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The 2019 420 Party Rundown
Published
5 years agoon
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]T[/dropcap]he most anticipated cannabis-themed holiday quickly approaches. Circa 1971, students at San Rafael High School who called themselves “The Waldos” began meeting each day at 4:20 in the afternoon to smoke cannabis at the Louis Pasteur statue on campus. Because one of the students had a father who was a state narcotics officer, they had to use a code. “420” quickly became the go-to code for cannabis, and the trend eventually spread to all 50 states. But today, 420 is a worldwide celebration of cannabis, and the number one day for dispensary sales and cannabis-related sales gimmicks.
420 is also a time when cannabis festivals and events seem to be endless. Whether you live in California, Colorado or in the Pacific Northwest, there are plenty of 420 holiday activities on April 20 to choose from, large or small. Take your pick!
Northern California
After Dark: Cannabis, April 18
This rare cannabis-themed event at the science museum called the Exploratorium is an educational way to prepare for festivities that will continue through the weekend. The adults-only After Dark series at the museum features scientific topics like cannabis that aren’t suitable for young children.
Exploratorium, San Francisco
exploratorium.edu/visit/calendar/after-dark-april-18-2019
DJ Snoopadelic aka Snoop Dogg 420 Eve, April 19
DJ Snoopadelic is better known as Snoop Dogg, who will headline this night party, with opening acts from DJs D Sharp, Shabazz and O-Pawsa+Ive. If you’ve ever been to his events, Snoop likes to be the center of the party, and this early 420 event will not disappoint you.
SVN West, San Francisco
svnwest.com/event/420-eve-smoke-out
High Times Cannabis Cup Central Valley, April 20-21
420 is a day for celebrating cannabis, but few events do the plant justice like High Times does. This 420, the High Times Cannabis Cup Central Valley will feature live music by Rae Sremmurd, Schoolboy Q, Too $hort, Afroman, Willy J. Peso and King Kahali. This two-day event will also be home to an intense competitive atmosphere where cannabis cultivators, concentrate makers, edibles creators and more present their products to the judges for a chance to be declared the esteemed title of High Times Cannabis Cup Winner.
Cal Expo Fairgrounds, Sacramento
420 Hippie Hill, April 20
The legendary free event dating back to the ‘70s, 420 Hippie Hill, is expected to attract up to 20,000 cannabis consumers this year. In years past, Hippie Hill was an unofficial gathering, but it is now permitted as of 2017, with increased fencing, emergency services and port-a-potties in its effort to keep the event from getting shut down. Cannabis cannot yet be purchased inside the event, as California is still in the process of defining event regulations, but consumption will be widespread.
Sharon Meadows, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
420hippiehill.com
420 Trippie Hill, April 20
With a firm focus on consuming cannabis, 420 Hippie Hill’s sister event is 420 Trippie Hill. Headlined by former CULTURE cover Berner, the event will also feature performances by Nef the Pharoah, Los Rakas, Kool John, Cellski, MistaRogers, Guapdad 4000. There will also be several DJs spinning including DJs Amen, Shabazz, Aux Cord, Sean G, Umami and Jay Neal.
The Midway, San Francisco
themidwaysf.com/events
THC Fair Merced, April 20
The Hemp & Cannabis Fair (THC) is back in Merced, with corresponding sister events in Oregon and other California cities. It’s a little bit of a drive from the Bay Area, but this annual celebration explores the intricacies of the legal cannabis and industrial hemp industries.
Merced County Fairgrounds, Merced
Trey Anastasio’s Ghosts of the Forest, April 20
Former Phish lead singer and Grammy Award nominee Trey Anastasio has written songs about cannabis and the hippie lifestyle for decades. His new project, Ghosts of the Forest, features Jon Fishman, Jennifer Hartswick, Celisse Henderson, Tony Markellis, and Ray Paczkowski on board for new material.
