As legal cannabis culture continues its ascent, summer 2025 promises a bounty of festivals, gatherings, and experiences for enthusiasts, creators, and curious newcomers alike. Below are six standout consumer-facing cannabis and cannabis-friendly festivals across the U.S.—each blending music, education, art, and community in its own unique way.
1. National Cannabis Festival
When: July 18–19, 2025
Where: RFK Campus, Washington, D.C.
Why attend: In its ninth year, the National Cannabis Festival strikes a balance between activism, education, and good times. Expect headlining acts (Big Boi on July 18, Three 6 Mafia + Ty Dolla $ign on July 19) paired with a thoughtfully curated cannabis “Education Village,” panels on policy, wellness, culinary cannabis, and plant medicine.
What to know: Tickets and VIP passes are on sale via the official site: nationalcannabisfestival.com
Bring curiosity, an open mind, and a light schedule—the programming is dense.
2. Stargazer Cannabis Festival
When: July 25–27, 2025
Where: Adventures on the River, Ohio (70+ acres)
Why attend: For those seeking a tranquil, nature-infused cannabis gathering, Stargazer delivers. Think forested riverbanks, camping, workshops, art installations, joint-rolling competitions, and laid-back performances. It’s less about spectacle and more about connection to the plant and to like-minded souls.
What to do: Attend intimate workshops, share around bonfires, and enjoy the scenic backdrop. The festival’s emphasis is on community energy over commercialization. Visit: stargazerfest.com
3. Northern Nights Music Festival
When: July 18–20, 2025
Where: Mendocino County, California
Why attend: Northern Nights has become a standard-bearer of immersive cannabis-friendly festival culture. With legal cannabis consumption zones, on-site dispensaries, redwood camping, electronic and hip-hop lineups, and wellness programming (yoga, chill zones), it offers a richly layered experience.
What to expect: A true “forest-party” feel, with music after dark, legal cannabis activations, and an ethos of mindful celebration. Learn more at northernnights.org
4. Outside Lands (Grass Lands & Cannabis Activation)
When: August 8–10, 2025
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Why attend: Outside Lands isn’t strictly a cannabis festival, but since 2021 it has incorporated Grass Lands, a fully legal cannabis zone where ticket-holders can purchase and consume cannabis on site.
What to know: Expect mainstream festival programming (indie, rock, hip-hop, electronic) alongside cannabis activations and curated plant-themed experiences. It’s a chance to merge a full music festival with cannabis-friendly amenities. Visit: sfoutsidelands.com
5. CannaOne: The Summer Show
When: June 11–13, 2025
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center (South Hall), NV
Why attend: This is more trade-forward but with a strong consumer and lifestyle component. CannaOne brings together brands, innovators, wellness makers, and content creators under one roof, with demo stages, food tastings, curated networking, and “on-floor” discovery of new cannabis, CBD, and hemp products.
What to do: Visit product showcases, attend panels in cultivation, edible and wellness tracks, and stay alert for experiential pop-ups or special brand activations. Explore more at: cannaone.com
6. CHAMPS Trade Show / Cannabis Pop Culture Show
When: June 10–12, 2025
Where: Chicago, IL
Why attend: CHAMPS blends industry trade show atmosphere with consumer spectacle. It features B2B booths, but also art, celebrity appearances, glass blowing, product showcases, and immersive consumer elements. It often feels like a Con-meets-420 fair.
What to expect: A hybrid experience of business, streetwear, cannabis culture, giveaways, and a vibrant crowd. Visit: champstradeshows.com
Tips for Attending
- Check local legality & rules — every state (and even city) has different cannabis laws.
- Advance tickets — many of these sell out early, especially VIP and lodging packages.
- Pack smart — bring hydration, portable chargers, light layers, and dry bags if camping near rivers.
- Respect festival rules — consumption zones only; no outside cannabis in many cases.
- Plan for downtime — with dense music or panel schedules, having rest space helps avoid burnout.
Summer 2025’s cannabis events offer more than just smoke and music. They reflect the evolving culture—education, sustainability, wellness, art, and legal normalization. Whether an industry veteran or a first-time festivalgoer, the festivals above offer immersive windows into cannabis as a lifestyle, a narrative, and a communal celebration.