As the cannabis industry blooms into mainstream culture, a wave of vibrant, exclusive festivals and events is redefining how enthusiasts celebrate. Here’s a spotlight on six standout gatherings in 2025 that savvy socialites and industry insiders simply can’t afford to miss—each blending education, entertainment, culture, and a pinch of rebellion.
Hash Bash – Ann Arbor, Michigan (April 5, 2025)
Held annually on the University of Michigan’s Diag, Hash Bash remains one of the most enduring cannabis advocacy events in the U.S., deeply rooted in legal protest and cultural expression since 1972. Attendees gather for speeches, live performances, and an open embrace of cannabis activism—this year marking its 54th edition. Expect chanting crowds, impassioned speakers, and a spirited push toward policy reform.
Visit: annarbor.org
Emerald Empire Hempfest – Eugene, Oregon (Third weekend in July)
A free-to-attend festival since 2003, Emerald Empire Hempfest takes place in Eugene each third weekend of July. Equal parts political rally and cultural celebration, it brings together hemp enthusiasts, industry pioneers, and community members for a weekend focused on industrial hemp awareness, environmental impact, and grassroots solidarity. Expect laid-back vibes, local speakers, live music, and a strong commitment to educational outreach.
Spannabis – Barcelona, Spain (February 2025)
Spannabis is Europe’s premier commercial cannabis fair, held annually in Barcelona since 2002. Covering industrial hemp, seed markets, cultivation tech, and medical-recreational use, it’s as much a thought-leader conference as it is a festival. With keynote talks, vendor booths, and international flavor, it’s a full immersion into the European cannabis scene.
Visit: spannabis.es
Global Marijuana March (Worldwide – First Saturday in May)
Known globally as Global Marijuana March, this annual rally happens across the world on the first Saturday of May. From Vancouver’s lively art-gallery district to rallies in Paris, Tokyo, and beyond, each city brings its own twist—from marches and concerts to educational fairs. It’s a global wave of activism, community, and cultural celebration rolled into one historic weekend.
Outside Lands – San Francisco, California (August 8–10, 2025)
While primarily a music and arts festival, Outside Lands in Golden Gate Park famously includes the “Grass Lands” cannabis experience—where attendees can legally purchase and consume cannabis in designated zones. This year’s event again marks a landmark moment in cannabis normalization, bringing together top musical acts, art, culinary pop-ups, and a fully integrated cannabis marketplace and lounge. Expect multi-genre music, gourmet eats, sustainable practices, and elevated edibles.
Visit: sfoutsidelands.com
MardiGrass – Nimbin, Australia (First weekend in May)
With roots in protest and festival, MardiGrass is an annual cannabis law reform rally in Nimbin, New South Wales since 1993. A quirky and vibrant event, it features protests, a “Hemp Olympix” (joint-rolling, bong-throwing contests, and more), live music, and a huge parade led by the beloved street-theatre character “The Plantem.” It’s cheeky. It’s political. It’s an unforgettable cultural statement that blends performance art, activism, and community.
Why These Matter
From global marches to boutique festival tents, each event offers more than a toke—it’s a cultural heartbeat. Whether rooted in activism like Hash Bash and Global Marijuana March, or steeped in party-meets-policy like Outside Lands and MardiGrass, these gatherings underscore the growing visibility and diversity of cannabis culture. They’re must-attend for anyone social, curious, and committed to being part of the conversation and celebration.