How the Top Five 420-Friendly Cities in America Will Be Celebrating This Week

This one is for the stoners. Whether they’re smoking the stuff, eating it, or vaping it… enthusiasts around the world gather in union every April 20th to show their appreciation for marijuana.

There are countless different theories as to why the holiday falls on “4/20” each year. With the growth of American approval of ganja, also comes growth in size and magnitude of the celebrations.

A few cities in the US have made notable strides in the development of their annual 420 rallies.

1. Denver, Colorado

Colorado is one huge 420 rally in itself. The free annual 420 Rally has been taking place on Capitol Hill for decades; however, over the last few years, local event organizers have done their part in making the 420 Rally great by adding international talent, vendors, and dispensary sponsors to the fun. This year 2 Chainz will be taking the stage at 4:20pm for over 100,000 weed enthusiasts from across the state.

In addition to the rally, Coloradans also have a huge week at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater lined up for them:

April 19th with Method Man, Red Man, and Flatbush Zombies

April 20th with Flosstradamus, What So Not, Branchez, and Gryffin

April 23rd with Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Cypress Hill.

2. Atlanta, GA

Since 2004, SweetWater 420 Fest has been taking over downtown Atlanta for their ritual 420 celebration. This year, the event will take place on April 21st - 23rd and will feature acts like Georgia’s beloved Widespread Panic, The Trey Anastasio Band, Lettuce, Break Science, and Savoy just to name a few. This 3-day festival is hosted by Atlanta local Sweetwater Brewing and features their delicious craft beers.

3. San Francisco, CA

Though it’s not technically an “event,” as no permits have officially been issued, the city has said they will be permitting the event. On 420, Californian masses will fill up Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park for a good ol’ fashioned West Coast smoke down with vendors, music, and the usual renegade SF day party.

4. Buffalo, NY

New Yorkers are joining the movement at the 2nd Annual 420 Freedom Fest on April 22nd. Though there are not any major headliners performing the event will also feature vendors, food trucks, speakers and other organizations sharing stories of the benefits of the cannabis plant

5. Seattle, WA

420 Fest in Seattle is the yearly gathering in support of marijuana and seeking justice for “420 POW’s,” or those that have been incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses. Hosted by HEMPFEST, a benefit event to legalize hemp held in August, this event is sure to emphasize the importance of federal legalization of marijuana and it’s medicinal uses.

Still classified as a schedule 1 drug by the DEA, the masses will take the risk of public consumption in effort to steer away from the big business fueled hypocrisy of Reefer Madness. With the recent decriminalization of cannabis in several US states, these 420 events are sure to increase in size and quality each year.

Are you a 420 enthusiast? Looking for a way to prove it? iEDM has an awesome 420 collection to help you celebrate this stoner holiday the right way.