Overview and History
The Virginia 420 Festival is a three-day event dedicated to celebrating cannabis culture, music, and education. Scheduled for April 18-20, 2024, the festival is set to take place at Garrett Farms in the Glenvar area of western Roanoke County. This event marks a significant moment in Virginia’s burgeoning cannabis culture, as it brings together enthusiasts, experts, and the curious alike to explore and celebrate the plant’s many facets.
Garrett Farms, located at 4331 Barley Drive near the intersection of U.S. 460 and Poor Mountain Road, provides a picturesque setting for the festival. The farm offers a rustic and primitive camping option, enhancing the communal experience of the event. The festival is also held simultaneously at Misty Mountain Campground in Greenwood, VA, offering attendees a choice of two diverse settings.
Cultural Significance and Activities
The festival is a melting pot of entertainment, education, and community spirit. It features a diverse lineup of artists and comedians, including Keller Williams and Kottonmouth Kings, ensuring that attendees are entertained throughout the event. Education plays a significant role, with various sessions and masterclasses covering topics such as indoor growing techniques, cannabis cooking, wellness, advocacy, business, environmental impact, and the historical and cultural significance of cannabis.
One of the highlights of the festival is the hosting of the first-ever 420 wedding, symbolizing the unity of the cannabis community and its passion for the plant. This unique event emphasizes the festival’s commitment to celebrating cannabis culture in a comprehensive and engaging manner.
What to Expect
Attendees can expect a blend of entertainment and educational experiences. Renowned cannabis grower Mark Herer will lead outdoor cultivation masterclasses, sharing his expertise from seed to harvest. Seminars will cover a wide range of topics, including indoor cannabis cultivation, cannabis cooking, advocacy, business, and the creative aspects of cannabis.
Camping is an integral part of the festival experience, with options available at both Garrett Farms and Misty Mountain Campground. Garrett Farms offers a limited number of camping spots, providing a memorable backdrop for the festival activities.
Practical Information
The admission fee for the full three-day experience is $150, with options for individual-day and two-day tickets also available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own cannabis (BYOC), as Virginia law prohibits the sale of recreational weed. However, RISE Dispensary will be delivering to medical marijuana patients at the festival, and nurse practitioner Rikki McConnell will be seeing new patients at both festival locations.
To commemorate the event, “valuable” swag bags will be distributed to the first entrants at each location, with a total of 420 bags available. Tickets and camping reservations can be made online, with specific purchase procedures for each location.
Conclusion
The Virginia 420 Festival at Garrett Farms is more than just a gathering; it’s a comprehensive celebration of cannabis culture that offers a unique blend of entertainment, education, and community. With its extensive lineup of activities, masterclasses, and communal experiences, the festival aims to enlighten and entertain, fostering a spirit of unity and passion within the cannabis community.
Tags: Event, Expo, Festival