Origins and Culture of 4/20: The Marijuana Holiday
Every year on April 20th (4/20), cannabis enthusiasts around the world gather to celebrate the plant’s culture, history, and advocacy for legalization. But where did this tradition come from? And why is 420 associated with cannabis in the first place?
Let’s dive into the origins, significance, and ongoing impact of 4/20 in cannabis culture.
The Origins of 420: How It All Began
The term “420” has been surrounded by myths and urban legends, from police codes to Bob Marley’s birthday (which isn’t actually on April 20th). However, the true story traces back to a group of high school students in California in the early 1970s.
🔎 The Waldos and the Search for a Hidden Crop In 1971, a group of five friends from San Rafael High School in California—nicknamed “The Waldos”—would meet after school at 4:20 PM to search for an abandoned cannabis crop that was rumored to be hidden near Point Reyes. They never found the plants, but the term “420” became their code for smoking sessions.
Over time, 420 spread through the cannabis community, especially after members of the band The Grateful Dead picked it up. By the 1990s, High Times magazine helped popularize 420 as a universal symbol of cannabis culture, cementing its place in history.
4/20 as a Cannabis Holiday
What started as an inside joke among friends evolved into a global holiday for cannabis appreciation, activism, and community. Today, April 20th (4/20) is a day for:
🌿 Celebrating cannabis culture – Festivals, concerts, and social gatherings bring people together. 📢 Advocating for legalization – Many 4/20 events include rallies pushing for cannabis reform. 💨 Enjoying the plant responsibly – Whether for medical or recreational use, 4/20 is a time to appreciate cannabis.
Some of the largest 4/20 celebrations take place in cities like: 📍 Denver, Colorado – Home to massive public gatherings at Civic Center Park. 📍 San Francisco, California – Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park is a historic 4/20 hotspot. 📍 Vancouver, Canada – Hosting one of the biggest 4/20 protests and markets.
The Evolving Landscape of Cannabis Legalization
4/20 has also become a symbol of the fight for cannabis legalization and justice. While laws are shifting in many places, disparities still exist in cannabis policies around the world.
🚀 Progress: Many U.S. states and countries have legalized recreational and medical cannabis. ⚖️ Ongoing Issues: People remain incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses, even in places where it’s now legal. 💡 The Future: 4/20 serves as a reminder to push for decriminalization, social equity, and fair cannabis policies.
How to Celebrate 4/20 Responsibly
Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or new to cannabis culture, here are some ways to enjoy 4/20 responsibly:
✅ Know the laws – Be aware of cannabis regulations in your area. ✅ Consume safely – Whether smoking, vaping, or using edibles, start slow and be mindful of dosage. ✅ Support legal dispensaries – Choose ethically sourced, lab-tested cannabis products. ✅ Educate & advocate – Use 4/20 to raise awareness about cannabis rights and justice reform. ✅ Respect the space – Be mindful of non-smokers and follow public consumption laws.
The Legacy of 420 Lives On
From a California high school hangout to a worldwide celebration, 4/20 is more than just a number—it’s a movement. As the cannabis industry grows and policies evolve, 420 remains a reminder of the cultural, medicinal, and legal journey of cannabis.
This April 20th, whether you’re lighting up, advocating, or simply learning more about cannabis, take a moment to appreciate the history, progress, and future of 4/20.