The Greek Theatre, Berkeley
thegreekberkeley.com/events/trey-anastasio-ghosts-forest
420 Gathering of the Tribe, April 20
Brought to us by Moonalice and Ace of Cups, this live music event is the perfect getaway for a smoky experience. Moonalice’s single, “It’s 4:20 Somewhere” has been downloaded more than five million times according to the band’s website, so the band certainly knows how to celebrate this time of year.
Slims, San Francisco
Kyle Cook, April 20
Kyle Cook was the former lead guitarist of Matchbox 20, and like his former bandmate and vocalist Rob Thomas, he’s no stranger to cannabis. Cook’s solo career is also equally compelling, complete with banjo and guitar work, and stunning vocals that you didn’t always expect from someone who wasn’t the band’s original frontman.
Hotel Utah Saloon, San Francisco
Sammy Hagar, April 20
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar is best known as the one who replaced David Lee Roth as lead singer of Van Halen. Most recently, Hagar formed a supergroup The Circle with Michael Anthony, Vic Johnson and Jason Bonham, but you can catch him solo during the 420 weekend as well.
Concord Pavilion, Concord
Sugarhill Gang, April 20
Sugarhill Gang holds the title to the first-ever rap song to hit the Top 40 with “Rapper’s Delight.” Even though Big Bank Hank is now gone, what better way is there to celebrate the holiday than by hearing some of the oldest rap classics to grace the airwaves?
The New Parish, Oakland
jambase.com/band/sugarhill-gang
DMX, April 21
Earl Simmons, aka DMX, said that he has been smoking cannabis since at least age 14, and the rapper was busted for possession of the plant multiple times. Witness the original Ruff Ryder himself at this fairly rare live performance in Berkeley.
The UC Theatre, Berkeley
INDO EXPO, April 28-29
INDO EXPO’s Saturday schedule is for business to business professionals, and Sunday is open to all adults over the age of 18. This leading tradeshow is where you can go to find the latest technology and gear within the world of cannabis-related products.
The Craneway Pavilion, Richmond
indoexpo.com/san-francisco-attend
Colorado
The Colorado Grower’s Cup, April 18
Sample some of the Colorado’s finest cannabis offerings grown by industry experts, and see which cultivar will rise to the top in the end. This cultivation-oriented event has it all: live music, food and an assortment of vendors and more for a well-rounded holiday event in Colorado Springs.
Speakeasy Vape Lounge & Cannabis Club Dab Bar, Colorado Springs
speakeasy-vape-lounge-cannabis-club-sevl.business.site
420 Eve on the Rocks, April 19
By now, everybody knows 311 well, and the reggae/rock fusion band will be accompanied at this particular performance with Method Man & Redman. Every year, 420 Eve on the Rocks ranks among Colorado’s top 420 events, with consistently impressive lineups and good vibes to go around.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison
redrocksonline.com/concerts-events
4th Annual 420 Weekend Extravaganja, April 19
At Denver’s “#1 Indoor Consumption Lounge,” this celebration provides a unique lounging area where you can legally light up, without the worries of breaking any rules or dealing with glares from the public. Spend your 420 holiday indoors, as attendees hotbox the venue at this fun-filled extravaganza.
Studio 420 Smoking Friendly Headshop, Denver
420 Flight Fest, April 19
Featuring Golden Gate Wingman and Dead Phish Orchestra, this is your ticket to a psychedelic “flight” through the galaxy at a venue known for psychedelic shows. Golden Gate Wingman is made up of former bandmates from Primus, Dead & Co. and other psychedelic bands to form a psychedelic supergroup.
Be On Key Psychedelic Ripple, Denver
Cannival, April 19-21
With the headliners Bishop Gunn and Dead Floyd, Cannival is your one-stop cannabis carnival with cannabis-friendly glamping, the 420 Olympix and a slew of other opening band acts that all have a central focus on the wonders of cannabis. Many more bands will be performing late into the night, and military and vets get a 15 percent discount.
