On February 7, High Times is bringing the New York Cannabis Cup Awards Night to Sony Hall, turning one of Manhattan’s most iconic venues into a full-spectrum celebration of weed, culture and community.
This isn’t a trade floor or a daytime expo. It’s an evening built for brands, retailers, judges, press and longtime supporters of the Cup to come together, hand out hardware and let New York do what it does best: turn cannabis into a moment.
The night runs from 8 PM through midnight and blends live music, comedy, awards and activations into one continuous experience. Guests will move freely between tables and the floor, with curated stations spread throughout the venue.
The Program
The evening opens with a live Bob Marley greatest hits set, setting the tone before the official Cannabis Cup Awards begin. Comedian Derek Gaines hosts the night, weaving stand-up and crowd interaction into the ceremony as trophies are handed out across categories judged by New York consumers.
Veteran DJ and radio host Bobby Konders anchors the room as DJ and MC, guiding the flow of the awards and keeping the energy high. After the final awards are announced, the night shifts gears.
A special musical performance takes the stage late in the evening. We don’t wanna spoil the surprise but… Let’s just say New York hip-hop history may get involved, and the lyrics might sound slightly… greener than usual.
After midnight, DJ Dede Lovelace takes over to carry the room into the afterparty.
What’s Happening on the Floor
Beyond the stage, the venue is packed with interactive activations designed to keep people moving, mingling and participating throughout the night.
Expect joint rolling, a dedicated dab room, a cannacigar cart, live interviews on the High Times couch, photo and video capture with winners, a branded photo booth, merch, raffles, giveaways and classic High Times games. RAW will be on site with a team activation, and guests will leave with a New York Cannabis Cup tote loaded with a 50th anniversary issue of High Times and sponsor gifts.
Additional hands-on judging tables and games are planned, from guessing strains and terpene profiles to classic High Times trivia with prizes hidden throughout the room.
How the Night Flows
Seating is split between elevated VIP tables and general admission floor access, with select floor tables reserved for brands, retailers, press and partners. Guests are encouraged to move freely throughout the venue, visiting tables, activations and the stage area rather than staying fixed in one spot.
The design is intentional. This is not a sit-down ceremony or a passive awards show. It’s a room meant for conversation, discovery and overlap between growers, retailers, judges, artists and media, with the awards acting as the anchor rather than the sole focus.
This night isn’t about announcements or corporate spectacle. It’s about acknowledgement. About recognizing the people and products shaping New York’s cannabis scene right now, while keeping the Cannabis Cup rooted in what it has always been: competition, culture and participation.
The trophies matter. The music matters. But the point of the night is bigger than any single moment. It’s a reminder that cannabis, especially in New York, has always been social, creative and communal.
And yes, staying late is recommended.
