The city that never sleeps just got a lot more interesting. Here’s everything you need to know about NYC’s hottest cannabis events.
New York City’s cannabis scene is exploding, and 2025-2026 is shaping up to be legendary. With over 307 dispensaries now open and the state’s legal market generating over $1 billion in 2024, the Big Apple has officially become the cannabis capital of the East Coast.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, seasoned industry professional, or curious consumer, NYC’s cannabis event calendar offers something for everyone. From massive trade shows at the Javits Center to intimate film festivals in Brooklyn, the city’s cannabis community is gathering like never before.
The Must-Attend Events: Quick Overview
| Event | When | Where | Who It's For | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cannabis Means Business
|
June 4-5, 2025
|
Javits Center
|
B2B Professionals |
East Coast's premier cannabis expo
|
|
Revelry NYC
|
Sept 12-13, 2025
|
Pier 36
|
Industry + Public |
NYC's most influential trade show & festival
|
|
Business of Cannabis: NY
|
Nov 6, 2025
|
Wythe Hotel
|
Investors & Leaders |
High-level networking & strategy
|
|
NYC Cannabis Film Festival
|
Fall 2025
|
TBD
|
Creatives & Community |
Cinema meets cannabis culture
|
|
NYC Cannabis Parade
|
May 2026*
*Expected return
|
Union Square
|
Everyone |
Historic activism meets celebration
|
The Heavy Hitters: Major Industry Events
Cannabis Means Business Conference & Expo
Formerly CWCBExpo - The East Coast's Cannabis Powerhouse
Revelry NYC: Where Culture Meets Commerce
The Most Authentic NYC Cannabis Experience
Business of Cannabis: New York
High-Level Strategy & Investment Focus
Community & Culture Events
NYC Cannabis Film Festival
Where Cinema Meets Cannabis
NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally
The Historic Return
2025 Event Calendar At-A-Glance
Spring 2025
- June 4-5: Cannabis Means Business Conference & Expo (Javits Center)
Summer 2025
- July 19: NYC Cannabis Festival & Resource Fair (Harlem – inaugural city event)
Fall 2025
- September 12-13: Revelry NYC (Pier 36)
- September (TBD): NYC Cannabis Film Festival
- November 6: Business of Cannabis: New York (Wythe Hotel)
2026 Preview
- June 3-4: Cannabis Means Business (confirmed return)
- May (Expected): NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally revival
- Fall: Revelry NYC annual return (dates TBD)
Event Breakdown by Audience
| Audience Type | Must-Attend Events | Why These Events |
|---|---|---|
|
Cannabis Entrepreneur
|
Must-Attend:
Cannabis Means Business, Revelry Buyers' Club Day, Business of Cannabis: NY
|
Why:
Direct access to investors, buyers, and strategic partners
|
|
Cannabis Marketing/Creative
|
Must-Attend:
Revelry Festival, NYC Cannabis Film Festival
|
Why:
Cultural insights and creative networking opportunities
|
|
New to Cannabis Business
|
Must-Attend:
Cannabis Means Business workshops, Revelry Festival
|
Why:
Educational content and approachable networking
|
|
Consumer/Enthusiast
|
Must-Attend:
Revelry Festival Day 2, NYC Cannabis Film Festival, future Cannabis Parade
|
Why:
Product discovery, education, and community connection
|
Pro Tips for NYC Cannabis Events
Networking Like a New Yorker
-
Come Prepared:
Have your elevator pitch down to 30 seconds - NYC moves fast
-
Follow Up Fast:
Within 24 hours, or your connection gets lost in the shuffle
-
Quality Over Quantity:
Better to have 5 solid connections than 50 business cards
Event Strategy
-
Book Early:
Popular events sell out fast, especially industry-only days
-
Plan Your Schedule:
Back-to-back events are common - plan logistics carefully
-
Bring Business Cards:
Yes, people still exchange them at cannabis events
NYC-Specific Tips
-
Transportation:
Most venues are subway accessible - factor in travel time
-
Accommodation:
Book hotels early during major event weekends
-
Networking Continues:
Many deals happen at after-parties and informal gatherings
The Business Impact: Why These Events Matter
NYC's cannabis market is projected to hit $4.2 billion by 2027. These events aren't just networking opportunities - they're where the future of East Coast cannabis gets decided.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for NYC Cannabis Events
The scene is evolving fast. What started as grassroots meetups has become a professional circuit that rivals traditional industries. Expect more specialized events, higher production values, and increased integration with NYC’s broader business and cultural scenes.
The Cultural Shift: Events like Revelry demonstrate that cannabis is inseparable from culture, with cannabis becoming as integrated into lifestyle culture as food, music, and art.
Ready to Dive Into NYC’s Cannabis Scene?
Whether you’re looking to build business connections, discover new products, or just understand where cannabis culture is heading, NYC’s event calendar has something for you. The city that never sleeps just got a lot more interesting.
From New Amsterdam’s perspective: We’ve seen firsthand how these events shape the industry. As NYC’s largest dispensary, we participate in and support the events that drive real progress in cannabis business and culture.
Ready to experience NYC’s cannabis events? Start with Revelry in September – it’s the perfect introduction to what makes New York cannabis special.
