It's Not Just For Stoners' Anymore :) SITREP Nowadays, if it's mi mamasita's birthday, it's time for HEMPFEST! I always get a kick spending a week or so with my mom back in Seattle! THE SETUP I always have fun here with the music and DJ'ing, with the food, with the people, and with the energy. THE PARKING Okay. Let's deal with the bad stuff first. PARKING SUCKS. And if that's not bad enough, the fact that it's in a rather remote location on the sound at both the Elliot Bay and Myrtle Edwards parks makes it's a CONSIDERABLE HIKE to get to in the first place. THE AMENITIES & HYGIENE STANDARDS Okay. Not terrible, but consider the crowd this attracts: Hippies. Alternative Rockers. Punks. Gypsies. Free Spirits. Free Spirited Alternative Punk Hippies That Don't Bath. You get the idea. And since this is outdoors, in August, and it's hot, and people are moving around, and DANCING, AND SWEATING, you can get some pretty pungeant aromas. FUN Still, there is so much to see, so much to do, so much to eat, so much music to listen to, so many vendors to check out. And it's IN Seattle. I usually have to travel hundreds of miles away to be in a big group of smelly people with smelly paraphenalia. However, with Hempfest there is the extreme convenience of all THAT.... coming to YOU! MUSIC Grab a schedule, check out the bandstands, and enjoy the music. Also check out the tents because that is where some of the best DJs hang out. I really enjoyed my first time I ever went to Hempfest precisely because of the DJs. This is where I saw some really talented individuals introduce to the whole concept of "POWER MIXING" - using no more than a 30-second / 1 min segment of a song before moving on to the next track, but in a seamless stream of musical-construction that built beautiful musical pieces. These guys did it really well too. DON'T WORRY, MARYJANE! Though public perception may be otherwise, there is significant relegation of smoking at these events, and if you find it, it will be mainly on the perimeter and/or on the waterfront itself on the rocks. SECOND FUNNIEST MOMENT I couldn't stop my mom in time from buying and eating a brownie from the fairy princess gal. She was impossible to deal with the rest of the afternoon with her goofiness. This was the first time I took her. She's learned her lesson and been a good girl the 2-3 other times we've been together. THE FUNNIEST MOMENT This was just too sublime. A group of skater dudes were mosing through the asphalt path, between gaggles of giggling girls and some families with their screaming kids. Getting *bumped around* accidentally is going to happen. A small packet of *something* dislodged itself from a pocket of one of the guys. Perched on the side of the grassy rise were 4 police on horses overlooking the path, the groups of people, and the crew of skater dudes. I happened to be close enough to see it was a baggy of joints. I'm sure these 4 Horsemen of the Seattle Apocalypse noted that too. EVERYONE froze when the joints hit the ground. Then the mounted policeman who appeared to be the most senior of the group nonplussed just said to the skater dude, "You dropped something, son." After a pregnant pause, the dude picked up his baggy, waved and the police, and said, "Thank you!" THE LOWDOWN I LOVE THIS FESTIVAL! [Survey Question - "Good for Kids?" Uh. I'm saying "YES".] read more

