting under the banner of cannabis culture and celebration.
Checking out a bona fide 420 fest is a great way to experience different cannabis industries, cultures, and people— all gathered to celebrate the end of prohibition and the green stuff itself. Wherever you find yourself around the globe, you won’t find a richer, more cultural experience. Below, we’re breaking down five of the best ones you can find worldwide.
1. 420 Vancouver — Vancouver, Canada
We’re starting off strong with one of the biggest cannabis events in Canada. 420 Vancouver started as a major protest in 1995, seeking to take steps toward the end of prohibition. What started as a handful of flyers that drew the attention of a couple of hardcore smokers at the time has turned into a colossal celebration of all things weed.
Now that cannabis is legal in Canada, the event has become less of a protest and more of a cultural phenomenon.
This year marks its 26th anniversary, promising a blend of activism, cannabis culture, community, great food, and plenty of opportunities to smoke and connect with people like you. Their headlining event is the 420 Smoke Out, which offers you the chance to partake in the herb while lost in the crowd near the main stage. You’ll find a lot of excellent 420-friendly artists and musicians delivering unforgettable live performances there throughout the duration of the event.
But if music isn’t really your thing, you’ll love the Farmer’s Market. In this section of the festival, you can browse through rows and rows of cannabis and hemp booths where you can pick up things like art, glass, clothing, and other accessories. You can even buy weed there, making it a great place to stop if you’re a tourist looking to get familiar with Vancouver’s weed scene.
As far as other attractions go, you’re in for a day filled with tasty food trucks, advocacy and educational seminars, and the 42 Live Cup, a competition that brings together some of the best cultivators and brands in the area to compete for the trophy.
The event has become so large that 420 Vancouver has been celebrated at Sunset Beach Park for the last five years. The crowds are no joke— they’re expecting 100,000 people to attend this year. But that’s great news because there’s plenty to do and so many people to meet. So mark your calendars, pack your enthusiasm, and join the movement at 420 Vancouver 2024.
Location: Sunset Beach Park, Vancouver, B.C.
Date: Friday April 19th, 2024
Consumption Rules: BYOC 19+ with consumption opportunities.
Headliners: Golden BSP, Pretty Boy Ossley + more TBD.
Other Attractions: Live music, inspirational speakers and advocates, expansive cannabis market, strain judging, and competitions.
Get Tickets:General Admission
2. Canna Crawl 420 Festival — Toronto, Canada
Okay, so this one isn’t exactly in Toronto proper. It’s down the street in the nearby town of Hamilton, but it’s the closest organized event that isn’t a puff and paint or a random house party thrown out by strangers. Based on the proximity, if you’re visiting Toronto or live nearby, you won’t want to miss this one.
Canna Crawl is a grassroots marketplace event that feels kind of like if a farmer’s market met a bar crawl type of theme. Since its inception in July 2018, this event has been a beacon for cannabis enthusiasts, activists, and entrepreneurs alike. With a focus on preserving the spirit of the legacy industry while embracing the evolution of legalization, Canna Crawl is where the past, present, and future of cannabis in Ontario connect.
You get to stroll through the picturesque downtown Hamilton area where you’ll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of vendors, local businesses, booths, and other smokers. And best of all, the vibes are immaculate. Every corner offers something new to explore. Stop by for goodies, raffles, prizes, and, of course, free samples of select products while supplies last, of course.
My favorite thing about Canna Crawl is that it’s more than putting brands in front of people; it’s about the vibrant local community and the culture surrounding it. The event is sponsored and run by black entrepreneurs, further driving home the point that the price of legalization has disproportionately impacted racialized and marginalized communities. And really, that’s what 420 is all about—fighting the good fight and aiming for progress.
At Canna Crawl, everyone is welcome. Even though cannabis is legal now, we’re still in the destigmatizing phase, and this event ties everything up beautifully. Plus, it’s a ton of fun.
Location: Downtown Hamilton, ON
Date: Saturday April 20th, 2024, from 2 PM to 10 PM.
Consumption Rules: BYOC 19+ with designated consumption lounges.
Headliners: Local musicians and local brands and advocates
Other Attractions: Art exhibits and photo opportunities, food and drinks, door prizes and raffles, educational panels and seminars,
Get Tickets: General Admission
3. Krush Groove — Los Angeles, USA
If live music and hip-hop are your thing, you won’t want to miss Krush Groove on 4/20. This event, presented by 93.5 KDAY, is a celebration of cannabis and classic hip-hop that takes place annually at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles. While it isn’t a bona fide cannabis-friendly event, it inspires the culture. Here, you’ll find so many different people engaging in the nightlife with one major element at its core: cannabis. With an impressive lineup featuring the likes of Ice Cube, E-40, Mack 10, and Xzibit, attendees are in for a treat as they immerse themselves in the golden era of hip-hop.
