California has more cannabis history packed into it than any other state. It passed the first medical cannabis law in the country in 1996, legalized adult use in 2016 and still grows a huge share of the nation’s flower in places like Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties. That history shows up in the event calendar. California hosts some of the best known cannabis competitions in the world, along with farm tours, licensed consumption events and grower gatherings. This guide explains what to expect from California cannabis events in 2027, which big events have announced plans and how to enjoy them within the law. Everything here is for adults 21 and older.

Before you plan: dates are still coming in

As of late October 2026, several major California events had not posted their 2027 dates. That is normal. Many organizers announce in winter or early spring. We list only what organizers have said, and we flag anything that is still pending. Check each organizer’s site before you buy tickets or book a room.

The Emerald Cup

The Emerald Cup is one of the most famous cannabis competitions in the world. It began in Mendocino County in 2003 as a small harvest celebration for outdoor growers and grew into a large festival and awards program. Over the years it has moved around, and its 2026 event took place on August 15 and 16 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.

The competition is known for its focus on sun grown craft cannabis and on solventless hash, along with categories for regenerative and small farm growers. The event usually includes vendors, speakers, music and a licensed consumption area when local permits allow it.

For 2027, the organizer had not announced dates when we checked. Watch the official site and its newsletter for the announcement. Do not rely on third party listings until the organizer confirms them.

Mendo Cup

The Mendo Cup focuses on cannabis grown in Mendocino County, one of the oldest growing regions in the US. The organizer has said the 2027 event will take place in May in Mendocino County, with exact dates to come. It is 21 and over, and tickets have been sold in advance only, with no sales at the gate. If you want to see the people and farms behind Mendocino’s reputation, this is a good event to watch.

Other kinds of California events

Beyond the big cups, California’s calendar is full of smaller events. Specific dates change every year, so use these categories to search.

Licensed consumption events

California allows temporary cannabis events licensed by the state and approved by the local city or county. At these events, licensed retailers can sell and adults can consume in designated areas. If an event says it allows sales or consumption, it should state its license details.

Farm tours and harvest dinners

In the Emerald Triangle, some licensed farms offer tours or seasonal events. These tend to cluster around harvest in the fall. They are a chance to see sun grown cannabis in the field and learn how small farms work.

Grow education and trade shows

Cities like Los Angeles, Oakland and Sacramento host trade shows, business conferences and grow classes. Many of these do not allow consumption and some are open only to industry professionals.

4/20 events

April 20, 2027 falls on a Tuesday. Expect big celebrations the weekend before or after, plus smaller events on the day itself.

California event checklist

Item	Why it matters
Valid ID showing you are 21 or older	Every legal event checks age
Ticket bought from the organizer	Avoid fake resale tickets
Ride plan	Never drive impaired
Cash and card	Some vendors and parking lots take one or the other
Sun protection and water	Many events are outdoors in hot weather
A notebook	Write down strains, growers and tips

Staying legal

• Adults 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of flower and up to 8 grams of concentrate.
• Adults can grow up to six plants per residence, subject to local rules on outdoor growing.
• Consumption in public is illegal outside licensed areas.
• Buy only from licensed retailers.
• Do not take cannabis out of California, even to another legal state.

Why events matter for home growers

Cups are a good way to see what top growers are producing and to learn how they grow. Many entries are sun grown, and talking to the farmers can teach you how they handle pests, mold and harvest timing in California’s long, dry summers and cool coastal fogs. If you leave inspired, browse our California seed page for strains that suit the state’s climates, from the coast to the Central Valley.

Getting to the North Coast

Many of California’s best known grower events take place in rural counties far from major airports. Roads like Highway 101 through Sonoma, Mendocino and Humboldt counties are scenic but slow, and lodging in small towns sells out quickly around big events. Book early, plan for limited cell service in the hills and fill your tank before heading inland. Carry cannabis sealed and out of reach while driving, as state law requires.

How cups are judged

Most cannabis competitions ask entrants to submit samples that are lab tested and then scored by judges on appearance, aroma, flavor and effect. Some use expert panels, while others give judge kits to ticket holders. Solventless categories such as ice water hash and rosin are popular in California. If you are curious about judging, look for open calls on organizer sites in the months before an event.

If you go, take notes on the strains that impress you and the growers behind them. Those notes help when you pick seeds for your own garden next spring.

Enjoy cannabis culture responsibly

Cannabis is only legal for adults in some states, and the rules on possession, public use and home growing change from place to place. Kind Seed Co sells only to adults 21 and older, and nothing here is an invitation to break the law where you live. If you want to know what is allowed in your state, start with our guide to the legal requirements for growing weed plants in your state. Never drive after using cannabis, keep it away from kids and pets, and respect anyone who chooses not to partake. This article is general information about culture and history. It is not legal advice and it is not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Emerald Cup 2027?

The organizer had not announced 2027 dates as of October 30, 2026. The 2026 event ran August 15 and 16 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.

Is Mendo Cup 21 and over?

Yes. Mendo Cup is a 21 and over event, and tickets have been sold in advance only.

Can you consume cannabis at California events?

Only at licensed temporary events in designated consumption areas approved by local officials.

Can I bring cannabis home from a California event?

Not across state lines. Federal law and other states’ laws still apply when you leave California.

Final thoughts

California’s 2027 cannabis calendar will likely again include the Emerald Cup, a May Mendo Cup and plenty of licensed events, farm tours and classes. Watch organizer sites for final dates, bring ID, buy only from licensed sellers and enjoy the state’s cannabis culture responsibly.

Ready to start

Browse the full range in the Kind Seed Co shop or go straight to marijuana seeds california. Kind Seed Co sells only to adults 21 and older. Always follow the cannabis laws where you live.