Harvest Fest Cannabis Cup

I am super excited for our 2025 plans! 

I know that shifting the New York Harvest Fest from a 3-day gathering to a single-day celebration may feel, to some, like a catastrophic change. But after a lifetime of service to the cannabis community and decades spent fighting for law reforms, I’ve learned that change is the one constant — and that sometimes, change is the very thing that keeps a legacy alive.

The world we fought so hard for is here: the plant is legal, widely used, and even embraced by the same governments that once opposed it. Times are changing — and so am I. After more than 50 trips around the sun, with a family I love deeply and new goals I’m ready to pursue, I’m evolving right alongside the festival.

The Harvest Fest and the Cannabis Cup deserve a legacy worth carrying forward, and my hope is that all of you — who have shown unwavering commitment to the Damn Sam family, Harvest Fest, and the Cannabis Cup in countless ways — will continue to stand with us as this event transforms. Without the amazing, diverse community of attendees we’ve had over the years, the Harvest Festival & Freedom Fair would never have become what it is today. You are as much a part of this legacy as the music, the competitions, and the cause.

This year, we are putting our full energy into celebrating plant medicine. We’ll be hosting our Edibles Cup, with the Return of the Golden Rolling Pin, The Hash Cup, and of course, the 29th Annual Cannabis Cup — where everyone is a judge! It will be one unforgettable day of music, vendors, community, and the shared passion that has always driven us.

This year join us in Palenville, NY — The Heart of the Catskills

Nestled at the base of the legendary Kaaterskill Falls, right between Tannersville and Woodstock, Palenville is a hidden gem of the Catskill Mountains. Within just a few miles, you’ll find dozens of charming resorts, cozy hotels, classic motels, and scenic campgrounds — perfect for every style and budget. 

This year-make a weekend of it! Explore breathtaking hikes, cascading waterfalls, vibrant small towns, and the creative spirit of the Catskills — with the 29th Annual Cannabis Cup as the beating heart of your destination.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The format may change, but the spirit, the mission, and the love for the plant remain as strong as ever.

With Love, Gratitude & Solidarity, 

Rob Robinson 

Founder Damn Sam, NY Harvest Festival & Freedom Fair, 

and the Longest Running Cannabis Competition in America!