It’s that time of the year again when we all gather to celebrate the most beautiful time of the year at this year’s top 420 events! Are you wondering what is 420 weed day? We dive into all things 420 and give you the lowdown on why it’s become synonymous with weed, where to celebrate this holiday with like-minded folks, and how to make the most of it.
What Is 420 About?
420 is that iconic reference to a mid-afternoon buzz that’s become an official holiday for cannabis enthusiasts. But what does 420 mean?
It’s a day celebrated by canna lovers worldwide where they come together and enjoy the fantastic benefits of this incredible plant. Brands, communities, and cannabis businesses organize cannabis events where people can connect with fellow canna lovers and enjoy the moment in a communal space.
You’ll see happy 420 messages on social media, and people will be lighting up to celebrate this special day everywhere.
Why Is 420 Celebrated for Weed?
As the legend goes, a group of high school students in California used to meet at 4:20 PM to smoke weed together. And apparently, they started using “420” as a code word for cannabis.
But why is 420 associated with weed? Some say it’s because of a Grateful Dead concert in San Francisco on April 20th, where fans started using 420 as a reference to cannabis.
Whatever the reason, 420 has become a symbol of cannabis culture worldwide. And on April 20th of every year, people celebrate all that cannabis has to offer today.
How Do People Celebrate 420?
On the 420 holiday, people celebrate in different ways, from smoking a joint to attending weed events like private parties to hanging out in cannabis restaurants and pop-up markets. Whether you’re blazing up with friends or simply taking time to appreciate the cannabis plant, canna fans know how to throw a celebration.
Where to Go to Celebrate the Big 420 Holiday?
There are plenty of options for you to join like-minded individuals in a welcoming, friendly space. All you need are good vibes, weed, and adrenaline to enjoy these must-visit 420 events.
- Underground 420 Fest 2023
Location: 1617 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Time: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 5:00 PM – Fri, April 21, 2023, 12:00 AM PDT
Entry Fee: $10 Pre-Sale, $20 at the door
Experience the ultimate 420-friendly concert with Underground 420 Fest, presented by LA on Lock and True Potheads. This special 420 event showcases some of the biggest names in the LA music scene and celebrates cannabis culture.
Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind celebration! Catch live performances by Adriel Galaway, Steve Damar, Deuce Biggs, Tamani Jo, and other talented artists. The festival also features exclusive vendors, delectable food, exciting games, surprise guest appearances, and fun giveaways.
- 420 Hippie Hill
Location: Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Time: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 10 AM – 5 PM PST
Entry Fee: Free
420 Hippie Hill is one of the oldest and biggest free 420 celebrations held with the help of sponsors and city departments across California. The event features a dedicated food area where you can go to satisfy your munchies.
A unified sound system and several port-a-potties are also available, along with security and a dedicated clean-up crew. So, bring your picnic essentials, enjoy the festivities, and always ensure that the place is 420-friendly or not.
Excitingly, 420 Hippie Hill has partnered with BLK Prime to offer a live stream of the event for $3.99, featuring live performances, industry leader interviews, educational seminars, and more.
- Peter Tosh 420 Street Festival
Location: Leimert Park 4337 Degnan Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008, United States
Time: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM PDT
Entry Fee: Free for the public, $150-$295 for vendors, and $1000-$5000 for sponsors.
Peter Tosh 420 Street Festival in Los Angeles is a free public event celebrating the legalization movement. The community-based festival aims to leverage the broad media channels available to promote the Peter Tosh 420 event to the masses.
The festival will feature surprise guest appearances and live reggae music performances. Vendors will display and sell various products and services related to the event’s theme.
- i Love LA – 420 Celebration
Location: TBA Los Angeles, CA 90021 United States
Time: Sunday, April 16, 2023, 4:00 PM – Mon, April 17, 2023, 12:00 AM PDT
Entry Fee: $15 – $30
Get ready for the highly anticipated i Love LA 420 Celebration, presented by Ghetto Life & i Love LA Events. This 420 event marks the 16th anniversary of Crumbs n Bass and features three areas of sound, including two massive indoor spaces and one outdoor area with vendors.
Come dance and groove to the music of over 40 local superstars and lyrical assassins on the mic, and enjoy the return of the world-famous ganja chip cookies! You will witness local D&B artists, a unique 420 piñata, a live art exhibit, and life-size giant jumbo board games. The venue includes an indoor VIP green room, a spacious indoor bar, a smoking lounge, and a medicated vendor village.
- 420 Spring Break Party
Location: Hurricanes Bar & Grill, 200 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
Time: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 7:00 PM PDT
Entry Fee: $5
Catch live performances by DOIN TIME as they recreate the SUBLIME experience with a fusion of reggae, rock, punk, ska, surf, and hip-hop music. The band aims to provide all listeners with the closest thing to a SUBLIME show.