See all

Seattle Hempfest is the world's largest annual cannabis festival, drawing in hundreds of thousands each and every year. The 3 day festival occurs during the second to last weekend of every August across Olympic Sculpture Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, and Centennial Park...Spread along the Seattle Waterfront....The event was founded in 1991, self described as a "humble gathering of stoners," by 500 Mary Jane enthusiasts congregating to advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana. It was truly a civil struggle to establish such reform and cannabis culture throughout it's 27 year lifetime.... as 60 people were cited for illegal marijuana use in 1997 while attending. The following year, about 20 were arrested for the same offense. Since then, local authorities have gradually looked the other way... which is what prompted peak attendance in 2008 to grow to over 310,000 people....2008 was the first Hempfest I personally attended, and I've been to every one since. Until about 2014, the festival was more of a celebration exercising local liberal NW behaviors to freely consume weed. It focused on the theme of social justice activists working to bring cannabis knowledge to the world at large ....Unfortunately over the last couple of years following recreational legalization, Seattle Hempfest has become a business avenue focusing exclusively on making as much profit as possible. It's apparent that money has become the focal point, superseding it's original purpose to expand knowledge and to educate...Vendor booths range from $1,000-2,000....staff members heckle attendees for 10 dollar donations at the entrances, while scolding with derision if you choose not to 'donate.' They also used to be pet friendly, but have decided to harass any and all attendees with even service animal verification. Yet they couldn't care less about people bringing babies and small children around other event goers smoking. Security also now yells and harass people who smoke blunts or joints, yet are okay with people smoking from recently purchased pipes and bongs from vendor booths....I wonder why that is.....Overall, I feel that Hempfest has taken a turn for the worst- falling into the hands of greedy businessmen while regressing back to strict social confinements and politics.........Consequently, the turnout has diminished noticeably....This year's attendance was abysmal to say the least.... "Sponsorship is the best way to maximize your vending and information display presence. Show you are a strong Hempfest-supporting brand to all our audiences, from the masses at the festival to our year-round online community and the larger markets Hempfest licensed events reach. Pricing ranges from $1,500 to $30,000 for full packages. This includes premium vending placements, information displays in a range of print and online media, and additional exposure opportunities that are only available exclusively to our sponsors. This includes banners on our stages and/or logos on all our collateral materials." On a positive note....peep this vid..!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJcHjj2awT0 read more

See all

Volunteer with Hempfest this year Hempfest is an amazing event to take part in in any form, and volunteering for Hempfest is a unique & fun way to be an active activist. Go to http://www.hempfest.org/get-involved/volunteers/ and of course you could just shoot me a msg on here. :-) I support, volunteer, and particpate in Seattle Hempfest. I hope to cross paths and share words with some of you reading this...volunteer and be an "active activist" for something you care about. http://www.maryjanesgirl.com/Hempfest.php read more

Seattle Hempfest - Seattle Hempfest, an american original - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I've been coming to Hempfest more years than not for about 15 years now. Overall, it's the same year after year, but it's now less of a "protestival" and more of a place where you buy DHGate stuff at high prices and engage in a little civil disobedience with other people that are doing the same. If you need a smoking related item you're going to find it here. There's no need to walk the entire thing. Even though there are hundreds of booths a lot of them sell the exact same stuff as their neighbor. They're things that you can buy directly from DHGate for practically nothing. Look closer and you'll find the occasional local glassworkers hidden throughout as well as other startup/small businesses. There are several entertainment stages that provide a plethora of things to watch; everything from music to dancing to political ranting. There's a lot going on in the 3 days that Hempfest is here and there's a good chance you can find something you're in to! If you want to keep your sanity don't drive. Seriously! It's super easy to get to Hempfest using public transportation and I highly recommend doing so. Also, this place is not child or dog friendly. Don't bring them!! To get the best deals come on Sunday. The later it gets in the day the more willing vendors are to let their products go. read more

www.RenagadeRadio.com is going Live at Seattle Hemp Fest Listen in as we hit the park and Ask Why not MAKE IT legal Follow us on the Tour of the Best vendor booth's giving them Shout out's as well as hear some of the Best Live Music un-edited Welcome to the World of the Renagades. To be part of this and get your Company out there: airplay@RenagadeRadio.com read more

Seattle Hempfest - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Puff Puff Pass Ninja. Pros: People watching is entertaining Everything taste better when you are stone. legalization of marijuana eggs roll, jerky and smoothie were my fave. creative products on sale great views at Olympic Sculpture Park Cons: Half the people needs a bath. Vendors charging high prices except for the last day. Parking sucks. crowd management sucks. music bands think they can sing where are the brownies? porta potty are gross....do you have any lysol? Tip: Pay for parking at a Lot. No, fun if you get tow...and say, "Where is my car, dude?!" Oh yeah, best day to go is on the last day. read more

This is amazing I love Washington and I'm so happy that they do this makes me feel so safe and comfortable and everybody is just so happy and it's just all positive vibes it's ICONIC. read more

