Celebrated every April 20, it's the unofficial 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 exponential 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 something happening in metro Phoenix on 4/20 where you can live the high life.
Arizona Golf Resort
425 S. Power Road, Mesaarizonagolfresort.comA “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, giveaways 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.
Buds-A-Palooza 2024
Garfield and Fifth streetsbudsapalooza.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 populated 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.comThe 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.
Cactus Jack’s
4747 E. Elliot Roadcactusjacksbar.coIf ever there was a patron saint of pot, it's the late Bob Marley. The legendary Jamaican-born reggae singer, multiplatinum recording artist and Rastafarian icon was a prolific marijuana user and outspoken advocate of legalization. So a celebration of his music and legacy on 4/20 is only a fitting gesture. Reggae musician Josh David Barrett, former frontman of Marley’s backing band The Wailers, will do just that during his show on April 20 at Cactus Jack’s. Fellow reggae artist Iya Ingi and Tohono O'odham Waila band Gertie and the T.O. Boyz will open the evening. The music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Cheba Hut
Multiple locationschebahut.comEvery single Cheba Hut in the Valley will lean into the chain’s cannabis-inspired shtick hard on April 20 and host 4/20 celebrations. Each will offer “nug” (or small) subs served on a commemorative Frisbee with chips and drink for $4.20. Several locations, including the Cheba Huts in Tempe (960 W. University Drive) and downtown Phoenix (825 N. Seventh St., #101), will also feature live music, artists, vendors and giveaways. Hours vary by location.
Egyptian Motor Hotel
765 Grand Ave.egyptianmotorhotel.comThe progressive DJs of the Sessions collective will spin up genres like baile funk, house and “hip” hip-hop during a 21-and-over 4/20 party at the hotel on April 20. DJ Sliink and Suga Shay will be special guests and the beats start dropping at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18.46.
The Grand
718 N. Central Ave.thegrandaz.com Local cannabis event promoter Trap Culture's Crossfaded party at The Grand from 6 to 10 p.m. on April 20 will feature multiple vendors and brands, including GreenPharms Dispensary, Space Rocks, DRIP Oils + Extracts, Eureka Products, House Exotics, and Mad Terp Labs. Tickets for the 21-and-over event are $15.
HQ Vape & Smoke
219 W. University Drive, Tempe 420hq.comStop by this long-running Tempe smoke shop, which has been in business for more than three decades, on April 20 and score free food from Cheba Hut, partake in various 4/20 deals or participate in the annual scavenger hunt for various items and merch. Patrons can also spin a prize wheel. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. HQ will also have a variety of “Vapril” specials available throughout the month. Call 480-966-6093 for more details.
Employees at Mint cut the ribbon on the brand's new dispensary in Scottsdale on Feb. 23.
Kevin Hurley
The Mint Cannabis
Multiple locationsthemintcannabis.comThe Mint’s various locations will host a 420 Mega Sale from April 19 to 21 with more than 100 BOGO deals available. Patrons can sign up for the chance to win a Jamaican cruise, free weed and medicated product raffles are planned and vendors will also be available each day. A free medicated gift will be given out to patrons who purchase $25 or more on April 19 and 20 and swag bags will be offered at 8 a.m., 4:20 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. both days with a minimum purchase of $10 or more. There will also be DJ sets and taco vendors at each location on April 19.
Olla Olla Crepes
1748 W. Van Buren St.Tokes and brushstrokes will mix during the 420 Puff and Paint session from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 20. The $40 fee includes a canvas, brushes, paints, snacks, drinks and two pre-rolls. A DJ will provide the soundtrack while you provide the creativity. Reservations are required. Text 602-554-6027 for more. 
Local glassware artist Desi B. does his thing in front of Bud's Glass Joint along Fifth Street during Buds-A-Palooza in 2023.
Benjamin Leatherman
Paraphernalia Boutique
4234 W. Dunlap Ave.paraphernaliaboutique.comThe interior and exterior of Paraphernalia Boutique will become a cannabis-inspired wonderland during its annual 420 Fest on April 20. Highlights will include glass-blowing demonstrations, an onsite bud butler, live music from local rock band I Am Hologram, a tie-dye booth and free munchies. Giveaways and storewide sales will be offered throughout the evening and anyone 21 or older can participate in raffles for prizes competitions like the rolling contest. Hours are from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is free and raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Call 623-939-4787 for more details.
Rancho Corona
7611 S. 29th Ave.ranchocoronaaz.comThe Pre 420 Party on April 19 at the venue will feature performances from Latin and regional Mexican bands Los Valenz De Culiacan, Banda La Experta, Conjunto Amenaza and Clave 602. The event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40. Call 623-777-9225 or visit ticketon.com.
Sky High Smoke Shop
Multiple locationsshopskyhigh.comEvery location of Sky High will offer an abundance of specials, sales and deals during the chain's 420 Fest on April 20. Almost everything in each store, except tobacco and other selected items, will be 50% off from open until close. Select vapes, vaporizers and kratom will be 25% off all day. A massive raffle will include prizes from Puffco, Stunden Glass, G Pen, Roor, Cookies Clothes and other companies is also planned. Tickets are $5 each or three for $12. Store hours are from 8 a.m. to midnight. Call 480-361-4989 for more info.
Story Cannabis
17006 S. Weber Drive, Chandlerstorycannabis.comYou can roll up to the north Chandler location of Story Cannabis in your ride and enjoy a drive-in screening of the 1998 stoner comedy “Half-Baked” outside during the Reefer Roadshow on April 18. Each ticket includes a complimentary hamburger, popcorn and a beverage, as well as a pair of swag bags with products from Sonoran Roots, Wana, Canamo and other companies. Vendors will also be onsite and games for prizes are planned. The event is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person (plus taxes and fees).
Sunday Goods
723 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempesundaygoods.comGrab your buds and head to the Tempe location of Sunday Goods from 1 to 7 p.m. on April 20 for its event, The Legend of 420. Giveaways and “feel-good deals” will be offered, vendors will be available and DJ Yeezus will be in the mix. If hunger strikes, food trucks and a snack-filled “munchie mart” will be available. Admission is free.
A bag of vaporized weed provides joy to all who smoked it during the Errl Cup in March.
Kevin Hurley
Walter Station Brewery
4056 E. Washington St.walterstation.beerWalter Station will celebrate the return of Bowl Resin, its dank springtime pale ale, during a 4/20-themed party on April 20. DJ Hey Zeus will be in the mix from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and a limited firkin tapping will occur at 4:20 p.m. A special menu will also be offered during the event. Admission is free.
Walter Studios
747 W. Roosevelt St.walterstudios.comIf you want to keep the party going after the big day, Story Cannabis presents its 420 Hangover from noon to 8 p.m. on April 21 with food trucks, DJs, art installations, hourly information sessions on strains from various cannabis brands. Admission starts at $10 and VIP tickets are $50 and include an all-you-can-eat brunch with bottomless mimosas from noon to 2 p.m.
Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempeyuccatap.com Stoner thrash band Scattered Guts — which urges its fans to “smoke 'em if you got 'em” — will host a 4/20 gig at Tempe’s Yucca Tap Room on April 20. Tucson groove metal act Sleeping With the Witch and local metal bands Daytripper and Grail are also scheduled to perform. The free show starts at 8 p.m.
