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4/20 is coming up fast, and the ways to celebrate this iconic holiday just keep growing! From infused dinners to sesh festivals, this month is all about honoring the culture and community that brought us here.

But before we spark things up… let’s go back in time.

The Origins of 420: Separating Fact from Fiction

Where did 420 come from? Some say it’s police code. Others think it’s the number of active compounds in cannabis. But the most widely accepted story?

It all started with a group of high school students in the 1970s—known as The Waldos—who met at 4:20 p.m. by a statue at their school to search for a legendary hidden cannabis crop. “420” became their secret code… and well, the rest is history.

The Waldos: The True Pioneers

In 1971, five students at San Rafael High School in California—Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich—began using “420” as a code word for their after-school adventures. They called themselves “The Waldos” because they hung out by a wall outside their school. Their initial quest was to find an abandoned cannabis crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station, based on a treasure map provided by the brother of one of the Waldos.

From High School Code to Global Phenomenon

The term spread beyond their immediate circle when Dave Reddix’s brother connected him with Phil Lesh, the bassist for the Grateful Dead. As the band toured, they carried the term with them, eventually introducing it to High Times magazine editor Steven Hager in the 1990s. By 1998, High Times had acknowledged the Waldos as the “inventors” of 420, cementing their place in cannabis culture history.

Now, 420 has grown into a global celebration—and we’re here to help you plan the ultimate one.

The Evolution of 4/20: Celebrations Through the Decades

1970s-1980s: Underground Beginnings

In these early decades, 4/20 was celebrated primarily among small, underground groups of cannabis enthusiasts. Celebrations were intimate, secretive affairs due to widespread prohibition and stigma.

1990s-2000s: Growing Awareness

As cannabis culture entered mainstream consciousness, 4/20 gatherings grew larger but remained largely countercultural. Events like the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam became early organized celebrations.

2010s: Legalization Changes Everything

With Colorado and Washington becoming the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012, 4/20 celebrations transformed dramatically. Public events grew in size and visibility, while commercial aspects began to emerge.

2020s: Mainstream Acceptance

Today, 4/20 has evolved into a mainstream cultural phenomenon with corporate sponsorships, tourism campaigns, and celebrity endorsements. The holiday now spans demographics, bringing together diverse communities across age, background, and cannabis experience levels.

Hippie Hill: San Francisco’s Iconic 4/20 Gathering

Few 4/20 celebrations in America are as legendary as the gathering at Hippie Hill in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. This historic tradition has transformed from a counterculture statement into a cultural institution that defines San Francisco’s relationship with cannabis culture.

The History of Hippie Hill’s 4/20 Celebration

What began as an informal gathering in Robin Williams Meadow (formerly Sharon Meadow) has evolved into a massive celebration attracting tens of thousands of attendees from across the globe. The location earned its “Hippie Hill” nickname during the 1960s Summer of Love when it became a gathering spot for the counterculture movement.

The Evolution: From Underground to Official

For decades, the Hippie Hill gathering remained unsanctioned and unofficial, growing organically each year. By 2016, the celebration had swelled to such proportions that it left behind a staggering 11 tons of trash and raised serious safety concerns. Rather than shut down this cultural tradition, the city moved to officially permit and organize the event, bringing structure while preserving its free-spirited essence.

The Hippie Hill Experience

When operating as an official event, the celebration typically runs from 10 AM to 5 PM, with crowds building throughout the day until the symbolic 4:20 PM moment when the celebration reaches its peak. The atmosphere transforms throughout the day:

• Morning (10:30 AM): Unofficial vendors begin setting up, early attendees claim their spots
• Early Afternoon (1 PM): The crowd thickens, and a haze of smoke begins to form
• Mid-Afternoon (3 PM): Wall-to-wall attendees fill the meadow
• 4:20 PM: The pivotal moment when drum circles intensify, dancing reaches its peak, and the entire crowd celebrates in unison

Legendary Performances

The event has featured surprise appearances from notable figures including Erykah Badu, Berner, Too Short, Mike Tyson, and comedians like Hannibal Buress. These unannounced performances add to the spontaneous, community-focused nature of the gathering.

Looking Ahead to 2025

While the official event has faced challenges in recent years due to budget constraints and industry climate, the tradition continues. Even when the sanctioned event was canceled in 2024, thousands of cannabis enthusiasts still gathered to maintain the tradition. For 2025, while official plans remain uncertain, the community spirit will undoubtedly persist as attendees continue this San Francisco tradition.

Top 4/20 Events Worth Traveling For in 2025

This year’s celebrations are shaping up to be bigger and more exciting than ever. Here are some must-attend events happening across the country:

Mile High 4/20 Festival – Denver, Colorado

Denver remains the epicenter of cannabis celebration with its free Mile High 4/20 Festival at Civic Center Park. Expect live music, food trucks, and various cannabis-themed product booths—all in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying with friends.

