Buds-A-Palooza is preparing to spark up excitement on April 11 as the award-winning festival rolls into Downtown Phoenix.
The fourth annual festival will take place over six square blocks near Sixth and Garfield streets in Roosevelt Row from 2 to 10 p.m.
This year’s event, presented by Trulieve and Bud’s Glass Joint, features a robust lineup of live music, comedy, screenings of classic stoner movies, glassblowing demos, live mural painting, food and drink options, as well as local vendors selling arts, crafts and other merchandise.
Bud Meister, owner of Bud’s Glass Joint, said he’s excited about this iteration’s lineup.
“We’re super excited,” Meister said. “This is year four of the larger version of our 420 party. I’m super jazzed about the lineup.”
The event is a celebration of Phoenix’s arts and counterculture scenes.
Meister said he wants to expose people to the city’s robust pool of talented artists, whether it be in music, art, glassblowing, or another specialty.
“We really want to provide an area and a space for people to understand what Phoenix is all about, see the talent that’s there and have a good time,” Meister said.
Tropidelic headlines the event’s music lineup. Other artists include Mike Love & The Full Circle, Surfer Girl, Bikini Trill, E.N Young and Imperial Sound and Zeeceekeely. To add to the entertainment, the Laughing Gas Comedy stage will feature stand-up sets throughout the day. The diversity provides something for everyone, he said.
“It’s a nice mix that I think people are going to enjoy, but I like it, so worst-case scenario, I’m going to have a good time there watching them,” Meister said.
With the event also being a 420 celebration, there will be plenty to satisfy cannabis lovers, such as screenings of classic stoner films throughout the day. Some of the state’s top glass blowers will create pieces live throughout the day.
Meister said that the festival is not strictly centered on cannabis.
“I think the cannabis side is just a small piece to it because we want it to be something that, even if you aren’t in that space, you’ve got something that you’re going to be able to enjoy and have an event that’s going to have a good time regardless of your take on that,” Meister said.
Several activations will also be available for attendees, including one by presenting sponsor Trulieve. Meister said the partnership with the cannabis company has been great and guests should enjoy what Trulieve has in store.
“We couldn’t do it without (Trulieve’s) support,” Meister said. “I’m very grateful for their participation and their activation this year should be pretty awesome, so make sure people come check it out.”
“Munchie Mall” will have all the food guests can crave, including loaded nachos and vegan options.
“I try to get a mixture of every cuisine type so everybody’s going to have something that they can eat and enjoy,” Meister said.
Meister said he believes Buds-A-Palooza is unlike any other festival in town. He encouraged people to come out and experience what Phoenix’s arts and counterculture scene has to offer.
“If they don’t come Downtown a lot, this would be a great opportunity to come experience something really unique and cool and an awesome environment,” Meister said.
“Hopefully the weather is good, but…last year, it was kind of warm, but the second the sun goes down it’s just so beautiful. I don’t know that there’s another event that has that vibe that I’ve ever been to or ever seen in town.”
Buds-A-Palooza
WHERE: Six blocks near Sixth and Garfield streets in Roosevelt Row, Phoenix
WHEN: 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 11
COST: $50, event is 21 and over
INFO: budsapalooza.com
This article appears in Mar 13-20, 2025.