I found myself at Hempfest today. The event is the 3rd weekend in August. You could tell I hadn't planned on coming here--I was wearing a sweater vest and khakis for crying out loud. Anyway, it was a nice fair where you can kill about 1.5hrs. An hour of which was actually walking TO the fair. We came off Western and walkedwalkedwalked, then we were near the Sculpture Park and went up the high stairs and walked downdowndown towards Myrtle Edwards Park. People with bags were briefly searched. Some people were told no pets allowed but a few made it in. The fair was about 20 booths relating to hemp and a dozen for food. (MMmmm, free Mighty-O donut samples!) There was a covered tent that housed people talking (Hemposium). You could register to vote as well. The best was probably the Dr Bronner's booth..which is soap products. For a donation, you could get a sample of some soap (either in bar form or liquid) and purchase full size items as well. They smell yummy! and last forever. They also sold some edible seeds, which was...interesting. I was eyeing some t-shirts that were $20ea or two for $35..I wanted one but the ATM line was looooong. Dunno if I'd go again but it was something to do for an afternoon! People were nice and mellow. :) Edit: LOL I just realized this was my 150th review! read more

Well my visit to Hempfest sure was fun! Talk about a friendly vibe throughout the entire event ;) Lots of vendors. I mean...like...TONS. Bongs, pipes, vapes, grinders, clothing, accessories...they had it all. Many, many food options too - good thinking guys! A few music stages too - one in the middle and one at the far end. Go on Sunday - everyone is trying to get rid of product so you will get the best deals on your smoking needs. I was going to buy a few things, but with the crowds of people around the booths it was difficult to get up to the front so I gave up. Parking kinda blows. Lots construction around so many spaces taken up by equipment, or just roads in general shut down for building. We circled the side streets for about 15 minutes before finding a free spot - or else parking is $20-$30! Bag check upon entry, but the line moves quick. It is a free event, but they accept donations to keep it going. So weird wandering around and watching people smoking out of bongs just chilling in the grass, or watching people walk by with gallon sized bags full of weed hanging from their lanyards. Crazy, but love it! GREAT PLACE FOR PEOPLE WATCHING!! :) The only thing I dislike about Hempfest is that it seems very dirty and grungy... Attracts quite a few homeless people that just want some money for weed (thats what their signs say). And a lot of people bringing their strollers with babies or young kids....that was kinda a turn off for me. I just feel like the event should be 18+ at least...or 21+ since that is the legal age for marijuana. Had a great time though. read more

Do not drive, walk or take the bus. This is a huge event, and the parking in Lower QA is limited. If anything, just take the monorail from downtown to the Seattle Center, and then just walk the three blocks downhill to Elliott Bay; easy! The location for Hemp Fest is awesome. Listening to a concert while looking out over the bay is chill. I highly suggest grabbing some grub, find a large rock to rest on and just lay back and enjoy. The entertaining characters that will pass you by is worth a day in this crowed mess. I would skip the booths until the last day. If you really can't wait, then bring cash and make deals by offering to buy multiples of something or by buying more than one item. I suggest going in with a friend and then splitting the money saved. The best deals are on the last day. If you want to smoke or try out the tools, then bring your own weed. There is a small area where you can test out vapors, pipes, grinders and other smoking tools. Most people walk around doing a loop, or they just find a spot and chill with their friends. I do not believe that it is worth circling around, it is just the same thing over and over again. However, it is worth checking out the different stages of live music. The website will tell you which artist will be playing which stage at whatever time. So take notes, or set an alert in your phone or something, and enjoy some music. read more

This is my second year attending. Both last year and this year, I had OK time. It's great that Seattle and members of the community support in legalizing hemp. I also enjoyed watching and listening to local bands. The downsides are the increased volume of a younger crowd (13+) and trash all over the parks -- there were fliers, paper food trays and empty bottles and cans everywhere. The days following after the event, there were still trash... I know this because I do my morning jogs at Myrtle Park. I think it's pretty sad. I suggest that if we want to continue having such an event, we need to take care of the venue(s) before, during, and after. Because if we don't, we may not have another year. read more

