2023 Weed Festivals & Cannabis Events Guide

With COVID-19 and the pandemic in the rearview mirror, cannabis festivals all around the world are back in full swing! 2023 will be a year where marijuana lovers get to congregate to celebrate their favorite plant and partake of the fellowship it so naturally facilitates.

In this article, we look at 20+ events happening this year giving you all the details on where they are, what they cost, and what sort of celebs you expect to see!

For All Denver Locals and Colorado 420 Visitors, read our Denver April 20th, 420 Event Guide Here

Weed Festivals & Cannabis Events List 2023

Cannabis Cup – People’s Choice Edition – 3 States

The Cannabis Cup has transformed a bit since the pandemic hit in 2020. Now they host an annual People’s Choice Edition event that happens in select areas of the country. They reinvented their competition to let cannabis enthusiasts, like ourselves, get in on the fun and crown the region’s best marijuana products.

In 2023, the Cannabis Cup is hosting People’s Choice in three states; Michigan, New Mexico and Southern California. There is technically no “event” to go to but it still asks for participation. In select cities within each state, you can get a judge kit from local dispensaries which will allow you to be a part of the judging panel.

Hash Bash – Ann Arbor, MI – April 1, 2022

The 52nd Annual Hash Bash is a cannabis celebration with a distinctly legislative bent to it. Hosted at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor each year, it’s a festive enough occasion, with speakers, musicians, and vendors giving all the appearances of your average community celebration.

Behind the festivities, however, there hides a serious purpose. People come from all over the country not only to celebrate cannabis, but also to learn more about it, and to advocate on its behalf. This year there will be a private afterparty with celebrity performances on campus.

If you’re passionate enough about cannabis to come to the midwest in the early, chilly weeks of spring, this free festival might be a great fit for you. Here is a short video of Hash Bash 2022 to get you prepped for this year.

You can also learn more from their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnnArborHashBash/

KushStock – Adelanto, CA – April 15, 2023

KushStock has grown its annual event back in its original location, Adelanto, California. Their event caters more to users who simply wish to celebrate cannabis.

The event is ticketed, which means you should make plans in advance. Tickets are free.

Check out their Instagram for more information on the event: https://www.instagram.com/kushstockevent/

National Cannabis Festival & Cannabis Championship – Washington D.C. – April 22, 2023

The National Cannabis Festival is a DC-based gathering that has a distinct focus on advocating for marijuana-related freedoms and rights. The event is considered the East Coast’s Largest Cannabis Exhibitor Fair.

While the festival itself is held on April 22, 2023, there are speakers and demonstrations held all throughout the week, making it a great opportunity to meet some new people and spend a decent chunk of time advocating for something you take seriously. The festival host the National Cannabis Championship, a Munchies Zone and a Cannabis Education Breakout Discussions Pavilion.

Not only that, but the entertainment is impressive. Artists 2 Chainz, Juicy J and Free Nationals are among the musical guests to perform at this year’s event. General admission tickets cost $75 and VIP membership packages start at $425.

Location: RFK Festival Grounds, Washington D.C.

Mile High Festival – Denver, CO – April 20, 2022

The Mile High Festival, once known as the Denver 420 Rally, is a cannabis gathering that features music, socializing and political activism. Started by Ken Gorman, a well-known cannabis advocate who famously ran for governor and was murdered in his home in 2007, the event continues in his honor, emphasizing the joys of cannabis while advocating for its future.

This year the entertainment is going to be popping with Fivio Foreign and Rick Ross headlining the event.

Location: Civic Center Park, Near the State Capitol

The Mile High Festival has free tickets and VIP tickets that start at $175.

420 on the Rocks – Red Rock Amphitheater – April 22, 2023

420 on the Rocks is a music-heavy cannabis festival held annually on Red Rock Amphitheater. This year Wiz Khalifa, Joey BadA$$, Action Bronson and Berner are the musical guests. Tickets are quite pricey, especially relative to some of the other options on this list.

For fans of cannabis-influenced music, it’s an exciting opportunity to get together with like-minded individuals.

Location: Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheater

Tickets range in price between $110-$350+.

NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally – New York City, NY – May 6, 2023

The NYC Cannabis Parade and Rally is one of the longest-running cannabis-related events in the world, with its origins stretching all the way back to 1973. Though the event has scaled down somewhat to accommodate New York City Covid prevention regulations, there is still plenty to do at the parade itself, and even more to do through virtual events.

The Parade starts down Broadway at 11 AM-1 PM EST.

Rally & Press Conference in Union Square at 1 PM-5 PM EST

Attendance is free.

Boise Hempfest – Boise, ID – May 13, 2023

The Boise Hempfest is a day-long festival featuring music, speakers, and a wide variety of food and merchandise available from local vendors. The event advertises itself as being family-friendly—though the extent to which this is the case may depend on how you raise your family.

The event is free and has a Munchies Market and Vendor Village.

Emerald Cup – Richmond, CA – May 13, 2023

The Emerald Cup is a long-running cannabis festival, 19 years to be exact, and competition with a major emphasis on the cannabis plant and the people who grow it. The festival includes cannabis, music, and food, and is a great celebration both for farmers and for people who simply enjoy a great gathering.

There will be over 100 vendors, local art designs, and the yearly Harvest Ball with speakers and musical performances.

Location: Cranway Pavilion, Richmond, CA

It is a ticketed even with single day ranging from $126 for GA to $501 for VIP.

Oregon Hempfest – Oakland, Oregon – June 24-25, 2023

Hempfest is the only pro-cannabis celebration in the state of Oregan and has been in operation since 2015 and is now in its 8th year. The 2023 event is going to be a two-day event that emphasizes freedoms and protections for professionals operating within the cannabis industry. There will also be numerous speakers, breakout discussion and musical acts.