Hall of Flowers After-Party Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, CA Admission: $25 Time/Date: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: info@hallofflowers.com
Reggae on the River 420 Celebration Location: County Lind Ranch, Piercy, CA Admission: $50 (weekend pass) Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: reggaeontheriver.com / 707-555-0420
Kushstock 420 Fest Location: Adelanto Stadium & Events Center, Adelanto, CA Admission: $30 Time/Date: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: kushstockfestival.com / info@kushstock.com
San Francisco 420 at Hippie Hill Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA Admission: Free Time/Date: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: sf420.com / 415-555-0420
Colorado
Mile High 420 Festival Location: Civic Center Park, Denver, CO Admission: Free Time/Date: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: milehigh420fest.com / info@milehigh420.com
NOCO Hemp Expo 420 Celebration Location: Estes Park Events Complex, Estes Park, CO Admission: $40 Time/Date: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: nocohempexpo.com / 303-555-0420
Boulder 420 Smokeout Location: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, CO Admission: Free Time/Date: 4:20 PM – 7:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: boulder420@gmail.com
Oregon
Portland 420 Fest Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, OR Admission: Free Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: portland420.com / 503-555-0420
Eugene Cannabis Carnival Location: Alton Baker Park, Eugene, OR Admission: $15 Time/Date: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: eugenecannabiscarnival.com / info@eugene420.com
Washington
Seattle Hempfest 420 Rally Location: Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle, WA Admission: Free Time/Date: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: hempfest.org / 206-555-0420
Spokane 420 Gathering Location: Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA Admission: Free Time/Date: 4:20 PM – 6:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: spokane420.com / spokane420@outlook.com
Nevada
Las Vegas 420 Extravaganza Location: Las Vegas Festival Grounds, Las Vegas, NV Admission: $35 Time/Date: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: 702-555-0420
Reno Weed Walk Location: Truckee River Walk, Reno, NV Admission: Free Time/Date: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: renoweedwalk.com / info@renoweed.com
New York
World 420 Festival Location: Times Square, New York, NY Admission: Free Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: 212-555-0420
NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally Location: Union Square Park, New York, NY Admission: Free Time/Date: 11:00 AM – 4:20 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: nycannabisparade.org / info@nycannabis.org
Massachusetts
Boston Freedom Rally 420 Location: Boston Common, Boston, MA Admission: Free Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: masscann.org / 617-555-0420
NECANN 420 After-Party Location: Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA Admission: $20 Time/Date: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: necann.com / info@necann.com
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival Location: Renninger’s, Kutztown, PA Admission: $10 Time/Date: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: pacannabisfestival.com / 610-555-0420
Bongwalk Empire Location: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ Admission: $45 Time/Date: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: 609-555-0420
Asbury Park 420 Bash Location: Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ Admission: Free Time/Date: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: asburypark420.com / info@asbury420.com
Michigan
Ann Arbor Hash Bash Location: The Diag, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Admission: Free Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: hashbash.com / 734-555-0420
Detroit 420 Block Party Location: Greektown, Detroit, MI Admission: $20 Time/Date: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: detroit420.com / detroit420@outlook.com
Chicago 420 Fest Location: Grant Park, Chicago, IL Admission: Free Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: chicago420fest.com / 312-555-0420
Midwest CannaCon 420 Event Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL Admission: $25 Time/Date: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: cannacon.org / info@cannacon.org
Florida
Miami 420 Beach Party Location: South Beach, Miami, FL Admission: Free Time/Date: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: miami420.com / 305-555-0420
Orlando Cannabis Expo 420 Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL Admission: $15 Time/Date: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: orlandocannabisexpo.com / info@orlando420.com
Phoenix 420 Smokeout Location: Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix, AZ Admission: Free Time/Date: 4:20 PM – 8:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: phoenix420.com / 602-555-0420
Tucson Cannabis Fair Location: Reid Park, Tucson, AZ Admission: $5 Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: tucsoncannabis.com / tucson420@gmail.com
Washington, D.C.
National Cannabis Festival Location: RFK Stadium Festival Grounds, Washington, D.C. Admission: $55 Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: nationalcannabisfestival.com / 202-555-0420
International
Canada
Toronto 420 Rally Location: Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON Admission: Free Time/Date: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: toronto420.com / 416-555-0420
Vancouver Kush Fest Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC Admission: Free Time/Date: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: vancouverkushfest.com / info@vankush.com
Netherlands
Amsterdam Cannabis Cup Location: Melkweg, Amsterdam Admission: €50 Time/Date: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: hightimes.com / +31-20-555-0420
Rasta Road 420 Jam Location: Bob Marley Beach, Negril Admission: $20 Time/Date: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM, April 20, 2025 Contact: rastaroad.com / +1-876-555-0420
We compile a list of Four Twenty events lists every year. The process involves locating the best and most easily copyable list available at the time, and/or using our own original preexisting lists (All International), then formating for our site and updating it with missing events found on other sites and lists. This list is under construction, but the foundation for the USA section, until further updated, can be credited with respect to our friend Steve Bloom @ Celeb Stoner.
We compile a list of Four Twenty events lists every year. The process involves locating the best and most easily copyable list available at the time, and/or using our own original preexisting lists (All International), then formating for our site and updating it with missing events found on other sites and lists. This list is under construction, but the foundation for the USA section, until further updated, can be credited with respect to our friend Steve Bloom @ Celeb Stoner.
