Two-day MassCann event takes place on Boston Common Sept. 19 – 20
Nothing quite spells independence like Boston Freedom Rally, and thanks to the hard work of organizers with the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition (MassCann), this year’s event—the 36th!—is “returning to a full two-day format on Friday, Sept. 19 (3-8pm) and Saturday, Sept. 20 (12-8pm) on Boston Common.”
We asked them to break down the day for us. Here’s what they said: “After more than half a decade of one-day rallies, the current MassCann Board of Directors has worked tirelessly to secure the one time Entertainment License for a full two-day format filled with music, education, and advocacy.”
Thanks to sponsors including WeedMaps, Far Out Alternative Care, and NECANN—plus Lili’s Glass “for hosting the annual JARS fundraising event, which raised funds to help cover cleanup costs”—there will be lots of fun and entertainment in addition to the green main attraction. Details from the organizers below …
Education, Speakers, and Advocacy
At the heart of the Freedom Rally is MassCann’s Education Village. This year’s programming has been coordinated by Sarai Knowledge and features expert-led panels exploring cannabis policy, culture, science, and social justice. To ensure accessibility for all, ASL interpreters will be present throughout the panels.
Attendees will also hear directly from activists and advocates on the main stages, amplifying grassroots voices and the lived experiences of those shaping the movement.
Beyond the stage, the Education Village also serves as a hub for community empowerment. Local nonprofits and advocacy groups will provide resources on civic engagement, voter registration through MassVOTE, and harm reduction education from Burn The Stigma that includes free Narcan distribution and training. Together, these offerings ensure that the Freedom Rally is not just a celebration, but also a space where attendees leave informed, connected, and equipped to take action.
Honoring a Cannabis Pioneer: A Tribute to Bill Downing
This year’s Rally includes a Main Stage tribute to Bill Downing, a pioneering activist and former MassCann director, beginning at 3:45 PM on Saturday, September 20.
Bill dedicated over three decades to cannabis reform, serving on advisory boards for every successful Massachusetts cannabis ballot initiative – decriminalization (2008), medical cannabis (2012), and legalization (2016). He educated thousands through research, teaching, and caregiving, while enduring personal sacrifice and state retaliation for his work.
His legacy is felt in every safe transaction, every patient with access, and every activist inspired by his unwavering commitment. MassCann is honored to celebrate his life and contributions at this year’s Rally.
Friends and Family of Bill Downing will be gathering at Booth #61 throughout the two-day event.
Music, Entertainment & Glass Blowing
The Rally will feature Two Music Stages and a Glassblowing Village.
- Main Stage (Friday): Pretty Rotten, Space Kamp, Bella’s Bartok, and headliner Roots of Creation
- 21+ Stage (Friday): DJ Slim, Gio Dee, KMF Tre, Mekfly, and headliner Ethan Tucker
- Main Stage (Saturday): The Bodega Boys, Cannabis Crypt, Lost My Balance, Joe Grizzly, Chase Stebbins & The Only Known, Eighty, Crooked Coast, and headliner Ballyhoo!
- 21+ Stage (Saturday): Fazo, I$aac Groove, Zaafir, ShellzWithaZ, Dizzy Dizasta, Brandie Blaze, Lateb & M Dot, VIPeach, and headliner Dutch ReBelle with Special Guests.
Live Glassblowing Demos Watch the fire come alive on Boston Common as some of the Northeast’s most talented glass artists take the torch for live demonstrations all weekend long. Coordinated by Slate Glass, these masters will be melting, shaping, and creating one-of-a-kind functional art before your eyes. Featured artists include:
- Dan Coyle (@coylecondenser) – 22-year veteran crafting innovative pipes and sculptures while teaching the craft.
- Slate Glass (@slateglass) – 12 years of clean, functional designs and high-energy live demos.
- Tammy Baller (@tammyballer) – 27 years behind the torch, known for whimsical, cartoon-inspired rigs.
- Mohawk Glass (@mohawkglass) – 13 years refining color, fume, and form in New England rigs.
- Sable Haze (@sablehaze) – Portland artist with 22 years blending surrealism, Art Deco, and natural forms.
- Mrs. Claws (@mrsclawsmaine) – 25-year veteran famed for turning lobster claws into iconic functional glass.
- Dan Longden Glass (@danlongdenglass) – Worcester-based artist with 10 years of cosmic colors and heavy heady work.
- Cant Have 2 Much (@canthave2much) – 13 years on the torch, fusing playful design, technology, and function.
From whimsical to cosmic, every demo is a front-row seat to creativity in motion—and every piece forged in fire carries the spirit of New England’s glassblowing culture.
Food & Booths
The Boston Freedom Rally isn’t just about music and education – it’s a full experience. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of food trucks, shop farm stands & handmade artisan booths, and connect with nonprofit organizations working on community causes.
In the 21+ Area, licensed Massachusetts cannabis facilities will host booths to share their brand stories and educate on their products, giving attendees the chance to meet the operators shaping the Massachusetts Legal Cannabis Industry.
