Cannifest is entering a new chapter in 2026!
Humboldt County’s long-running cannabis and community festival will relocate to the historic Arcata Ball Park for its 11th annual gathering, bringing two days of live music, cannabis culture, education, art, and family-friendly activities to the heart of Arcata on September 12-13.
Organizers officially unveiled the festival’s music lineup on April 20, confirming legendary keyboardist Melvin Seals & JGB as this year’s headlining act. Best known for carrying forward the musical legacy of the Jerry Garcia Band, Seals will anchor a weekend lineup that blends reggae, bluegrass, jam, funk, and Humboldt-grown talent.
For more than a decade, Cannifest has served as a gathering place for farmers, makers, activists, artists, and cannabis enthusiasts. While music remains a major draw, the event continues to position itself as a celebration of Humboldt’s agricultural heritage and community-first cannabis culture.
Cannifest 2026 Headliners and Featured Performers
Leading this year’s lineup are:
Melvin Seals & JGB
Brett McFarland & The Freedom Riders
Sister Carol
Bella Rayne
Shuck Nasty
The supporting roster highlights a diverse mix of regional favorites and emerging artists, including:
Broken Compass Bluegrass
Ishi Dube
Naive Melodies
The California Poppies
Kingfoot
Timbata
Papa Haole & The Fleas
Makenu
Hella Mendocino
The Cowtown Sound
The lineup reflects the eclectic musical influences that have long shaped Humboldt County’s festival scene, with performances spanning roots reggae, Americana, bluegrass, funk, and psychedelic jam music.
Cannifest’s move to Arcata Ball Park gives organizers room to expand programming beyond the main stage.
Festivalgoers can expect four stages featuring live music, panel discussions, comedy, games, educational workshops, and cultural programming throughout the weekend. Organizers have also confirmed the return of the Farmers Grove, a dedicated space designed to connect attendees directly with small farms and cultivators.
The Grow Games competitions will once again bring growers together for friendly competition while showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation that continue to define Humboldt cannabis culture.
Additional attractions announced for 2026 include:
The Headstash Bowl: California Meltdown resin and rosin competition
Headstash Hub
Glass Face Gallery
Dispensary Flight Club experiences
Educational talks and sustainability workshops
Community marketplace featuring vendors, makers, and local organizations
Additionally, the popular Family Interactive Zone (FIZ) returns with hands-on activities for children and families, including crafts, educational demonstrations, hula hoop workshops, and interactive experiences throughout the weekend. Children 12 and under receive free admission.
Beyond entertainment, Cannifest continues to support local nonprofits and community initiatives.
The festival’s partnership with Community Pride and Peace, an Ink People DreamMaker Project, remains a central part of its mission. Organizers say proceeds from charity auctions and festival fundraising efforts will help support local programs focused on community development, cultural preservation, and education.
As California’s cannabis industry continues to evolve, events like Cannifest offer small farms and independent businesses an opportunity to connect directly with consumers while highlighting the culture and history that helped put Humboldt County on the global cannabis map.
Cannifest 2026 Event Information
Cannifest 2026
Dates: September 12-13, 2026
Location: Arcata Ball Park, Arcata, California
Admission: All Ages
Children 12 and Under: Free
General admission and VIP passes are currently available, with VIP packages offering premium stage viewing areas, dedicated restrooms, exclusive merchandise, and shuttle access through the festival’s Dispensary Flight program.
For tickets and additional information, visit Cannifest.com. See you there!!
