Cali Cup is a gathering that brings together the best of California cannabis! A place where culture, craft, science, agriculture, music, food, and community meet in one place. Designed as both a competition and a celebration, the event creates space for connection, discovery, education, and recognition of the people, plants, places, and traditions shaping the future of California cannabis.

At the heart of Cali Cup is a unique statewide home growers competition celebrating the extraordinary diversity of cannabis being cultivated across California. From legendary commercial cultivars and emerging genetics to rare selections, heritage varieties, and deeply personal home garden projects, the competition will showcase the unique regions, growing environments, cultivation methods, and plant expressions that make California cannabis unlike anywhere else in the world. The focus is on the growers themselves and their skill, knowledge, dedication, and ability to bring exceptional genetics to life. 

The weekend culminates in the live Cali Cup awards ceremony, where top honors are presented to outstanding home-grown flower and cultivators from across the state. More than simply recognizing winners, the competition is designed to tell a larger story about California cannabis, its genetics, terroir, regional diversity, cultivation traditions, and the people continuing to preserve and evolve the plant.

Throughout both days, the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds will come alive with headlining musical acts, a special lineup of artists and DJs, immersive activations, lounges, art, food, education, and festival experiences. A dedicated outdoor cannabis consumption garden surrounded by nature will create a relaxed environment where adults 21+ can gather, connect, explore, and enjoy the event. Premium curated cannabis brands will present exceptional flower and hash, certified organic offerings, beverages, and other cannabis products available through the event’s official retail sales area.

Cali Cup will also feature VIP viewing areas and elevated cannabis service experiences designed to create more intimate ways to enjoy the festival. Guests will be able to move between music, education, cannabis, food, art, and hospitality while connecting directly with growers, brands, researchers, artists, educators, and members of the wider cannabis community.

Education and dialogue remain a central part of the Cali Cup experience. Expert panels, workshops, and conversations will explore cannabis sensory science, cultivation, genetics and breeding, regenerative agriculture, policy, history, consumer education, and the evolving science of the plant. A trade show and networking experience will bring together cannabis businesses, farmers, researchers, technology companies, advocates, ancillary companies, and industry leaders while creating new opportunities for collaboration and connection.

The grounds will also feature regenerative agriculture displays, educational gardens, craft and art vendors, makers, cultural exhibits, and interactive experiences celebrating California agriculture and creativity. Gourmet and organic food options will be featured throughout the festival alongside curated beverage offerings and an exclusive chef experience highlighting exceptional ingredients, culinary craft, and the agricultural character of the Central Coast.

Cali Cup will extend beyond the main festival weekend with a full week of special experiences leading into April 17–18th, 2027. Cali Cup Week will bring together cannabis, hospitality, tourism, food, music, education, and recreation through a series of regional events and world class experiences, including a golf tournament, special gatherings, educational programming, partner activations, and opportunities to explore Santa Cruz County and the surrounding Central Coast.

Rooted in California’s legacy, Cali Cup keeps sungrown cannabis and agricultural heritage front and center, honoring the growers and stewards who have cultivated the plant with care for generations. At the same time, the event embraces new ideas, traditional methods, new science, new genetics, and the continued evolution of cultivation. From landrace preservation and regenerative farming to cutting-edge research and sensory science, Cali Cup exists at the intersection of tradition and progress.

More than just a competition, Cali Cup is a platform for the plant, for the people, and for the future of cannabis. It is a place where quality, integrity, craftsmanship, knowledge, and intention are recognized and where people from throughout California and beyond, can come together to celebrate what makes the state’s cannabis culture, agriculture, genetics, and community truly exceptional!

See you in 2027!!