Smoking weed is becoming acceptable.
As such, there are few music festivals where you won’t smell cannabis in the air.
But that is not what we are talking about today.
The marijuana music festivals listed below are all ones where cannabis is the official theme of the event.
In addition to widespread use of marijuana, these festivals celebrate all aspects of the herb.
And yes, the big ones all seem to be in California. Let’s take a look.
Notable Weed Music Festivals
The festivals below all combine music with cannabis culture in an official capacity. But I also made sure to mention famous festivals that do not officially condone the use of marijuana, but where use is widespread and unofficially a part of the experience for many.
420 Hippie Hill
Nestled within the heart of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park, 420 Hippie Hill stands as a beacon of cannabis culture in California.
The festival takes place on the 20th of April in the lush greenery of Hippie Hill, a historic gathering spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the city skyline.
Surrounded by towering trees and rolling hills, the festival provides a picturesque backdrop for attendees to come together and celebrate their love for the bud.
420 Hippie Hill holds a special place in the hearts of cannabis enthusiasts and music aficionados alike, serving as an annual pilgrimage for those seeking to revel in the spirit of 420.
The festival traces its roots back to the early 1970s, when a small group of friends first gathered on Hippie Hill to smoke marijuana and celebrate the countercultural values of peace, love, and unity. It has since grown into a beloved tradition, attracting thousands of attendees from across the country and beyond.
Over the years, 420 Hippie Hill has played host to an eclectic line-up of entertainers, ranging from local talent to internationally renowned artists.
In keeping with the festival’s chill, free-for-all spirit, musical guests are only announced as last-minute surprises. There’s no knowing who may make an appearance on stage, but past entertainers have included Erykah Badu, Mike Tyson, and Jeff Ross.
Grass Lands At Outside Lands
Also set in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, Grass Lands at Outside Lands offers a vibrant and chilled experience at one of California’s premier music festivals.
Tucked amidst the towering trees and scenic landscapes of the park, Grass Lands provides a dedicated space for you to gather with your best buds (both human buds and smokeable ones) and celebrate alongside the Outside Lands’ main line-up of musical acts.
Since its inception, Grass Lands has been at the forefront of destigmatizing cannabis use, providing a safe and welcoming environment to explore marijuana’s various offerings and learn about its medicinal and recreational benefits.
As part of the larger Outside Lands festival, Grass Lands has helped to bridge the gap between cannabis and music, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among festival-goers.
The festival has hosted an impressive line-up of musical talent over the years, drawing both established artists and rising stars to its stages. Past performers have included Green Day, whose high-energy performances have electrified audiences and solidified their status as punk rock icons
Post Malone has also graced the Grass Lands stage with his genre-blurring blend of hip-hop, rock, and pop, captivating fans with his infectious energy and chart-topping hits.
Other notable acts to have performed at Grass Lands include SZA, whose soulful vocals and introspective lyrics have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following, and Weezer, whose catchy melodies and irreverent lyrics have made them a beloved fixture of the alternative rock scene.
Northern Nights Music Festival
The Northern Nights Music Festival takes place in Northern California, at the picturesque Cooks Valley Campground along the Eel River. The scenic location offers a beautiful natural setting with towering redwood trees and a serene river, providing a stunning natural experience for festival-goers.
The Northern Nights Music Festival holds a significant place in both the cannabis and music communities. It embraces the culture of cannabis and aims to create an environment where enthusiasts can come together to celebrate music and marijuana as one.
The marijuana festival has become an important platform for promoting cannabis advocacy, education, and awareness.
The Northern Nights Music Festival has featured an impressive line-up of artists down the years. Past headlining acts have included renowned artists such as Big Gigantic, Gorgon City, Jai Wolf, and Gramatik.
The festival also showcases various art forms, including live painting and cool art installations. Artists create captivating visuals throughout the festival grounds, enhancing the overall experience.
Attendees can also participate in workshops and seminars that cover topics such as cannabis cultivation, strains, medicinal uses, and the legal landscape surrounding cannabis.
Kushstock Festival
Kushstock Festival, first run in 2016, is held in various locations in California, taking advantage of the state’s progressive cannabis laws. The festival often takes place in spacious outdoor venues, providing ample room for attendees to explore and enjoy the festivities, with the 2024 edition held in Adelanto.
The festival aims to provide a cannabis-friendly environment for attendees to enjoy live music and explore different cannabis products.
General admittance is free, or you can opt to pay for the VIP package. The VIP tickets include access to extra and unique sight and sound experiences, interactive art installations, and legal cannabis sales, not to mention epic sets from top-tier music artists.
Kushstock is more than just an event. It’s a celebration of creativity and togetherness. It brings together individuals from all walks of life, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for the unique experiences that emerge when weed and music collide.
The legal festival allows attendees to purchase licensed cannabis from licensed retailers and to chill with some great artists on stage.
The festival has featured a range of notable performances and events that have left lasting impressions. Some highlights include performances by E40, Chuuwee, Juicy J, Long Beach Dub All-Stars, Baby Bash, and Dizzy Wright.
These artists, among others, have graced the stage at Kushstock Festival, bringing chilled vibes and captivating performances to the enthusiastic crowd.
Big Festivals With Unofficial Cannabis Culture
Festivals such as EDC, Burning Man, Coachella, and Glastonbury in the UK are renowned for their massive scale, diverse line-ups, and vibrant atmospheres that attract music lovers from around the world and huge names in the music industry to their stages.
While they officially prohibit cannabis use due to legal restrictions, they have gained notoriety for the prevalent cannabis culture that thrives among the crowds.
Despite the rules, many festival-goers openly indulge in cannabis consumption, contributing to the unique vibe and atmosphere of these mega events.
Despite the official bans on cannabis consumption, these festivals have developed a reputation as hotspots for cannabis enthusiasts. Attendees often openly smoke cannabis or consume other cannabis products, despite the legal risks involved.
The widespread smoking of marijuana at these festivals reflects a broader societal shift towards greater acceptance and normalization of cannabis. But be aware, flouting the local laws at these events could land you in hot water, though the chances are small, as long as you are not being obnoxious about it.
Cannabis Music Festivals: Final Thoughts
The growing acceptance of cannabis is clearly reflected in the proliferation of weed-centric music festivals, especially in California where people celebrate the culture openly and enthusiastically.
Events like 420 Hippie Hill, Grass Lands at Outside Lands, Northern Nights Music Festival, and Kushstock Festival not only provide a space for music and marijuana to coexist, but also highlight the growing trend of integrating cannabis into mainstream entertainment and social gatherings.
While some of the biggest music festivals like EDC, Burning Man, Coachella, and Glastonbury do not officially condone cannabis use, the presence and acceptance of it among attendees are undeniable, signaling a broader societal shift toward normalization and acceptance of marijuana.
Whether officially themed or not, these festivals exemplify the changing attitudes and the increasing embrace of cannabis culture in contemporary society.
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