The organizers of San Francisco’s annual 4/20 cannabis festival in Golden Gate Park announced Tuesday that this year’s event has been canceled. Event organizers cited low sponsorship from the struggling cannabis industry and staffing concerns due to recent budget cuts for the city’s Recreation & Parks Department.
For decades, cannabis supporters and enthusiasts have flooded Golden Gate Park’s Hippie Hill on April 20 — the event has historically drawn tourists from all over the state and beyond. In recent years, city officials have facilitated live music and allowed cannabis licensees to put up booths to serve the crowds.
“Unfortunately, the 420 Hippie Hill event in Golden Gate Park will not be happening as planned this year—due to city wide budget cutbacks, the climate of the cannabis industry & economy we have been unable to secure enough financial sponsorship to get everything required for a safe, clean, city & state compliant event. We encourage everyone to go support their local equity brands, dispensaries, and lounges on 4/20 as we all celebrate plant medicine. We will be back next year!” — Statement via 420HippieHill.com
The San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department confirmed the event’s cancellation in a press release, announcing the park would instead host volleyball and kickball tournaments in the area on April 20.
“We understand the disappointment and hope to make it up with a great event next year,” event organizer Alex Aquino said in the release. “We encourage everyone to go support their local equity brands, dispensaries, and lounges on 420 as we all celebrate plant medicine. Additionally, we are inviting everyone to join us next month at Carnaval May 25-26 as one of SFs longest running free community cultural events.”
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