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Editor’s note: Bud’s Glass Joint, the organizer of Buds-A-Palooza, is owned by an executive of Phoenix New Times. That executive has no involvement with the editorial department.
In the lead-up to the international cannabis-consumption holiday of 4/20, several blocks of downtown Phoenix will be decked out to celebrate the Valley’s biggest weed-inspired block party, dubbed Buds-A-Palooza.
On April 11, the party, hosted by local smoke shop Bud’s Glass Joint and sponsored by Trulieve, will take over Fifth Street with live music, stand-up comedy, stoner movie screenings, glass blowing, product sampling, food and more.
This is the fifth annual Buds-A-Palooza, though the shop has been throwing smaller 4/20 parties longer than that. The festivities take place across six city blocks around Bud’s Glass Joint’s downtown location. The event draws nearly 6,000 attendees.
Here’s what you need to know about what organizers call “the dopest 4/20 block party in Arizona.”
When is Buds-A-Palooza?
Buds-A-Palooza will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where is Buds-A-Palooza?
If you’re relying on GPS, Uber or maybe even Waymo to find your way to the event, plug in 907 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Attendees can enter the event at the corner of Fifth Street and Roosevelt Street.
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Do I need tickets for Buds-A-Palooza?
Yes. Attendees can purchase tickets in advance on Eventbrite for $50, which provides a QR code to show and scan at the door. You can also purchase day-of tickets onsite, but the price goes up to $60 per person.
The ticket gives you access to all of the events and activities; there is no VIP pass. However, tickets are not refundable, and once you leave the event, you cannot re-enter.
Where should I park?
Buds-A-Palooza recommends attendees park at one of two lots. For $20, attendees can park at the Arizona Center lot at 401 E. Filmore Street, which is a less than 10-minute walk from the event. For $30, attendees can park a bit closer at the lot located at 455 E. McKinley Street. That’s only a five-minute walk.
There is also limited metered street parking around the event in downtown Phoenix. If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of downtown parking altogether, the Valley Metro light rail isn’t far away either. The Roosevelt Street and Central Avenue stop is located roughly four blocks away from the event’s venue.
How old do I have to be?
Just like shopping for recreational marijuana, you must be at least 21 years old to attend Buds-A-Palooza, even if you have a medical card. Have your government-issued ID handy — you’ll likely need to show it.
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Are animals allowed?
Your dog probably loves the smell of weed, but it’ll have to be a licensed service animal to be allowed in.
What are the food and drink options?
Food and drinks aren’t included in your Buds-A-Palooza ticket, but they will be plentiful at the event, with more than 20 food and dessert vendors.
This means plenty of food trucks with savory options, including Pizza Arno, Bearbecue Thai Street Food and MoMo’s Mediterranean Food. If sweeter munchies are more your thing, Buds-A-Palooza will have funnel cakes, Italian ice, shaved ice, cupcakes, cheesecake in a jar and more.
If you’re looking to get a little crossed, there will be six fully-stocked bars filled with alcohol options, specifically beer, seltzers and canned cocktails. If you’re not looking to get buzzed but need to wet your palate, there will be aguas frescas, lemonade and coffee available.
Will there be music?
Of course! With two music stages, there will be live performances all day at Buds-A-Palooza. Among the artists slated to perform: Chali 2NA & The House of Vibe, Passafire, Mouse Pwell, Sensamotion, The Color 8, Nutter & Friends and Blake Blizzy.
If you’re looking to get a taste of the musical acts taking the stage at Buds-A-Palooza, check out the event’s Spotify playlist. You can read more about the artists on the block party’s website.
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Are there other performances?
Yes. There will also be glass-blowing performances and live demonstrations showcasing local artists’ wild creations, including an AZ Glass Masters competition. Attendees can also watch as artists paint murals in real time at Buds-A-Palooza’s Mural Park or dance the night away at the silent disco.
If you’re looking to get some extra funny laughs in, or just take a break from Buds-A-Palooza’s overstimulation of music, murals and glass, the event will also have a comedy stage that will host three shows throughout the night. The first hour-and-a-half show starts at 3 p.m. with an open mic featuring at least four comics. (Slots are still available.) At 5:30 p.m., the “High Functioning Chaos Hour” will be hosted by Sarah Steiner and features three comics. The last show will begin at 7:30 p.m.; it’s hosted by Jamin Brown and will feature headliner Marcella Arguello and two other comics.
What about movies?
For anyone who wants to sit down and watch a classic stoner comedy, there will be showings of “Dazed & Confused,” “Friday,” Cheech and Chong’s “Up In Smoke” and “Pineapple Express.” You can watch the movies’ trailers on Buds-A-Palooza’s website. You may want to bring a blanket or folding chair if you plan to post up to enjoy one of the stoner flicks.
What brands will be there?
Tons of vendors and brands — including tattoo shops, jewelry vendors, artists and, of course, plenty of cannabis — will be right on site for attendees to enjoy. On the cannabis side, companies including Trulieve, RollOne, Session, Stiiizy, Timeless, Sip, WYLD, Sol Flower and Green Dot Labs will be there.
What should I leave at home?
Outside food or drinks are no-nos, as are backpacks, large bags and weapons of any kind. Weed and weed paraphernalia are generally prohibited, though the idea is you won’t need it. “Nor do we often recommend bringing sand to the beach,” organizers said.
You can bring umbrellas, water bottles and small bags.