Chris’ impressive vocal and guitar skills and the tight rhythm section of Scott and Ro will transport you to a momentary sublime experience. Don’t miss DOIN TIME at the Hurricanes 420 Spring Break Party.
- Mile High 420 Festival
Location: Civic Center Park, Denver, Colorado
Time: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 1 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Tommy Chong hosts the Mile High 420 Festival, the largest cannabis festival in the US, which started as an annual rally in Denver, Colorado, and has evolved into a thrilling celebration of all things marijuana.
The festival features live performances from various artists, including Rick Ross, Fivio Foreign, Waka Flocka Flame, and The Alchemist, as well as cannabis vendors, industry leaders, and many food trucks. Additionally, local weed charities have booths where you can make donations. One of the festival’s best features is that it is free to attend.
- Strangefruit 420 Popup
Location: Private Location, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
Time: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
Entry Fee: $60 (Early Bird), 475 (General admission), $200 (4 Tickets), $350 (8 Tickets)
The Strangefruit 420 Popup, presented by Binkey, is an upcoming event that promises to be a memorable celebration of cannabis culture. Featuring live performances by M’reld Green, Junius Paul Quartet, and other artists, this 420 event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy 4:20 in style.
Organized as a private location, the event will offer attendees an exclusive experience with live entertainment, specialty vendors, games, trivia, raffles, and giveaways. Plus, there will be lots of food and libations to enjoy throughout the event.
- 420 Wonder Land – Tampa’s Largest 420 Gathering
Location: The Cuban Club 2010, North Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa, FL 33605, United States
Time: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM EDT
Entry Fee: $15 (Early Bird), $20 (General Admission)
Prep for some magical moments at Bliss Wellness Market’s annual 420 Wonder Land event! Whether you’re into Mad Hatter Games or exploring the Street Market, Food Trucks, Public Art, Tarot Card Readings, Live Music, Paint n Puff, and other attractions, there’s something for everyone. The festivities begin at 4 PM sharp, with a 4:20 PM toast that you will want to attend! This event promises to take you through the world of good times.
- Munchies Block Party: 420 Edition – Cannabis & Food Fair
Location: 1908 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States
Time: Sunday, April 16, 2023, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM PDT
Entry Fee: $0 – $3
Say hello to good times at the Munchies Block Party! This event is all about puffing, eating, and chilling—the perfect Sunday to spend. With over 30 vendors, including your favorite cannabis brands, delicious food options like tacos, BBQ, and pizza, refreshing drinks like horchata and agua frescas, and even live music and sports, this block party has it all. You can also shop at the boutique vendors and relax in the chill lounge.
- The Savage 420 Comedy Show
Location: Enigma Bazaar 4923 West 38th Avenue Denver, CO 80212 United States
Time: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM MDT
Entry Fee: $12
Mark your calendars for a night of laughter and positive energy on April 20th at the Enigma Bazaar! Come out and enjoy the third annual Savage 420 Comedy Show, which will showcase Denver’s top comedians who share a love for cannabis. The lineup includes the renowned Matt Cobos, among other hilarious acts.
More 420 Events to Look Out for in California and Neighboring Cities
If you’re looking for more 420 events to celebrate this holiday, we’ve got you covered, buddy!
If you’re in Cali, head to:
- Friday Movie Set Weed Bus Tour, Los Angeles, April 1
- Pottery Handbuilding Class for a ‘Smoking Pipe’, Los Angeles, April 2
- The Lit Show, Los Angeles, April 5
- All my Friends are Dope, Los Angeles, April 5
- Hot Steppa Sessions, Santa Monica, April 5
- Good Vibes, Colton, April 5
- 420 Budrop 2023, San Francisco, April 20
- 420 Stash & Bash, Los Angeles, April 20
- Conscious Cannabis Circle, Los Angeles, April 29
- Desert 420 Tour, Palm Springs, April 29
Planning a quick vacay? These events will keep you busy:
- Buds-A-Palooza, Arizona, April 14
- How High 2 420 Festival, New Orleans, April 19
- 420 All Day Party, Philadelphia, April 20
- 420 Fest @ The Heritage Club, Boston, April 20
- 420 Puff & Paint Party, Nebraska, April 20
- 3rd Annual 420 Everything, St. Louis, April 21
- 420 Olympic & Paint, Baltimore, April 21
- Shwayze (420 Earth Day Party) @ The Music Yard, Charlotte, April 22
- National Cannabis Festival, Washington D.C., April 22
- Wiz Khalifa & Joey Bada$$: 420 On The Rocks, Morrison, April 22
Keep Calm and Toke On
We’ve established plenty of ways to partake in the 420 festivities. If you want to join the celebration, check out these 420 events around California and neighboring cities. It’s a great time to be alive as cannabis is becoming more accepted from state to state; let’s celebrate change as it comes!