The sky was blue, the sun was hot, and the crowd was green. Seattle's annual Hempfest was in full swing when I stopped by on Friday. There were many vendors, loads of people, and the sweet smell of Mary Jane at every corner. I have to admit, I felt out of place. Not because of the festival's message or the weed (no not because of that at all). It was the first time in my life a I felt old and someone out of touch. The crowd was not my crowd, and because of that it was different. This is not an insult to the people there. They were cool as hell. In fact I have a bunch of respect fort hem. Everyone was chill, respectful, and just having a good time. I actually saw a guy refuse an underage kid a chance to bum a smoke because he was not of age, kuddos to him. Next year I will go back. But, being my first time this year, I now know how to prepare. Like bringing sunscreen and a hat! I damn near fried and had to hide from the sun and borrow some sunscreen (always look for the family with a two year old, they always have sunscreen). Maybe my experience will be more chill, and I can experience it better! Till then, I will just have to rock Bob Marley in my backyard. read more

I recently attended the 24th annual Hempfest in Seattle, Washington - the world's largest gathering for advocating the legalization of marijuana. The three-day event was filled with music, activism, and vendors from across the country. The sheer size of Hempfest was somewhat overwhelming; spanning across the Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks it would be almost impossible to see everything in only one day. Unfortunately, the weather on Friday was abysmal and we suffered through a torrential downpour. The rain and heavy winds especially wrecked havoc on the vendors, picking up one tent and blowing it into Elliott Bay and also forcing several other booths to close early. Attendance on the first day of Hempfest was down from the previous year, but there were a numbers of troopers that braved the harsh weather and made the best out of their day. Some attendants walked around the festival carrying umbrellas or wearing ponchos while others were without any raingear at all, seemingly unruffled by the mighty storm. The general attitude amongst all festivalgoers was upbeat despite the gloomy skies. On Saturday, the weather finally took a turn for the better. Despite an overcast morning, the sun finally broke through the clouds sometime around noon. The attendance to the free festival picked up considerably and soon people were arriving in droves. Saturday was also my first chance to venture out and experience Hempfest fully. Seattle has a reputation for being a great place to hear live music, and the talented musicians performing at the festival's many stages certainly lived up to the hype. Some of the bands were local to Washington while others traveled across the country for a chance to play at the Hempfest. You would be hard pressed to find another festival that offered so much free, quality music. On Saturday night I attended the Hempfest business mixer on the Skyline level of the Space Needle. The Skyline level is located about one-third of the way up the great structure and provides a unique venue for any private party or event; the 360 degree room offered a magnificent view of downtown Seattle. The business mixer, sponsored by Culture Magazine, was a great opportunity to network with other people in the industry. The catered food was delicious, with dishes ranging from Kobe beef sliders to ahi tuna and salmon, to pasta dishes. At the end of the night dessert was served along with coffee or tea. After our food was digested and numerous business cards exchanged, all guests were able to take an express elevator to the top of the Space Needle. By now it was dark and the great lights of Seattle's skyline illuminated the clear night sky. Sunday was the last day of Hempfest and easily the most crowded. A sea of people descended on the park grounds and foot traffic was reduced to a near standstill. The weekend was ultimately a celebration of the changing attitudes and opinions currently sweeping throughout our country. I was standing at the crossroads of progress, where issues of personal freedom and liberty dominated the landscape. I felt as if I were part of history in the making, catching the first glimpse of a bold and welcome future. read more

What a glorious day at Hempfest! My friend and I wondered through the 'Protestival' Sunday. Neither of us smoke the ganja which was too bad because there was PLENTY to go around. Not offended, just surprised at how openly people where selling 'medicinal' cookies, brownies and ricecrispies. Not to mention the giant (6person?) hookahs set up with rotating participants. Great local music! Bleach Black was my favorite band of the day. The Comedy Stage was a fun addition to this year's fest. People really seamed to enjoy the Electronic Music Stage. The speakers were passionate about their (our?) cause. The crowd was characteristically mellow and very friendly. Some vendors were very pushy, as vendors can be. I'll be going back again, I'm sure. As long as the weather's nice. read more

I had an amazing time doing promo videos for this event the music needs to improve and I'd love it if the drum circle came back to life but this year was way better than last year the food could use a revamping like something organic would be great read more

Seattle Hempfest - This is me at hempfest doing a promo for dopepen a vape pen for those on the go - Festivals Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Craig Weed Team was present ! Browse http://www.craigweed.com to Buy Weed Online read more

Its great fun to hit up Hempfest... but things have been getting a little crazy the past couple years.... too many young kids who seem to want to ruin it for the rest of us. I will always go to show my support... I just wish people would use a bit more common sense about it! Oh, and DONT LEAVE YOUR DOGS IN THE CAR! There were too many dog fatalities last year due to their owners stupidity. Its sad how little people care. read more

A fan for the legalization of marijuana, I drove into this festival only to be greeted by hundreds stoners looking for a good deal on clothing and paraphernalia. Pretty warm day for this outdoor venue and with the crowds, it was even worse. Hard to park and maneuver your way through the masses as well as the many closed streets. As another person here said, about half of the people could have left more clothing on or at least taken a shower before arrival. Still a fun time for people watching and supporting this movement. read more

Freedom, Cannabis and Cool People all in one location, definitely awesome!

