Don't know how to spend your 4/20? Here's the Top Cannabis-Oriented Events Happening this week!!

After a long hibernation through the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, the world is opening back up — just in time for 4/20.

Cannabis lovers across the nation are getting ready to pack their bags and head to some of the biggest events celebrating 4/20.

From festivals to rallies, here are some of the biggest events celebrating cannabis to check out this month. 

And the best part? Some are completely free.

1. Mile High 420 Festival — Denver, Colorado: 4/20

Known as the “World’s Largest 420 Festival,” the Mile High 420 Festival will be held at Denver, Colorado’s Civic Center Park.

Mile High 420 Festival was previously a rally. Now, it’s dubbed a “celebration” under new producers. It’s the perfect event for those who want to celebrate cannabis culture.

The festival will have multiple stages, food trucks, bars, beverages, merchandise, vendors, and a 420 experience. Gates open at 12 p.m., with entertainment including Lil Jon, Rachel Bailey, Talib Kweli, and Big Boi starting at 4 p.m.

The 420 Festival is held outside, rain or shine, so attendees should plan to dress accordingly in case of bad weather. The event is open to all ages, but the organizers recommend it for those 18+.

Cost: Free (VIP tickets available for $200)

Tickets: RSVP (Not required) https://www.milehigh420fest.com/

Covid Protocols: Mile High 420 Fest does not list any testing or vaccination requirements on its site. Organizers did not respond to Green State’s requests for clarification on any potential Covid protocols and/or restrictions.

Good to Know: The event celebrates “Cannabis Culture,” but the organizers note: “Public consumption of marijuana is prohibited under Colorado State law.”

2. 420 Week: National Cannabis Policy Summit, Festival, and Championship — Washington, D.C.: April 16-24, 2022

The nation’s capital will host a week-long celebration of events, including a policy summit, festival, and National Cannabis Championship.

Events kick off on the 16th at DC Brau with a Hemp & Hops Banel and the 2022 National Cannabis Festival Beer Release. Other events are scattered across the city in the following days.

The National Cannabis Policy Summit will take place at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, with an Advocacy Reception starting at 8:30 a.m. Speakers include Kelly Crawford, State Air Director, DC Department of Energy and Environment; Aamra Ahmad, Senior Policy Counsel, Justice Division, ACLU; Dasheeda Dawson, Cannabis Program Manager, City of Portland & Chair, Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition, along with many lawmakers and others.

The National Cannabis Festival (NCF) kicks off on Saturday, April 23, at the RFK Festival Grounds, with doors opening at noon. The lineup includes Wiz Khalifa, Lettuce, Ghostface Killah, and more. The festival will have concert performances, an Advocacy Villabe, an Education Pavillion, exhibitions, a Munchies Zone, and more.

On Sunday, April 24, competitors will face off in the National Cannabis Championship (NCC) for locally homegrown THC flower entries and edible, flower, and topical hemp entries from D.C. and surrounding areas.

Cost: Tickets for the National Cannabis Championship start at $55; festival tickets start at $75, with 2-day admission including the festival and National Cannabis Championship beginning at $115. Other free events (including the policy summit) are open for RSVP.

Tickets: Required for the festival and NCC with group packages and VIPs available: https://nationalcannabisfestival.com/tickets

Other free events and Policy Summit open for RSVP: https://nationalcannabisfestival.com/ncf-policy-summit https://nationalcannabisfestival.com/420-week

Covid Protocols: The event’s website states: “In accordance with local health guidelines, there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at the 2022 National Cannabis Festival.” However, rules are subject to change with local guidance, and those who do not comply may be refused admission.

Good to Know: Attendees must be 21+ and have a valid ID to attend the National Cannabis Festival and National Cannabis Championship.

3. Cannabis Culture Film Fest — Kutztown, Pennsylvania: April 23-24

Film buffs and cannabis lovers alike can gather to celebrate at the 7th annual tour of Cannabis Culture Film Fest.

The two-day festival will take place on April 23 and 24, with two full-length documentary films and nearly a dozen shorts. Hosted by Film Freeway and Presented by Weedmaps, the event kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on the 23 and ends at 9:00 p.m. on the 24.

Documentary selections for the festival include “Grow Together,” directed by Krystle Amina Willis, and “The Secret Cup,” directed by Jeremy Norrie.

Shorts include “A Bong A Day Keeps The Dullness Away,” directed by Jayson H Daley; comedy sketch “Easy Bake Bong,” directed by Ken Rudnick; “The Big 3-Oh,” directed by Emily Billig; “Social Insecurity Number,” directed by Alek Wiltbank, and more.

Cost: Tickets for a single feature film or short film program start at $10, with single-day passes starting at $15.

Tickets: https://filmfreeway.com/CannaBusCultureFilmFest/tickets

Covid Protocols: The organizers told Green State in an email that they are “paying close attention to PA state mandates related to Covid” and will update mandated guidelines as needed. CCFF plans to make masks optional, and will not require proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test to attend. Events will be capped at 60 attendees per screening.

Good to Know: The organizers note: “Please note, there are no illicit substances allowed at the screening location. This [includes] NO vape pens in the location.” Recreational legalization of cannabis is currently pending in Pennsylvania.

4. 420 Hippie Hill — San Francisco, California: 4/20

Held in the Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park on April 20th, 420 Hippie Hill will feature a lineup of performers and vendors. The event is free — no RSVP necessary.

Performers and hosts in the lineup include Berner, Mike Tyson, Eshu Tune, and more. Those looking to celebrate 420 and purchase cannabis goods of their own will be happy to know 420 Hippie Hill will have on-site sales.

Gates open at 10 a.m., with events running until 5 p.m. It’s recommended to arrive earlier to get through entrances and avoid crowded entrances in the afternoon.

Hippie Hill is held outdoors, rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Many attendees in previous years have brought blankets and towels to sit on in the grass, but event-goers should not bring tents, canopies, tables, wagons, or carts.

The event is strictly 21+ — even if attendees have a cannabis card or are a minor accompanied by a parent.

Cost: Free

Tickets: None required; attendance is free.

Covid Protocols: 420 Hippie Hill does not list any testing or vaccination requirements on its site. Organizers did not respond to Green State’s requests for clarification on any potential Covid protocols and/or restrictions.

Good to Know: The organizers allow attendees to bring bongs, but there is a strict no-glass policy.