I Bar Ranch, Gunnison
Baked: 4/20 Colorado Takeover, April 19-22
This vape and dab-friendly hotel allows discreet balcony consumption, and is close to a number of nearby dispensaries. This three-day event is perfect for out-of-state cannabis tourists, and LGBT men, women and allies who want to experience all of the basics that Denver has to offer.
Cherry Creek Hotel, Denver
Ganja White Night & Buds, April 20
Things will get “candy” real soon with electronic and dubstep performances by Caspa, Boogie T, Subtronics, Subdocta and Space Cake, and a final performance from EDM duo Ganja White Night. Stay hydrated, don’t lose your phone and dance away your troubles at this electronic celebration of cannabis.
1st Bank Center, Broomfield
Colorado 420 Festival 2019, April 20
Featuring headlining rapper Lil’ Flip will be preceded by Whispers, Peezy & LaLa, and Gorangutang, who will get you into the mood to celebrate. Lil’ Flip has worked with Devin The Dude, Potluck and Afroman in the past and like most rappers, he loves cannabis.
Speakeasy Vape Lounge & Cannabis Club Dab Bar, Colorado Springs
Method Man & Redman, April 20
With opening acts from Cunninlynguists, Devin The Dude and Proximity, by the time Method Man & Redman get onstage, the crowd should be wild. This hip-hop celebration of all things cannabis is all you need to stay busy this weekend.
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver
cervantesmasterpiece.com/event/1822165-method-man-redman-denver
Mile High 420 Festival, April 20
The Mile High 420 Festival calls itself the “World’s Largest Free 420 Celebration,” although that claim to fame is debatable. With partners including Dixie Elixirs and O.penVAPE, and sponsored by Keef Brands, KAVIAR, Lucky Edibles and more, it’s bound to be a great show.
Civic Center Park, Denver
milehigh420festival.com
Stick Figure, April 20
Feeling like a blast of reggae this 420 holiday? If so, this event is perfect for you. The night will be hosted by comedian Nick Swardson from Reno 911! Stick Figure will headline the evening, with opening acts from Steel Pulse, Pepper, The Movement and Iya Terra. Stick Figure, led by Scott Woodruff, has been playing Caribbean jams since 2006 and has become one of the most popular reggae acts.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison
stickfiguremusic.com
Los Angeles
Smoke Me Out, April 20
Get ready to spice things up with a little heat, because it’s Latin takeover in Los Angeles this 420 weekend. Listen and dance to some of the best representations of Latin and fusion music like Legado 7, El De La Guitarra, Roberto Tapia and other live performances.
Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles
microsofttheater.com/events/detail/smo19
Los Angeles Twerkshop 4/20, April 20
Learn to twerk with precision, class and bounce at this 420-themed workshop, or should we say, twerkshop. Sponsored by SOULAIRA, his 90-minute course is one of the most fun ways to get into shape, so be sure to bring your twerk buddies along for the ride.
Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Los Angeles
Shred 420, April 20
“Turn on, tune in and drop out” at this trippy event with overtly psychedelic bands including Grateful Shred, Circles Around the Sun, Howlin’ Rain and Ryley Walker. Grateful Shred is Los Angeles’ ultimate Grateful Dead interpretation band, and keep in mind that the band hates being defined simply as a cover band.
Echoplex, Los Angeles
Kottonmouth Kings, April 20
The original cannabis fanatics are still worshipping the plant after over 20 years of constant mayhem and billows of thick milky smoke. Former CULTURE cover Daddy X and the rest of the gang celebrate cannabis on every album and nearly every song, so rest assured the crowd will be on the same page as well.
The Canyon Agoura Hills, Agoura Hills
wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/canyon-agoura-hills
Krush Groove, April 20
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary on 420, Krush Groove is arguably LA’s top old school hip-hop event of the year, given its long list of special guests. Ice Cube, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Mack 10, E-40, Warren G, Too $hort, DJ Quik, Tha Dogg Pound and MC Eiht are confirmed and will all perform. There’s plenty to do, plenty to see, plenty to eat and plenty of hip-hop artists that you probably know well.
