Easter and Passover aren't the only holidays being celebrated this weekend. Saturday marks Canada's first legal 420 festivities.
April 20 has long been touted the unofficial day to celebrate cannabis culture, but not many know why the day was chosen. According to TIME, the term 420 stemmed from a group of friends at San Rafael High School in Marin County, California. The group, who dubbed themselves "the Waldos," often gathered at 4:20 to smoke a joint after school. When one of the Waldos started working as a roadie for Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, the term then got picked up and spread by Grateful Dead followers. And the rest, as they say, is history.
But enough of the history lesson, let's get to celebrating with these local 420 parties.
READ: Toronto Will Host Its First-Ever Legal Cannabis Patio Party This Summer
420 Toronto - Woodbine Park
When: Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.Where: Woodbine Park — 1695 Queen St. E.Cost: Free!
The annual bash has moved once again. This year, organizers are relocating to Woodbine Park for a "Free Farmers Market" event, meaning vendors are permitted but must bring their own tables and tents, and must clean up after themselves. Though the event once again has failed to obtain a permit, organizer Chris Goodwin of Cannabis Culture says The Toronto Police and City of Toronto have assured him that if the event relocated to Woodbine Park they'd be allowed to have a stage, live music, and vendors.
420 Comedy Festival
When: Friday to Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.Where: Various VenuesCost: $10-$30
The 420 Comedy Festival is back for the third year and this time it's bigger and better than ever. For stand up and specialty shows, head over to the Underground Cafe. For improv, fans should make their way over to the Bad Dog Comedy Theatre or Rivoli, or take in a concept show at the Comedy Bar. Either way, you're guaranteed to laugh. See the full schedule here.
READ: Dog Owners Need To Know About These Cannabis Risks To Canines
Legalized 420
When: Saturday to Sunday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.Where: Junction City Music Hall — 2907 Dundas St. W.Cost: $10-$15
Check out local reggae artists and DJs like Memberz, Feeling the One Drop and Bredren Dub. Plus participate in a video game and pinball tournament and you could win a prize from Grow It All.
Cocktails, Cannabis & Canvases
When: Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.Where: Only disclosed to ticket holdersCost: $50
Sip on cocktails, paint and have a puff. Chances are you've never celebrated 420 like this before. Attendees will also be treated to their choice of a chicken or vegan meal, plus they'll have plenty of opportunities to participate in contests, raffles and giveaways.
420 Bhang
When: Saturday from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.Where: The MOD Club — 722 College St.Cost: $20
Canada's longest running Bhangra party is back for another year. Get your dancing shoes on and get ready to move to the beats of DJ Prodigy, Double AA and DJ Jax.
READ: 5 Ways To Smoke Pot (Almost) Odourlessly — If Allowed In Your Building
420 Sound Bath Journey
When: Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30p.m.Where: 714 Bloor St. W.Cost: $30
Enjoy an herb-friendly soundbath meditation experience this weekend with yoga instructor and meditation guide Jesse Buck. Using a variety of instruments including crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes and drums, Jesse will take you on a relaxing meditative journey.
420 Hot Box Party
When: Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.Where: Hotbox Lounge & Shop — 204 Augusta Ave.Cost: Free!
One of the oldest 420 parties in the city is back for its 19th year. This year, The Hotbox team will be taking over the block with live music, vendors and giveaways. And, of course, they'll be opening up their infamous 'Potio' for those who wish to partake.
READ: How To Grow Pot At Home In 5 Easy Steps: Growing Marijuana For Beginners
The 420 Ball
When: Saturday at 8 p.m.Where: 160 George St.Cost: $10
Cannabis culture and dance battles collide in what promises to be one of the sexiest 420 celebrations in the city.
Cannamas 420 Pop Up
When: Saturday from 4:20 p.m. to 10 p.m.Where: 1173 Dundas St. E.Cost: $10
This pop-up boutique gives consumers a chance to interact with local artisans and their products. The event also offers live music and beatboxing, drinks, and a free swag bag for the first 50 attendees.
Funk Fest 420
When: Saturday from 8 p.m. to Sunday at 2 a.m.Where: B-Side Lounge — 669 College St.Cost: $10
Get spacy with deep grooves, good vibes and friendly faces at Toronto's first space funk experience. Take in the musical stylings of artists like Unidentified Funk Object, Your Babysitter's Boyfriend and Drupe.
BONUS: 420 Expo 2019
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Where: Scotiabank Convention Centre - 6815 Stanley Ave.Cost: $15
Learn, network and grow at North America's largest cannabis celebration. Located in Niagara Falls, this year's event will feature 20,000 square feet of everything cannabis from exhibitors to educators to guest speakers and manufacturers.
