A grassroots revolution is underway in New York’s cannabis industry. On the sun-drenched fields of Lincoln Hill Farms and in vibrant towns like Fredonia, a new kind of cannabis event is taking root, one that puts the power directly in the hands of small growers, processors, and local communities. In June 2026, New York’s Cannabis Showcase Event Permit policy was given a green light, opening the door for legal, open-air cannabis farmers’ markets across the state.
For years, small cultivators and independent processors watched from the sidelines as big corporations and multi-state operators carved up the legal cannabis market. But thanks to relentless grassroots activism and a demand for local, craft cannabis, the states Office of Cannabis Management rolled Section 130-a, New York’s Cannabis Showcase Event (CSE) Permit. Now, licensed dispensaries can partner with local cultivators and processors to sell their products at temporary, pop-up events and farmers’ markets, giving small businesses a platform to thrive.
New York’s Cannabis Showcase Experience
The debut Finger Lakes Growers Showcase at Lincoln Hill Farms in Gorham, New York on June 28 marked a historic moment for the state. Hosted by Evergreen Retail, Sunwalker Farms, and others, the event featured a dozen regional farmers offering small-batch, farm-to-table cannabis and cannabis products.
“It’s so fortunate that New York State allowed this to happen,” said Brian Mastrosimone, owner of Lincoln Hill Farms. “This is the first one in New York State, the growers showcase, and we’re super excited to be able to break that history here.” Having New York State open the door for small, local businesses to make history on their own terms is the kind of progress we’ve been fighting for.
Farmers like Bryce Serpe of Circle Hill Rosin emphasized the value of connecting face-to-face with consumers: “To have the opportunity to come out and meet people, give them our story, it really is huge for us.” The magic of these events isn’t just the product, it’s the stories, the handshakes, the sense of community you get by meeting the actual people behind the brand. That’s something you just can’t replicate in a corporate setting, and it’s exactly what makes these community endeavors like New York’s cannabis showcase events so special.
What’s Next at Lincoln Hill Farms: August & September Events
The momentum isn’t slowing down. The Finger Lakes Growers Showcase Series returns to Lincoln Hill Farms on August 30 and September 27. Presented by Sunwalker Farms and Evergreen Retail, these events feature a stellar lineup of local cultivators and brands, including:
- 518 Hollow
- 6 Point Cannabis
- Cannabaceae
- Circle Hill Rosin
- Dreaming Tree Farm
- Erie Side Farm
- FLWR City
- Forest Flower
- Gage Farms
- Grass Roots Wellness
- Leadfarmer
- Lit by the Lake
- Oasis
- Snowbelt
- Sticky’s Farm
- Sunwalker Farms,
- Tall Trees Farm
But it doesn’t stop with just cannabis brands. You can expect a full range of entertainment for your senses including live music, food trucks, and a laid-back, community-oriented vibe. On August 30, regional reggae favorites Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad will be headlining, bringing the perfect soundtrack to New York’s cannabis showcase event in Gorham.
What’s even more exciting is that New York’s cannabis showcases let you experience the culture up close. Adults 21+ can purchase cannabis products and consume directly on-site, a first for many under the state’s new regulations. It’s a rare chance to meet your local growers, learn their stories, and support the small businesses shaping the future of cannabis in New York.
Seriously, if you care about where your cannabis comes from, or just want to enjoy great music and food in sun, these are events you don’t want to miss.
Beyond Lincoln Hill: Innovation in Fredonia with BuzzWNY
Meanwhile, out in Fredonia, a region that still has no dispensaries, the BuzzWNY Summer Growers Showcase has been running since July 20 and continues through September 2. This 45-day pop-up tent at 10375 Bennett Road offers a space where you can meet one-on-one with brands like Bristol Extracts, Kian, Hashtag Honey, Suspect, Real Life Botanicals, Cannabaceae, B-Side, Snowbelt, as well as the award-winning Alchemy Pure, all under one roof, with a rotating schedule that brings new faces and products each day.
What stands out here isn’t just the access to legal, licensed New York cannabis, but the chance to actually talk shop with the cultivators and processors themselves. The BuzzWNY showcase isn’t just about buying product; it’s about learning what makes New York cannabis unique, direct from the source, while supporting the small businesses that have fought for a place at the table.
These grassroots events fill crucial gaps in consumer access and demonstrate the strength and creativity of the state’s independent operators. In places like Fredonia, they’re not just an option, they’re a lifeline for both the community and the industry.
Why It Matters: A New Path for the Industry
New York cannabis showcase events aren’t just about sales, they’re about shifting the balance of power in the state’s cannabis market. New York’s Cannabis Showcase Event Permit policy creates new opportunities for independent operators and small businesses by allowing:
- Licensed adult-use retailers to apply for event permits and work in partnership with local cultivators and processors.
- Microbusinesses to serve as their own products at these events, leveling the playing field.
- Participants to educate the public, build brand awareness, and create lasting community relationships.
Each permit allows a showcase to run for up to 14 consecutive days, with any single location capped at 45 days of showcase events per year. With these strict guidelines, adults 21+ only, limited event durations, and full compliance enforced, New York’s cannabis showcases offer a safe, legal, and transparent alternative to the corporate-dominated retail model. For many, this isn’t just a policy change; it’s a chance to put community and craft at the heart of New York’s cannabis future.
The Road Ahead
Not every municipality has embraced the change (the Canandaigua Town Board, for example, recently voted against allowing showcases), but every event is a step forward in proving the model works. As more communities see the economic and social benefits, expect to see these events grow in both scale and significance.
If you want to support craft growers and microbusinesses at New York’s cannabis showcase events, mark your calendar for the next Lincoln Hill Farms market, or track down a pop-up near you. The future of cannabis in New York is being built right now, by local hands.
