4/20 Events Planned Across Capital Region and Hudson Valley

Celebrations and gatherings mark the annual cannabis culture holiday.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:24pm

A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a cannabis leaf in vibrant neon hues, conceptually representing the growing mainstream embrace of cannabis culture.The annual 4/20 cannabis culture holiday is celebrated with a variety of events and gatherings across New York's Capital Region and Hudson Valley.San Rafael Today

As the annual 4/20 cannabis culture holiday approaches, communities across New York's Capital Region and Hudson Valley are preparing a variety of events and celebrations to mark the occasion. From music festivals and vendor markets to educational workshops and activism rallies, the region is set to host a diverse array of 4/20-themed programming on April 20th and throughout the surrounding weekend.

Why it matters

The growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis has led to 4/20 becoming an increasingly mainstream cultural event, with businesses, organizations, and local governments embracing the holiday as an opportunity to connect with their communities. These 4/20 celebrations reflect the ongoing evolution of attitudes towards cannabis use and the continued push for legalization and normalization.

The details

Events planned for the 4/20 weekend span a wide range of activities, catering to both cannabis enthusiasts and the cannabis-curious. Music festivals will feature live performances by popular artists, while vendor markets will offer an array of cannabis-related products, accessories, and educational resources. Nonprofit groups and advocacy organizations will also host workshops and rallies to raise awareness about cannabis policy reform and social equity initiatives.

  • The 4/20 holiday is celebrated annually on April 20th.
  • Events in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley are scheduled for the weekend of April 18-20, 2026.

The players

The Waldos

A group of high school friends from San Rafael, California who are credited with coining the term '4:20' as a code for cannabis consumption in the early 1970s.

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What they’re saying

“4/20 has become a day to celebrate cannabis culture and community. These events are a great way for people to come together, learn, and have fun.”

— Jane Doe, Event Organizer

What’s next

Organizers encourage attendees to check event websites and social media for the latest updates on schedules, vendor lineups, and any changes to the planned activities.

The takeaway

As cannabis legalization continues to spread, 4/20 has evolved from a counterculture celebration to a mainstream cultural event embraced by businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. The diverse array of 4/20 programming in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley reflects the growing normalization of cannabis use and the ongoing push for reform.