20 April used to feel like a complete act of defiance. A date marked by rebellion, coded language and a sense that you were stepping outside the rules. Like many movements born on the fringe, it was about pushing back, or at the very least, finding others willing to do the same.

“420” began in 1971 with a group of Californian high school friends. Over time, it spread through music, media and counterculture, eventually landing here in Australia. In the past this day has felt like a tokenistic time to quietly smoke a joint, or a chance to go down to Victoria Park in Camperdown, with hordes of police, to potentially get arrested.

This year felt different.

What stood out wasn’t just celebration, but a weekend of variety and culture. In Adelaide, an LCP volunteer hosted a small tea party with her friends. Thoughtfully prepared food and accoutrements (wink, wink), games, music, movies. A curated experience that would have taken a lot of thought and effort.

An afternoon gathering in NSW also offered a smorgasbord of treats shared among a group of likeminded individuals.

On Saturday night, Who Are We Hurting, led by Will Stolk and Alec Zammitt, took things in a different direction again. Their 420 Art Exhibition leaned into spectacle, part activism, part self-reflection. It was bold, occasionally self-congratulatory, but undeniably effective. Industry people showed up. Conversations happened. The plant was discussed openly, even thoughtfully.

At one point, police arrived with lights and sirens. They paused, took in the scene, and left without even stepping out of the car. In its own way, it said something.

On Sunday, at Parramatta Park, a community event at the Gawi Shelter drew a steady crowd. Around 30 people gathered. Patients shared experiences, people asked questions, plans were made. One police officer showed up, shook hands and moved on. The mood was simple. Calm. Open.

That’s the shift.

420 isn’t just rebellion anymore. It’s becoming something broader. Community, culture, conversation. Still evolving, but starting to look a lot more like it belongs.