4/20 events in New York are scattered across the city. Some of it’s organized, most of it isn’t. People show up to parks, drift between plans, or keep it contained to a smaller circle. There’s no real center to it, which is part of the point. Here are a few places it’s happening this year.
The Classic Meet Up at Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park remains one of the most consistent gathering points for 4/20 in New York. Situated beside NYU, it draws a steady mix of students, locals, and visitors who filter in throughout the day. People cluster around the fountain, sit on the steps, and move in and out of conversations as the park fills up. By mid-afternoon, the crowd peaks, with a noticeable build at (obviously) 4:20 p.m.
Live Concerts to Keep It Groovin’
Looking for live music to accompany the 4/20 celebration? New York City has a stellar lineup of concerts happening throughout the day. Some that The Emerald plans to check out include:
- Kota the Friend at Blue Note: Laid-back, feel-good hip-hop in an intimate setting. Perfect for a more low-key 4/20 night.
- Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman at Beacon Theatre: A mix of indie rock and alt-country with a more reflective energy.
- Bruce Springsteen at Prudential Center: The Boss brings his legendary energy and classic rock anthems to the Garden State. Yes, attendees will have to hop on New Jersey transit for this one.
FLAMER 420 Backyard Daydream Party
FLAMER’s fourth annual 420 celebration brings a technicolor daydream to Bushwick. Moving indoors, the party expands into a multi-room sensory experience with performances, DJs, comedy, and rooftop chill vibes.
Catch Sasha Colby, Cain Culto, MissMa’amShe, Cherry Jaymes, MTHR TRSA, and Buffy Sierra on the Revelation Stage, with BRIDGE, Dee Diggs, and Purr on decks. Comedy features Park Slope Arsonist, James Tom, MissMa’amShe, and Lollygag, and the Pillow Princess Fort rooftop lounge stars Malea Kimberly and Mercedes Aiko.
Dress code is “backyard c*nt,” as FLAMER puts it. Production by HOLE PICS, with sponsors like Flower Daddy, Banana Split, and Red Bull.
Tickets are $20+, making it one of the more accessible 4/20 events that weekend.
Yerba Buena 420 Movie Night
For those looking for something a little more low-key (but still very on-theme), this private screening of Half Baked offers a different kind of 4/20 hang.
Hosted at Cobble Hill Cinemas on April 20 at 7:30 p.m., the event is part of Yerba Buena’s ongoing cinema series and centers around the cult classic stoner comedy written by and starring Dave Chappelle.
For $15, the experience goes beyond just the movie. The night includes complimentary popcorn, trivia, prizes, and gift bags, giving it a curated, community feel.
The event is supported by a mix of cannabis brands including Miss Grass, Old Pal, 1906, and Weekenders.
WAMB! Fest NYC
WAMB! Fest feels like an intentional lead-in to 4/20.
Hosted by Los Depressos Studios on April 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the event brings together weed culture, live music, breathwork, and visual art. The venue has an awesome indoor-outdoor setup, with access to a rooftop greenhouse overlooking Brooklyn.
The lineup includes HanssonVision, Sha Summers, and Yung Bluez, alongside work from artists like Antonio Stephen, TroubleMaker.NYC, and Briii.Man. Watch a set, browse artwork, or just hang out for a bit.
A1 Art Puff Paint & Sip
For those looking to add some creativity to the day, A1 Art in Bushwick is hosting paint-and-puff sessions at its Varick Ave and Meadow St locations. The format is simple: guests take part in a guided painting session with all materials provided, while smoking is part of the experience. On April 20, sessions run at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9:30 p.m., offering multiple chances to drop in throughout the day.
Pinky Swear 4/20 Stoner Olympics
For those who have ever claimed they roll the best in the group, this is where to prove it. Hosted on the Lower East Side, the Pinky Swear Stoner Olympics turns classic smoke session skills into a full-on showdown.
Starting at 6 PM on April 20, teams of three will compete in a joint rolling competition, judged on speed, style, and size. Winners will get prizes (and bragging rights).
Expect a neon-lit lounge, interactive art, games, and an outdoor courtyard for fireside hangs. Think equal parts party and playground.
I <3 NY 420 DNB & Dubstep Celebration
This drum & bass, jungle, and dubstep party takes over The Meadows on Saturday, April 18 for a high-energy start to 4/20 weekend.
From 4pm – 10pm, the lineup features Circadian’s first NYC solo headline (in a 360 setup) alongside APX1. Expect LA bass energy from a line-up of 14 artists, indoor and outdoor areas, and multiple vendors throughout the space.
It’s also a full “green party,” with green attire encouraged to lean into the 420 theme. Tier 2 tickets are around $25, making it a solid option for a full afternoon of high-energy sets.
Gotham x Sofar
For those seeking a smaller, more intentional gathering, Sofar Sounds is teaming up with Gotham Chelsea for a one-night-only 4/20 concert.
Known for its “secret show” format, Sofar will bring a lineup of emerging NYC artists into the dispensary’s design-forward space. Expect shorter sets, a close audience, and hosting by Rachel Bell. The evening will also double as a live taping of Rachel’s Hi, I’m High series.
Celebrate the day in Style
There’s no one way to do 4/20 in New York. Some people head for the crowds, others keep it small. Either way, the day has a way of slowing things down just enough to stay a little longer, talk a little more, and pass things around.
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