There’re a few urban legends about where 420, the annual smoke-out in support of cannabis culture, came from. The most popular centres around a group of California teens who in the 70s heard about a marijuana crop hidden near their high school and set out to find the spot one day at 4:20 pm. They never found it, but met week after week at 4:20 to smoke a joint.
While 4:20 pm continues to be a popular time to light up, the corresponding day on the calendar, April 20, has become Christmas for pot smokers.
In Toronto, weed lovers gather at Yonge-Dundas Square each year to celebrate, usually by passing around a massive joint. Other 420-themed events are planned across town. We’ve highlighted five that are certain to blow up.
420 Toronto 2016: 10-Year Canniversary
If you’re wandering past Yonge-Dundas Square on April 20 and you notice a giant cloud of smoke, it will probably have something to do with 420 Toronto, the largest and most public 420 event, which marks its 10th anniversary this year. What a long, strange trip it’s been. More than 10,000 people are expected to take part in a march from Vapor Central (667 Yonge, starting at 11 am), and in the all-day smokeout in the square featuring music, entertainment and vendor booths with cannabis products, munchies and the latest in cannabis culture.
Dope N’ Mic Comedy: 420 Show
The Underground Cafe celebrates 420 every day as a pot-friendly venue showcasing comedy, burlesque and musical performances. On April 20 a special edition of its regular Wednesday night Dope N’ Mic Comedy show starts at 9 pm. Hosted by Jeff Paul, the lineup includes Jon Steinberg, Sandra Battaglini, Sean Emeny, Hunter Collins, Jean Paul and Mark Little. Cover is $15.
Hotbox Roach-O-Rama’s 420 Party
It’s wake and bake at Kensington Market’s Hotbox Cafe where festivities get started early, at 10 am, and go until 8 pm, cuz you’ll probably be sleepy by then. This year’s event is a fundraiser for the Cannabis Friendly Business Association, a local grassroots organization fighting “to ensure the legalization of cannabis is done properly and inclusive of all people.” Joint-rolling, bong-clearing and dab-off competitions are sure to be just a few high points.
It’s A 420 Comedy Show
Stay Lifted Edibles presents It’s A 420 Comedy Show at Etobicoke’s Pine Point Banquet Hall. Doors open at 4:20 pm (of course), with performances from 7 to 11 pm hosted by Lamar King, Dope Ass Comedy Show comedian Nitish Sakhuja, as well as DJ Sparka and Root Redemption. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased online.
420 Klick Bring Your Own Kush Tour
After the festivities at Yonge-Dundas Square wrap up, continue your 420 celebration at the Central (630 Markham). The Koreatown bar hosts 420 Klick’s Bring Your Own Kush mixtape party, also featuring performances by Hipknobot, Mex, Ace Pronto, Joey Gallowz, DJ F.Y.I., Mastas Inda Cypha, Deergod, Ruby Red and Miggz. The show gets started at 8 pm, and there’s a $10 cover. Roll up, sit back, light up, inhale and open your ears.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