The only complaint is the venue itself. It’s a cashless venue, so you’ll want to make sure you have your cards and ID handy. The venue is also 100% smoke-free. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen, but you do risk your ticket and being ejected from the arena if you choose to partake. That said, I recommend eating a few edibles while you kick back and enjoy the tunes. The good news is that there are plenty of food and beverage options to cure that cottonmouth.
As the lights dim and the music begins, expect nothing short of an energetic and dynamic atmosphere. From sing-along anthems to high-octane performances, Krush Groove captures the essence of hip-hop culture, transporting attendees back to the golden age of rap. And the best part is all the after parties that usually take place after the concert. Meet up with friends and head to a secondary, more 420-friendly venue and make it a once in a lifetime night.
Choose Krush Groove if you’re in LA for a celebration of music, camaraderie, and the timeless allure of West Coast hip-hop.
Location: Kia Forum, Los Angeles, California, USA
Date: April 20th, 2024, 7:00 PM
Consumption Rules: Not permitted. If you do choose to partake in cannabis, you do so at your own risk.
Headliners: Ice Cube, E-40, Mack 10, Xzibit, and more
Other Attractions: Food and beverage, VIP bottle service, musical performances
Get Tickets: General Admission
4. Kushstock — Los Angeles, USA
Like CannaCrawl, Kushstock isn’t situated within the city limits of Los Angeles. Instead, it can be found in the nearby town of Adelanto, California where the consumption rules are a lot more relaxed. In LA proper you’re going to find a lot of concerts on 4/20, but nothing all that 420-friendly thanks to city ordinances.
The good news is that taking a short trip into the desert is well worth it. Kushstock attracts thousands of attendees for a day filled with legendary musical performances, photo opportunities, smoke seshes, and even the chance to buy and sample some of California’s finest weed. The event got its start almost a decade ago to celebrate all the years of advocacy and change that have made California such a hot spot for cannabis culture.
The best part is? It’s totally free to attend. You just need to register to let them know you’re going. If you’re looking for extra perks and free swag though, there are also VIP tickets available. The event offers you the chance to learn and advocate for cannabis policy changes as well as sample the best strains, edibles, concentrates, and vapes the cannabis industry in the Cali bubble has to offer.
Cruising through the event is a visual feast, too. Kushstock is designed to connect cannabis enthusiasts with people and local Cali brands while sharing a love for local art, music, and vendors. Stages are set up for competitions and musical performances, as well as rows and rows of booths that act as a cannabis marketplace. You can pre-order and buy weed and even cannabis seeds here, but you can also find apparel, glass, smoking accessories, handmade stuff from local artists, and so much more. Additionally, attendees can marvel at the creativity on display through live art sessions, adding a dynamic visual element to the festival.
Out of all the events on this list, Kushstock might be the one that offers the most encompassing 4/20 experience with the added perk of affordability and a super laid-back, creative vibe throughout the community. Plus the gorgeous California sunset at the outdoor venue is a huge bonus.
Location: Adelanto Stadium Event Center, Adelanto California USA
Date: April 20th, 2024
Consumption Rules: BYOC 21+ — be sure to bring your own glass, too!
Headliners: TBA. Past festivals included E40, Juicy J, and Bone Thugs N Harmony
Other Attractions: Advocacy and educational seminars, cannabis and seeds available for purchase, B2C marketplace, interactive art exhibits, live music, and plenty of food and drink.
Get Tickets: General Admission
5. 420 Hyde Park — London, UK
420 has been celebrated (and protested) every year on April 20th at the picturesque Hyde Park in London for the last several years. While the 420 Hyde Park event took a short break during the pandemic and the following year, it still attracted people seeking cannabis reform to the venue during its time off for peaceful protest, even without an official event being organized.
This year, it’s returning on April 20th from 11 AM to 6 PM to celebrate cannabis culture amidst the lush greenery of one of London’s most iconic parks. In 2019, the event saw a record-breaking turnout of over 50,000 attendees, making it one of the largest gatherings for cannabis advocacy in London. It garnered cross-party support from all major political parties, underscoring the importance of cannabis legalization in the national conversation.