Prices are TBD.

Northern Nights – Humboldt County, CA – July 14-16, 2023

The 10th Annual Northern Nights is a musical festival with an emphasis on cannabis that takes place in July. For people who were overwhelmed by all of the cannabis-related events taking place in April, it’s a great way to sit back and relax with some great marijuana and music.

The festival takes place outdoors with many guests renting tents, RVs, or other outdoor accommodations.

For 2023, there is a full musical lineup including, Big Gigantic, G Jones and Mura Masa out of a huge lineup.

GA Tickets start at $299 and VIP cost $499. Camping is available at an additional price.

Location: Cook’s Valley Campground on the Humboldt / Mendocino County Line

CanniFest – Eureka, CA – September 9-10, 2023

CanniFest is changing location this year to Halvorsen Waterfront Park in Eureka. This is a celebratory event that caters more to professionals. It began as a congregating point for cannabis farmers to come together and exchange ideas. In the intervening years since the beginning of the festival to where it is today, some things have changed.

Now, professionals from a wide variety of different backgrounds come for the music, the information, and the networking. The event coordinators consider it a Cannabis Festival and Trade Gathering.

Tickets are around TBD.

ERRL Cup – Mesa. AZ – September 22-24 & Oct. 2023

The ERRL Cup is a competition that started as a means of advocating for medical marijuana patients. Not only does the festival reward high-quality cannabis but it also serves to add accountability to an otherwise often unregulated industry by allowing patients to speak out against sub-standard operators.

2022 Dates & Locations Include:
September 22-24, 2023 | Mesa, AZ
October 2023 | Mesa, AZ (Official date still TBD)

Tickets are required for entry but range considerably in price.

The entry tickets are free, but there are others can cost as much as $650. Camping is available at an additional price.

HempCon – L.A. Convention Center – July 7-9, 2023

HempCon is a competition and entertainment gathering with several locations and dates, including California, Texas, and Illinois. So far, the only event scheduled this year is the Los Angeles event. This event is HempCon’s Canna Biz Expo, an event that caters to cannabis industry professionals.

Enthusiasts from all walks of life would still have a lot of fun with the laid-back advocacy and education activities. The focus is on marketing, cultivation, lighting, hydroponics, extraction and dispensaries.

Location: L.A. Convention Center

Events, prices, and dates vary considerably based on the location of the event.

2023 Marijuana Conferences and Expos

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference – April 11-12, 2023

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is very business-driven and may be a suitable option for people who are hoping to make connections, and possibly even acquire capital investments. The conference also features discussions on market evaluations and other talking points that can be very useful to the cannabis business owner.

There are two conference dates and locations.

Miami will host the conference on April 11-12, 2023.

Tickets are free for casual attendees but go up in price from there. The most expensive tickets are $500 for investors. Pre-registered attendees have the opportunity to get discounted rates at several hotels in the area, as well as other potential amenities.

CWCBExpo – New York City, NY – June 1-3, 2023

CWCBExpo is a B2B (business to business) oriented conference designed to bring cannabis professionals from all across the country together. Though not necessarily recreational in nature, it does have educational opportunities available in the form of booths and speakers.

It is a particularly good opportunity for cannabis professionals who are looking to make connections, and potentially get noticed.

Admission is granted following application approval.

MJBizCon – Las Vegas, NV – November 28-December 1, 2023

The MJBizCon held in Las Vegas is the self-professed largest cannabis business conference in the world. Though it is difficult to test the veracity of this assertion, there is no denying its impressive size. This year, 30,000 professionals operating within the cannabis industry are expected to attend.

The event is slated to host nearly 150 speakers over three days, giving attendees ample opportunity to connect with information and resources that are beneficial to their business.

Pricing varies based on your package:
Expo Pass Only: $399
3-Day Conference + Expo Pass: $899
VIP All-Access Pass: $1,399

Canna Con – Multiple Dates & Locations

6 different conferences, 6 different dates

Canna Con is a large conference to be spread out across six locations, all in separate cities, held over different dates.

Canna Con South – Multiple Dates & Locations

The event connects cannabis professionals all over the country with resources and products that may aid in their ventures.

Canna Con South is to be held in Biloxi, MS on February 24-25, 2023.

Canna Con South is to be held in Oklahoma City, OK on Mar 31-Apr 1, 2023.

Canna Con West will happen in Albuquerque, NM on May 19-20, 2023.

Canna Con West will happen in Long Beach, CA on August 4-5, 2023.

Canna Con Midwest will happen in Detroit, MI on October 6-7, 2023.

Though similar in nature and the same in price, each event may host unique vendors and participants, making each a good opportunity to establish new connections and grow professionally.

Registration fees for attendees range in price from $50-150 depending on how much access you want. Exhibitor fees are not listed but may be determined via inquiry.

USA CBD Expo – Multiple Dates & Locations

The USA CBD Expo takes place across two states, Florida and Texas, and one country, Columbia. Thought to be one of the biggest hemp-related expos in the country, these events are tailored equally to business people and consumers. For those operating a cannabis business, they serve as a great way to spread awareness and connect with customers.

At the consumer level, the festivals are designed to facilitate some shopping and connect guests with products they might not have known about before.

2023 Dates & Locations Include:
March 3-5, 2023 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
May 20-21, 2023 | Medellin, Columbia
July 13-15, 2023 | Dallas, TX

General admission is $20. Press and industry are allowed free admission pending approval of their credentials. Over three hundred vendors are expected to attend, bringing with them products from over 500 brands.