One of the greatest festivals in Seattle. I always donate the money for the VIP membership. Totally worth going, please remember to donate. BTW the dates are August 19-21, 2011!!! read more

I was just there for Sat & Sunday. there was more people today than yesterday. This is my 3rd time attending hempfest, pretty cool! I'm just happy that seattle support a festival like hemp fest :) I don't condone but I do support! read more

RETAIL FEST Hempfest used to be a celebration to end prohibition and raise awareness about the benefits of cannabis and hemp. It used to be a place where people gathered to share information, meet new friends and network. Now hempfest is anything BUT that. The event has devolved into a shameless THC retail super outlet where the unreasonable numbers of tightly packed vendors is only exceeded by their distinct LACK of variety of products. Booth after booth of cheap, overpriced china import glass absolutely dominates this event, with your flea market "everything 420" mess of crap coming in a very close second. If you can deal with the shoulder to shoulder slow moving cattle heard of people that are relegated to tiny walkways more power to you. EVERY other potential and unimaginable section of space is sold to anyone who wants a stage booth, large booth, small booth, half booth, large blanket vending, small blanket vending, if there is a way for them to milk a dollar, believe me, they're going to. But not to organizations educating people about the benefits of using hemp products, prohibition, legalities of consuming medical cannabis or really anything the event purports to represent. They've sold out LONG ago for the all mighty dollar and what sells most vigorously is pot culture so that's what they sell. You may even think that the side to be on would be the vending side since such an intense focus is placed on selling vending booths and generating as much money as possible. Well you'd be wrong there again. I've had the unfortunate experience of vending this event for the past three years and can tell you I'm gratefully avoiding it as I would a flesh rotting bacteria this year. The people in charge of running the vendors are some of the most ill equipped, unhelpful and FAR AND AWAY the rudest individuals I have ever dealt with at an event I have paid to vend at or attended as a patron. Horrible load and unload procedures that are poorly disclosed and very difficult to understand combined with no staff assistance, unusually high costs and rigid and restrictive entry exit protocol all make the highest possible earning fall considerably short of the cost to deal with the misery this event creates. I can not say enough how disappointed I am in the Hempfest organization and event. Standing behind the pretense that the lack of donations has forced more vending to continue the tradition is a cop out. The tradition of the event is long gone. It's no longer a non-profit celebration of the cannabis plant. All that's left in the wake of the greed and contentious struggle for recognition is a pitiful and soporific outdoor sale for anyone who wants to buy into the now marketable "420/710 culture." read more

Hello! My gf n I tried to log on to volunteer for this wonderful and exciting weekend but were unable to. We r not from Seattle but would love to b a part of it. We also don't no where would b a great place to stay. Any help or advice wud b helpful and appreciative. Thx so much ahead of time read more

Just left Hempfest 2013 after attending it all three days this year. I traveled from the Midwest and before arriving, did not know what to expect. I have traveled to Jamaica 13 times and Amsterdam 3. Is Hempfest that fun? Yes, it was a blast. You can get anything you want while attending. Bongs are inexpensive and so is the great cannabis. I had no trouble getting everything I wanted and I did not know a soul there! People at the 400 plus booths are helpful and pleasant to talk too. Many booths had discounts and markdowns on Sunday, but the prices are lower here everyday than any day in the mid west. Cannabis is also cheap here compared to the Midwest. It sells for about half the cost for amazing quality. The police are present at the event, but they do not hassle you. Even when pushed for my bag of Doritos, they were in good spirit. Great weather, good food, great cannabis, fun bands, great people watching, cheap products and it's FREE TO ATTEND! I love Hempfest. read more