It’s coming up on spring, and that means it’s almost time for the Hash Bash!
Hash Bash, on the first Saturday of April, is a major event for folks who love cannabis and folks who support it (even if they don’t consume it).
“High noon” at the Diag on the University of Michigan’s campus often features speakers famous in the cannabis arena, as well as up-and-coming folk.
A brief history
The very first Hash Bash was held in 1972 — a direct response to the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling on famous cultural activist John Sinclair’s conviction for marijuana possession.
The MI Supreme Court deemed Sinclair’s original sentencing “cruel and unusual,” and said the law used to sentence him was unconstitutional. Although the state legislature quickly replaced the unconstitutional law with a new law to make sure it kept marijuana banned, there was a three-week window where marijuana was technically legal in the state! And this is how the Hash Bash festival was started — local activists used this opportunity to host a cannabis event at the Diag.
John Sinclair has attended and been a speaker at past Hash Bash events.
Hash Bash rapidly became an important festival to Ann Arbor, despite police presence and arrests when marijuana usage was still illegal or heavily restricted. Hash Bash started with around 150+ attendees. But now attendance to this premier event ranges up to 15,000 people, and speakers range from celebrities to musicians to activists to authors and more.
Downtown Ann Arbor is lit during this time — full of celebratory music, good cheer and cannabis. Even people who don’t smoke cannabis will be struck by the cheerful attitudes of downtown attendees. (And maybe also struck by the strong smell of weed.)
The Hash Bash
High Noon at the Diag is open to the general public and occurs at, of course, noon. To follow the updated schedule as it’s released, you can check out the website. Speakers are not yet announced.
The Monroe Street Fair Hash Bash, at 800 Monroe St., although a free event on public sidewalks and streets, is geared toward ages 21+ for its exhibits. Wake and Bake will begin around 11am, and there are food trucks, vendors, exhibitions and more. Details are being released as they’re finalized, but last year’s schedule from 11am-6pm featured vending, music, and food.
RELATED: Local Black Budtender and Influencer Shares His Story
Dominick’s, a delicious restaurant and bar, usually hosts the afterparty — they have both an indoor and outdoor space, which makes for a laidback and fun ambiance, and their sangria is famous.
The Hash Bash Cup is held at Wyndham Garden Hotel and Hampton Inn & Suites from Friday, April 4th at 3pm till Sunday, April 6th at 6pm. There will be glassblowers, vendors, celebrity guests, performances — and of course lots of food trucks, and a pool and hot tub to relax in with fellow attendees. You can purchase your tickets online.
And lastly, if you like cannabis and laughter, you can’t miss the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase featuring the crème de la crème of Michigan’s comedic talent at the renowned Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase!
The event says, “This is not just a comedy show; it’s a celebration where jokes and tokes come together like never before!” It’s held on April 3 at 7:15pm. Get your tickets here!
For the serious cannabis consumers, or those who enjoy history, if you’d enjoy a brief documentary about the Monroe Street Fair, there’s a 12 minute and an 18 minute documentary available here!
