C annabis consumers of metro Phoenix, get ready to roll. We’re on the cusp of 4/20, the biggest day of the year for stoners, potheads, casual users or anyone else with a love of the leafy green plant. Celebrated every April 20, it’s the unof- ficial holiday for all things cannabis. Hence all the marijuana-themed events happening in cities around the world on the date, including here in the Valley. And 4/20 is only getting bigger each year in Arizona, due in part to the exponen- tial growth of our state’s cannabis industry. We’re not just blowing smoke, as a record- setting $1.43 billion in sales were rung up by Arizona cannabis retailers in 2023. The end result? You might encounter more cannabis connoisseurs than ever celebrating 4/20 this year during events at smoke shops, dispensaries, bars and other joints across the Valley on Saturday. Even better, some festivities will be happening both before and after the big day. The 4/20 festivities range from parties and concerts to sales, movie screenings and even arts events. Whether you vape, smoke, dab or toke, there’s likely some- thing happening in metro Phoenix on 4/20 where you can live the high life. Arizona Golf Resort 425 S. Power Road, Mesa arizonagolfresort.com A “cannabis-infused golf experience” awaits at the Drives and Vibes Range Party on April 20 at the resort, helping bring new meaning to the phrase “in the weeds.” Dozens of local dispensaries, vendors and artisans will be on hand for the free event from 1 to 6 p.m. Attendees can also enjoy goodie bags, give- aways and games or put the “Fore!” in 4/20 during a Drives and Vibes competition on the golf range, which will require a separate $15 entry fee. An after-party headlined by marijuana-loving rapper Afroman, best known for his 2001 hit “Because I Got High,” will start at 8 p.m. General admission is $24.99 and VIP tickets are $74.99. Visit green-keepers.com for more details. Buds-A-Palooza 2024 Garfield and Fifth streets budsapalooza.com The largest 4/20 celebration in the Valley can be found at this annual festival on April 19 in downtown Phoenix. The four-block area south of Roosevelt Row will be popu- lated by vendor tents, a “munchie mall” of food trucks and an outdoor theater screening stoner flicks. Eight different glass artists — including Erk De Jerk, Shawn Henderson, Shuhbuh, Desi B, James “Reverend Morse” Wilson — will demonstrate their blazing artistry. Local comedians like Raven Greggory, Jerry Rider, Celia Contreras, Steve Gillespie and Tara Shakespeare will also perform and an enormous stage will host sets by The Hip Abduction, Shwayze, Kash’d Out, Eli-Mac and Herb N’ Life. There will also be full bars available and live art sessions by local creatives. Gates open at 4:20 p.m. Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 on the day of the event. Budz Smoke Lounge Events Center 2431 E. Van Buren St. azbudfest.com The Arizona Bud Fest from April 19 to 21 at the newly opened Budz Smoke Lounge Events Center promises three days of cannabis-inspired activities. There will be dozens of vendors and dispensaries present, movie screenings, a “Puff & Paint” lounge and more. A car and bike show is planned and numerous competitions will take place, including a hydraulic jump-off contest, DJ battles, an infused cook-off challenge and rolling contests. Hours are 4:20 p.m. to midnight. General admission is $54.20 per day and VIP tickets are $74.20 and include a pre-roll, t-shirt and other perks. Illustration by Sam Washburn YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PHOENIX’S BEST 4/20 DEALS AND EVENTS. BY BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN THE HIGH LIFE THE HIGH LIFE >> p 14
