High Rise on HULU + 4/20 in Hollywood!
Welcome back to another episode of the High Rise Podcast! This week, we're diving into our first-ever event at Keys Hollywood, a 10-hour celebration that brought together a vibrant mix of industry insiders, celebrities, and community members for an unforgettable 420 weekend. Join us as we relive the highlights, from surprise guest appearances to unique art installations, and everything in between.
Setting the Stage: The Event of the Year
Our journey to create an epic 420 event began months ago, and seeing it come to life at Keys Hollywood was nothing short of amazing. We kicked off the event at 2 PM and kept the energy high until midnight, making it a full 10 hours of non-stop excitement. As our first event at this new venue, there was a bit of a learning curve, but the flow of the day turned out to be seamless.
The atmosphere was electric, with a steady stream of attendees enjoying the various activities we had planned. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with the vibrant energy that has become synonymous with High Rise events. The venue itself, with its multiple rooms and outdoor spaces, provided the perfect backdrop for our celebration.
Star-Studded Appearances: Johnny Depp and More
One of the standout moments of the day was when Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance. As he walked down the steps, the crowd erupted in excitement, with many unable to believe that Captain Jack Sparrow himself was at our event. It was a surreal moment that added an extra layer of magic to the day.
But Johnny wasn't the only notable guest. We also had Jesus Hands, the artist famous for changing the Hollywood sign to read "Hollyweed" a few years back. At the last minute, Jesus Hands agreed to do a live art installation in one of the rooms, creating a "Hollyweed" activation that perfectly captured the spirit of the event. His artwork, combined with the unique vibe of Keys Hollywood, made for a truly memorable experience.
The Soundtrack of the Day: Live Music and DJs
Music is a huge part of any High Rise event, and this one was no exception. We were thrilled to have the Lowry Brothers perform live throughout the day. Their jazzy hip-hop tunes set the perfect tone, creating a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere. They even surprised us with a jazzy rendition of “It Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None),” blending unexpected elements into their set.
In addition to the live band, we had a series of DJs spinning tracks that kept the crowd moving. The mix of live music and DJ sets provided a dynamic audio experience that catered to all musical tastes.
Highlights of the Day: 420 Smoke-Out and More
As the clock approached 4:20 PM, it was time for one of the event's highlights—a massive joint roll-up. We quickly rolled a half-ounce joint, just in time for the iconic moment. Lighting it up at exactly 4:20 PM created a buzz of excitement, with attendees pulling out their phones to capture the moment. This communal smoke-out was a unique way to celebrate the holiday and added an extra layer of fun to the day.
The event continued with a range of activities and performances. We had fire spinners, samba dancers, and even sushi rolls making their way around the venue. The variety of entertainment kept everyone engaged and ensured there was never a dull moment.
A Haunted Venue? Patty Negri's Visit
Another fascinating aspect of the day was the visit from Patty Negri of Ghost Adventures. She arrived with Johnny Depp, adding an unexpected twist to the event. Patty's presence sparked conversations about the history of Keys Hollywood. Built in the 1920s, the venue originally served as a speakeasy and has a rich history filled with urban legends.
One of the most intriguing tales involves a tunnel that supposedly runs from the venue to the Chateau Marmont, used by gangsters in the speakeasy era. Although the tunnel is now sealed, it added a mysterious aura to the event. Patty even mentioned that she felt the venue might be haunted, which only added to the day's unique vibe.
Community and Connection: A Day of Togetherness
One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was the sense of community it fostered. Throughout the day, we saw familiar faces from the cannabis industry, as well as new attendees experiencing their first 420 event. The turnout was incredible, with an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people joining us over the course of the day.
The event provided a space for people to connect, relax, and celebrate together. Whether they were enjoying the music, participating in activities, or just chilling with friends, everyone was united by a shared love of cannabis and community.
Reflecting on the Venue: Keys Hollywood
Keys Hollywood proved to be an ideal venue for our 420 celebration. Its multiple rooms, outdoor patios, and unique layout allowed us to create a dynamic event with something for everyone. The venue’s history and ambiance added a special touch, making it a place where guests could explore and find new experiences around every corner.
Comparing it to previous venues we've used, such as Green Street and the Mansion, Keys Hollywood offers a similar sense of exploration and discovery. The different areas within the venue allowed guests to move around and enjoy various activities without feeling confined to one space. This versatility made it easy for people to stay engaged and enjoy the event for its entire duration.
Marketing and Branding: Unique Approaches
At High Rise, we pride ourselves on our innovative marketing strategies. One of our favorite tactics is to create unexpected and memorable moments that capture attention. A prime example of this was hiring a clown named Steve to roam the event last year. While it started as a joke, it turned into a brilliant marketing move when Steve ended up on a popular Hulu show, wearing a High Rise hoodie and getting significant screen time.
This approach—what we call "starting fires"—is all about doing things differently and standing out. It’s about creating those “purple unicorn” moments that make people stop and take notice. Whether it’s a celebrity appearance, a unique activation, or an out-of-the-box idea, we’re always looking for ways to make our events memorable.
Mainstream Collaborations: The Future of Cannabis Events
As cannabis becomes more mainstream, we're seeing larger brands get involved in 420 celebrations. This year, companies like KFC, Jimmy John's, and Popeyes all launched cannabis-themed promotions. KFC, for example, created a fake dispensary for their Saucy Nuggets, while Jimmy John's offered a $420 sandwich deal.
These collaborations signal a shift in how cannabis is perceived and marketed. It’s exciting to see major brands embrace the culture and create innovative promotions that normalize cannabis use. This trend not only helps break down stigmas but also opens up new opportunities for creative marketing and event planning.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for High Rise?
As we look to the future, we're excited about the potential for more unique events and collaborations. We're constantly brainstorming new ideas and exploring different ways to engage our community. Our recent event at Keys Hollywood was just the beginning, and we have big plans for what’s next.
We’re also looking forward to seeing how the cannabis industry continues to evolve. With more acceptance and mainstream recognition, there are endless possibilities for creative marketing, branding, and event planning. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Conclusion: A Successful 420 Celebration
In conclusion, our 420 event at Keys Hollywood was a resounding success. From the star-studded appearances to the live music, art installations, and unique venue, it was a day filled with unforgettable moments. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and made the event so special.
As we continue to grow and innovate, we’re excited to bring you more amazing events and experiences. Stay tuned for what’s next from High Rise, and thank you for being part of our community.
Thank you for reading, and if you missed our 420 celebration, we hope to see you at our next event! Don’t forget to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast for the latest updates.
