Would you love to attend a weed festival, but have no idea which ones are good?
Or you want to know if there are any big cannabis festivals near you?
Well, there is almost certainly something somewhere near you.
But it may not be very large, or even any good.
This guide to marijuana festivals focuses on the world’s most prominent fests.
If there is one near where you live, you should definitely take advantage and check it out.
Even if none are close to you, it is worth traveling to attend any of these festivals. And chances are, at least one of them won’t be too long of a trip from your location.
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Best Cannabis Festivals
All of the weed festivals listed below are major events that take place every year (with some recent exceptions, thanks to Covid). You can’t go wrong with any one of these marijuana fests.
Spannabis
Spannabis, as the name suggests, is Spain’s cannabis festival. It is considered the biggest cannabis fair in Europe and has been taking place in Spain, Barcelona, since 2002.
The first Spannabis was held at Palau Sant Jordi. However, all the later editions of the event were held at Fira de Cornellá. In 2024, the event took place between the 15th and 17th of March.
It is estimated that over 35,000 people attend Spannabis every year and almost 500 companies (retailers, products, seed banks, etc.) are represented.
The three-day fest is packed with several events including an award show for the best cannabis products and the Spannabis Champions Cup for the latest and coolest cannabis strains.
Attendees can also enjoy, music, food, bars, and a relaxing atmosphere to network endlessly with professionals from the marijuana industry and cannabis lovers from all over the world.
Cultiva Hemp Expo
Cultiva is the International Expo for Cannabis. In 2024, it will be held in Vienna in the Marx Halle in May and October. With over 120 exhibitors, it remains one of Europe’s largest cannabis fairs.
Cannabis lovers are attracted to the Cultiva Hemp Expo for several reasons. First, it is held at a central location with easy access to the public transport. Second, it has a potential of more than 4 million visitors.
Cannabis retailers and product vendors can directly connect with interested buyers with high purchasing power. Attendees can also have a direct dialog with buyers, investors, and customers.
Internationally renowned speakers, researchers, and politicians attend the expo and attendees can stay abreast of new developments in the cannabis industry through their speeches.
Mile High 420 Festival
The Mile High 420 Fest is America’s largest cannabis festival. It is held each year on the 20th April (4/20) at Denver’s Civic Center Park from 12 to 8 pm. There is a private party after 8 pm up to 1 am.
The event first started as a political rally almost three decades ago. Later it transitioned to a music concert. By the late 2000s, after Colorado made medical and recreational marijuana legal, it became popular as the best pot-friendly fest in the US. It features the best music and beer gardens and Denver’s best food trucks are also present.
The event is free for everyone 21 and above, but you need an ID. Mile High 420 Fest also has select VIP passes, giving access to special events in VIP lounges.
High Times Cannabis Cup
The High Times Cannabis Cup was first held nearly three decades ago. Through the High Times Cannabis Cups, marijuana lovers have been fighting tirelessly for the plant’s political legitimacy.
High Times magazine sponsors this Cannabis Cup. It is held over two consecutive weekends and features talks by some of the best cannabis cultivators, researchers, editors, and more.
It also has a great vibe due to live entertainment and concerts. The event is considered the world’s leading marijuana trade show and it celebrates cannabis through competitions, seminars, celebrity appearances, and more.
The High Times Cannabis Cup is open to adults 18 and over. There are some restrictions about smoking cannabis at the event, so make sure you carry your medical card or a doctor’s letter.
4/20 At Hippie Hill
If you regularly visit the official web page of 420 At Hippie Hill, you might know that this year’s event has been canceled due to city-wide budget cuts. The organizers have promised to be back next year but until then, marijuana lovers can join them at the Carnaval San Francisco in May 2024.
The all-day 420 At Hippie Hill event is usually held on the 20th April at the Sharon Meadows (Robin Williams Meadow) Area of Golden Gate, Park, SF. it has been held unofficially since the 1970s to celebrate the right use of cannabis but the city made it official only in 2022.
420 Hippie Hill is free for everyone 21 and over, but there are special paid VIP passes for special events. More than 20,000 people attend Hippie Hill each year.
Hawaii Cannabis Expo
Founded in 2014, the Hawaii Cannabis Expo aims to unite the cannabis lover community from all over the world. Its main objective is to educate people about the potential health benefits of the cannabis plant.
Additionally, it provides attendees with reliable guidance on safely accessing cannabis in Hawaii as registered patients. The Hawaii Cannabis Expo also provides a platform for people to voice their opinions and network with like-minded individuals.
More than 15,000 people attend the expo each year and the event has experienced a significant expansion in vendors, speakers, educators, and participants. The next Hawaii Cannabis Expo will be held in Jan and Feb of 2025.
Hempfest
The Hempfest in Seattle is one of the world’s largest annual gatherings of like-minded individuals looking to legalize cannabis. It was started almost 25 years ago and mainly consists of political speeches and protests aimed to legalize marijuana.
The ‘protestival’ features more than 150 guest speakers and also includes arts, crafts, food, and live performances. Vendors can also display and sell their products and merchandise.
Entry to Hempfest is free for all age groups, but the organizers do ask for a small donation to help make the event successful.
National Cannabis Festival
The National Cannabis Festival is held each year on the 19th and 20th of April at the RFK Campus in Washington, DC, situated just one mile from the US Capitol building.
The event was first started by a small group of cannabis enthusiasts in 2015 to end marijuana prohibition. Every year, attendees to the National Cannabis Festival can enjoy full-day concerts, talks by congress members, yoga, games, food, drinks, and contests.
Glass House Fest
The Glass House Fest is one of the biggest celebrations of cannabis in LA. Entry is free to everyone aged 21 and over, but attendees must RSVP beforehand.
The event starts at 4:20 pm and ends at 11 pm, and is held at the Wisdome, DTLA, an immersive art park in LA with several domes. The organizers transform the domes for music, a comedy show, a lounge area, and a space for food trucks and vendors. They also provide a curated itinerary so attendees can experience the best vibes of the festival from start to finish.
Best Weed Festivals: Final Thoughts
Marijuana festivals can be a lot of fun, even if your not working in the industry. Of course, it does depend on which festival you go to. Many cannabis festivals are still quite small. Small festivals can be great, but few can hold a candle to the most prominent ones.
And those are the ones featured in this guide to cannabis festivals. If you have been wanting to attend a weed festival and see what they are all about, you will get the best experience at one of the major festivals listed above. Chances are there is at least one that is somewhat close to where you live.
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