The Forum, Inglewood
935kday.com/kgpresale
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, April 20
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy exploded into the scene as swing revivalists during the 1990s, falling among retro groups that are often grouped with punk and alternative music scenes. You can expect sideburns, flatcaps, suspenders, tattoos, a string section and everything else that makes revivalism awesome in alternative music.
The Canyon Montclair, Montclair
DMX, April 20
It’s DMX’s 20 Year Anniversary Tour, and everybody is invited to celebrate the rapper’s longevity through good times and bad times. Earl Simmons, aka DMX, said that he has been smoking cannabis since at least age 14, so let’s celebrate 420 together this year with the original Ruff Ryder himself.
House of Blues, Anaheim
420 Day with The Rattlesnakes and The Storytellers, April 20
Spend the holiday with the “Westside bluegrass outlaws” The Rattlesnakes and the group that mixes folk, Americana and bluegrass, The Storytellers. This provides a truly unique way of celebrating the day with a different blend of music that most people don’t hear very often in this day and age.
TRiP Santa Monica, Santa Monica
storytellersband.com/archive/420-day-with-the-rattlesnakes-and-the-storytellers
420 Fest + Screening of Friday, April 21
Most people know the quote. “I know you don’t smoke weed, I know this,” Chris Tucker said as Smokey, “But I’m gonna get you high today, ’cause it’s Friday; you ain’t got no job. And you ain’t got shit to do.” Jam out to a vinyl DJ set by DJ Mr. Numberwonderful, then grab some popcorn or munchies and settle in for a movie night!
The Wiltern, Los Angeles
kpfk.org/calendar//event/420-fest
Easter Nug Hunt, April 21
Sponsored by major cannabis brands like Marley Natural, BLOOM FARMS and Big Petes’s, the Easter Nug Hunt is the perfect Easter activity for any cannabis consumer. One hundred guests are expected to be in attendance, with 60 strains, 1,000 hidden eggs and over $5,000 in prizes.
Weed Bus LA, Hollywood, Los Angeles
The 420 Friendly Comedy Show, April 22
Wake & Bake is North Hollywood’s Amsterdam-inspired coffee shop with a focus on the arts. The 420 Friendly Comedy Show includes performance from local comedians and is hosted by Louise Sall and Sam Lopez, with an open mic at 10:00 p.m.
5038 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood
New York
The Never Forget Party, April 20
High Steaks Media presents The Never Forget Party. Celebrate the holiday with a gourmet 3-course lunch sponsored by Roxbury Farm, followed by a relaxation yoga session, cookie decorating, a lecture by Simone Leitner, still life drawing and more. Sample some products from Weedslut, Hudson Hemp and Shea Brand, and help raise money for the next issues of Dish Rag Mag and Hot Fridge.
Lucas Lucas, Brooklyn, New York
highsteaksmedia.com/calendar/never-forget-party
Oregon
420 Fashion, April 18
While talent searches took place last February, 420 Fashion Week’s main event takes place just before the 420 holiday, leaving your weekend wide open. Music will be provided by DJ Ambush, plus an open mic event will get you revved up just before the celebration begins.
1195 SE Powell Blvd., Portland
San Diego
420 Tattoo Fest, April 20
Cannabis and tattoos are both considered taboo, so why not celebrate both sinful pleasures at the same time? Meet “nationally touring comedians” to be announced, or book a tattoo session with some of the best artists of Finest Tattoo.
Finest Tattoo Social Club, San Diego
Joe Rogan: 4:20 in San Diego, April 20
Former CULTURE cover Joe Rogan has consistently defended the right to consume cannabis throughout the years, and isn’t afraid to make his opinions clear and known. Beyond milder substances like cannabis, Rogan also touts the purported medical benefits of LSD, psilocybin mushrooms and DMT. Luckily Rogan will be spending his 420 holiday in San Diego.