However, to this day, cannabis still remains illegal in the UK and is subject to strict laws governing possession, distribution, and cultivation. Despite its widespread popularity—30 percent of adults in England and Wales have tried it at least once— the event is often a hunting ground of sorts for the police. That said, it’s in your best interest not to use cannabis at this event, even if everyone else is. 420 Hyde Park is, to its core, still a political rally and protest.
Even so, the spirit of the 420 London event endures. Amidst live music, guest speakers, and food vendors, attendees can enjoy connecting over advocacy and the resilience and passion people in London share for making changes to cannabis policy in the UK. Notable past events have featured surprise appearances, with speculations of Snoop Dogg sightings and comedian Big Narstie joining the festivities.
While it’s an advocacy gathering at its core, it’s still an event worth checking out if you’re into live music, food, fun, and companionship.
Location: Hyde Park, London, UK
Date: Saturday April 20th, 2024 from 11 AM – 6 PM
Consumption Rules: Cannabis use is not permitted. Consume at your own risk.
Headliners: Local artists and musicians TBD
Other Attractions: Food, games, guest speakers, art installations, and more.
Get Tickets: Free event; no RSVP is required.
6. Buds N’ Bowls —Queensland, Australia
There’s nothing better than enjoying nice weather and spending time outdoors, especially on 420. A few years back, a couple of cannabis enthusiasts in Queensland set out to find more than just a gathering spot for social smoke sessions. Eventually, they settled on The Boo in Newstead, which is a gorgeous property with plenty of fresh air. On Saturday, April 20th, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM or later, this 420-friendly event promises a unique blend of learning, leisure, and celebration.
Attendees get to partake in their medicinal cannabis in a social setting in a rare sort of setup. A designated vaporization area known as “The Green Space” offers a safe haven for medication in compliance with QLD regulations. Here, attendees can relax, unwind, and partake in their preferred method of consumption, respecting both legal guidelines and community standards.
Even if you’re not a cardholder, you can also enjoy insightful talks and workshops led by industry experts. From navigating telehealth services to understanding the entourage effect, participants gain valuable knowledge while fostering a deeper appreciation for the plant’s therapeutic properties in an environment that is still pushing for cannabis reform in a very relaxed, lowkey way.
But the crown jewel of Buds and Bowls is of course the bowling. For those seeking a bit of friendly competition, the lawn bowls tournament provides the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow cannabis enthusiasts. Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to network with like-minded individuals in your own backyard.
Of course, no celebration is complete without entertainment. Live music, DJ sets, and the mesmerizing artistry of live glass-blowing demonstrations give the event a huge boost in the atmosphere while still keeping it relaxed and inclusive. As the day draws to a close, you’ll get to take home event-exclusive T-shirts and special show bags filled with goodies from local cannabis brand sponsors.
Ultimately, if a more lowkey vibe with plenty of consumption opportunities, friendly competition, and a beautiful atmosphere is your jam, you’ll love checking this place out on April 20th.
Location: The Boo, Newstead, Queensland Australia
Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024, 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Consumption Rules: BYOC medical only. Cannabis must be in its original packaging with the prescription information attached for compliance. Only vaporizing is allowed.
Headliners: Live musical performances by local artists.
Other Attractions: Lawn bowling tournament, informative talks, workshops, glass blowing demonstration, and exclusive gift bag.
Get Tickets: For those interested in joining us, be aware that ticket sales are open now, with general admission available through the provided General Admission. All ticket sales are final, and there will be no refunds even in case of bad weather.
Find 420 Events Near Me
As we wrap up our journey through the top 420 events around the world, one thing becomes clear: the celebration of cannabis culture knows no bounds. Whether you’re drawn to the activism of 420 Vancouver, the grassroots spirit of Canna Crawl, the hip-hop vibes of Krush Groove, the advocacy of 420 Hyde Park, or the laid-back atmosphere of Buds N’ Bowls, each event offers a unique experience that celebrates the diverse facets of cannabis and the communities it brings together.
If you’re not able to make it to one of these events, though, don’t sweat it! There are plenty of ways to find 420 events in your area. Consider cruising Reddit, talking to friends, exploring local event publications and news outlets, or checking out platforms like Eventbrite to discover cannabis-related events in your own backyard. Whether it’s a small meetup, a house party, an educational seminar, or a major blowout festival, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest and connects you with people who have something in common with you: cannabis.
At the end of the day, attending a 420 event isn’t just about indulging in cannabis—it’s about embracing a vibrant cannabis culture, forging meaningful connections, and advocating for positive change. So, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in the world of cannabis celebrations. Who knows? It might just change your life.
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