Last year, my cousins planned their big trip of the year to Colorado to experience 4/20 firsthand. They arrived a few days beforehand — hours before a blizzard arrived. The snow was tardy; it slept in through the winter and arrived for spring, much to the horror and confusion of my beach-dwelling relatives.
Adding to their confusion was the fact that I don’t celebrate 4/20 or even smoke marijuana (yes, a Colorado native who doesn’t go green), and there was no recreational dispensary nearby. Topping off their horror: We got snowed in over 4/20 and they spent the day sitting on my couch watching me paint a chair. They literally spent their vacation watching paint dry.
I can do better than that.
In an attempt to redeem myself and also my dear state, here are some better ways to celebrate 4/20 this year. Assuming we are blizzard-free and you don’t have any furniture to repurpose.
Forget Cheech and Chong and enjoy cannabis in a different way: craft style, from The Farm, a locally-owned dispensary in Boulder. The Farm claims it grows the cleanest, most potent, natural craft cannabis. No pesticides at all, which makes The Farm stand out. It boasts a list of best-of and industry awards, too.
All day (from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) on Thursday (April 20), The Farm will be offering special deals on its products. Shop while you watch a live painting.
But you don’t have to stay and watch it dry.
Also on April 20 in Boulder: the 420 Spectacular, featuring live music with Steal Your Peach at Owsley’s Golden Road, a music venue at 1301 Broadway St. The show starts at 3 p.m. and is just $10. Steal Your Peach brings a mash-up of Allman Bros. and The Grateful Dead music, providing that 1970s flashback fitting for a day of legal weed-smoking in Boulder.
Some of the bigger 4/20 celebrations are in Denver, like the 420 Rally. Visit denver420rally.org for more info.
Not interested in the Rocky Mountain high? No problem. Here are some other ways to enjoy Boulder this week — no cannabis required.
Get spooky. Listen to a free talk called “Spirits Among Us” by local professional medium and psychic consultant, Dori Spence. She will share her experiences with spirits and how she has provided information for families and law enforcement agencies about people who have died. Join the group 3-5 p.m. Sunday (April 23) at the IHOP restaurant, 2040 Ken Pratt Blvd. in Longmont. Anyone is welcome.
Hear the best local comedy. And eat cake. The Dairy Arts Center is celebrating its comedy program’s first year 8:30-10 p.m. on Saturday (April 22). In honor, it has invited some of its best stand-up comedians back for a big ol’ birthday party with plenty of laughs and also cake. Comedians include John “Hippieman” Novosad, Rachel Weeks, Zach Reinert, James Draper, James Goldmill and a surprise guest. Tickets are $12. The Dairy is at 2590 Walnut St.
Enjoy wine and cheese. Cannabis not your thing? How about a wine pairing with mozzarella, ricotta and burrata? That’s another way to party on 4/20 (Thursday). From 7-9 p.m. at The Art of Cheese in Longmont, you can learn how to make cheese and then try it with a glass of wine. Classes cost $49.