Viejas Arena, San Diego
Washington
The SPLIFF Film Festival, April 19-20
Created “by stoners, for stoners,” the SLIFF Film Festival invites filmmakers, artists, animators, and audience members to gather and watch cannabis-themed short films compete against one another for an assortment of prizes. Unusual, experimental and lowbrow filmmakers are especially encouraged to participate.
The Egyptian Theatre, Seattle
420 FEST, April 20
Brought to you by HEMPFEST, the smaller event 420FEST is equally as tantalizing, and happening on the 420 holiday. If you’re low on cash, don’t worry, because HEMPFEST members get in free, and there will be food, live music and raffles, and plenty of cannabis-related activities throughout the day.
120 N. 35th St., Seattle
hempfest.org/events/420fest-april-20
That 420 Show!, April 20
This unusual cannabis-themed show has it all: burlesque performers, belly dancers and the musical stylings of Rachelle DeBelle. Stick around for “The Queen of Bearded Drag Queens” Adriana Sparkle, and it all takes place at The Rendezvous, a drag-friendly watering hole located in the heart of Seattle.
The Rendezvous, Seattle
therendezvous.rocks/calendar/2019-04
Cannabis Wellness Festival, April 20
Sponsored by the CannaBiz Journal, this annual event focuses on the benefits of CBD and hemp products which don’t require a special permit to sell to the public. You don’t have to be partying on 420, because there are other educational activities that you can take part of, such as this festival.
Tokeland Hotel & Restaurant, Tokeland
Cheech & Chong, April 20
Grammy Award-winning duo and CULTURE covers Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin have been doing this comedy music thing for quite some time. Over 40 years ago, the duo’s first feature-length film Up in Smoke was released and today, the two are just as funny in old age as they were on day one.
Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma
Lebowski’s 4:20 Party, April 20
Tacoma, Washington’s very own rapper Lebowski is returning to his hometown, just in time for this 420 holiday. Lebowski’s skills on the mic have been featured on albums in the past, with artists such as Techn9ne, and he will undoubtedly get you pumped up for your smoky weekend activities.
Le Voyeur Café and Lounge, Olympia
420 PARTY at The Rolling Log Tavern, April 20
Sponsored by Andomimus Music Productions, this party will keep you entertained throughout the day without any overwhelming crowds. Located in Issaquah’s Olde Town, The Rollin Log Tavern is one of the best dives in town—just ask any local resident.
Rollin Log Tavern, Issaquah
rollinglogradio.wordpress.com/events
The Dope Show at the Historic Everett Theatre, April 20
Presented by comedian and ganja enthusiast Tyler Smith, The Dope Show is a comedy showcase—with a cannabis twist. Comedians perform sober, take a short intermission, then they perform high, and laughter inevitably ensues.
Historic Everett Theatre, Everett
420 Imbibe Yoga, April 20
Instead of the usual activities, try something physically and mentally healthy this year to pass the time on 420 weekend with some yoga! Yogis and yoga novices alike can participate, and take part with this unique take on the yoga experience at Pineapple Life Yoga.
Pineapple Life Yoga and Barre Studio, Snoqualmie
420 at Tim’s, April 20
Tim’s Tavern is where you can find live musical performances almost nightly in Seattle. Sponsored by Scott Elkins Media, this event will provide a cozy atmosphere for a great night out during the 420 holiday weekend, where you can relax with your friends and have a few sips of alcohol.
Tim’s Tavern, Seattle
timslivemusic.com/events-calendar
420 Camp & Smoke Out, April 20-21
Stop playing around this holiday season and kick it with the true cannabis consumers who will show up, rain or shine. Camp out overnight under the stars and to the warmth of a bonfire. In the morning, fuel your hunger with a Wake & Bake pancake breakfast and be sure to stick around for the High Noon Golf Tournament.
420 Retreat, Roslyn
420 Golf Championship, April 21
Enter in to win an assortment of prizes after you show off your golfing and putting skills on the greens. Dress nice, because you might also be filmed for a corresponding documentary about the golf tournament, and you’ll even see your name or logo listed in the film credits, if you are so lucky.
Suncadia Resort, Cle Elum