What Makes It Special:

• Free entry for all attendees
• Over 250 vendors expected
• Headlining performances by nationally recognized artists
• Cannabis education pavilion featuring expert panels
• Special 4:20 PM community celebration moment

SweetWater 4/20 Fest – Atlanta, Georgia

Running April 18-20 at Pullman Yards, this three-day extravaganza features renowned musical acts like The Revivalists, Marcus King, and Greensky Bluegrass, alongside craft beer tastings and sustainability workshops.

Festival Highlights:

• Three full days of music across multiple stages
• Craft beer garden featuring SweetWater’s 420 strain-inspired brews
• Eco-friendly focus with sustainability programming
• VIP packages offering exclusive viewing areas and complimentary beverages
• Family-friendly areas (in designated sections)

4/20 Week – Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital goes all-in with an entire week of cannabis-themed events from April 14-20, culminating in the National Cannabis Festival. Throughout the week, you’ll find talks, film nights, workshops, and parties that focus on cannabis education, policy reform, and community building.

Week-Long Schedule Highlights:

• April 14: Opening reception and policy symposium
• April 15-16: Cannabis industry career fair
• April 17: Cannabis film festival
• April 18: Wellness day featuring CBD yoga and meditation
• April 19: Cannabis chef competition
• April 20: National Cannabis Festival at RFK Stadium

Cannafest ATL – Atlanta, Georgia

This intimate celebration in Edgewood, Atlanta offers a unique blend of wellness, community, and cannabis culture on April 20th. With live entertainment, premium vendors, and a special gift for the first 50 attendees who participate in the 4:20 PM celebration, this event promises an unforgettable experience.

The 2025 Cannabis Legal Landscape

States With Full Recreational Legalization

As of April 2025, 29 states have fully legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21+, with Virginia and Pennsylvania being the most recent additions to the list. Each state maintains unique regulations regarding purchase limits, public consumption, and home cultivation rights.

Federal Status Updates

The SAFER Banking Act has made significant progress, allowing cannabis businesses in legal states better access to financial services. Meanwhile, the MORE Act continues to gain momentum in Congress, potentially rescheduling cannabis at the federal level.

International Progress

Canada, Mexico, Germany, and several other countries now have various forms of cannabis legalization, creating an increasingly global cannabis community celebrating 4/20 together.

Ways to Celebrate 4/20 in 2025

If attending a massive festival isn’t your style, here are some alternative ways to celebrate:

Host a 4/20-Themed Gathering

Transform your space with green decorations, set up a photo booth with fun props, and create a playlist featuring cannabis culture classics. Consider a “4 for $20” themed potluck where guests bring shareable dishes.

Explore Cannabis Culinary Experiences

With the growing popularity of cannabis cuisine, consider hosting or attending an infused dinner where professional chefs create gourmet meals with carefully dosed cannabis products. These events combine fine dining with the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

Support Local Dispensaries and Businesses

Many dispensaries are offering special promotions for 4/20, including discounted bundles worth $250 of premium cannabis for $149, goodie bags for early shoppers, and extensive raffles with prizes valued at up to $2,000.

Focus on Education and Advocacy

Use this day to learn more about cannabis history, benefits, and the ongoing push for policy reform. Many events now incorporate educational components alongside celebrations, highlighting the importance of responsible consumption and advocacy.

Wellness-Focused Celebrations

• Cannabis Yoga and Meditation: Specialized instructors are offering classes that thoughtfully incorporate cannabis to enhance mindfulness practices. These sessions often feature carefully selected strains to complement the practice, proper dosing guidance, and breathing techniques.
• Spa and Wellness Retreats: Luxury cannabis wellness experiences are trending in 2025, with spa packages featuring CBD massages, cannabis-infused facials, and relaxation sessions in THC steam rooms.
• Hiking and Nature Excursions: Guided outdoor adventures combining cannabis appreciation with nature connection are gaining popularity. These curated experiences often include education about responsible outdoor consumption and leave-no-trace principles.

Why 4/20 Matters Beyond Just a Party

These celebrations have evolved far beyond simple consumption. Today’s 4/20 events bring diverse communities together through shared interests, support local cannabis businesses and entrepreneurs, spread education about responsible use and benefits, help break stigmas around cannabis use, and often raise funds for advocacy and social justice causes.

The Future of 4/20 Celebrations

Cannabis celebrations continue to evolve, becoming more sophisticated, inclusive, and multifaceted. Future 4/20 events will likely incorporate more technology, enhanced sustainability practices, and deeper connections between global cannabis communities. As legalization spreads, we can expect to see increased mainstream acceptance, with 4/20 potentially evolving into a more broadly celebrated cultural holiday.

So this April 20th, whether you’re in Denver, Atlanta, D.C., or gathering with thousands on Hippie Hill in San Francisco, take a moment to appreciate the rich history, vibrant community, and bright future of cannabis culture. After all, from its humble beginnings as a secret code among high school friends to a global phenomenon, 4/20 reminds us of the power of community, perseverance, and the simple joy of coming together.