How Does Your Band Play Hempfest? There are two ways.
Way #1:
Please read this page thoroughly for information on how to submit your material for consideration to be a performer at Seattle Hempfest 2014.
Over 500 acts submitted to perform at Hempfest 2013. To have your act considered to perform at Hempfest you just click HERE
Seattle Hempfest has teamed up with SONICBIDS which uses digital technology to eliminate the materials needed to submit acts to booking agents/events. New to Sonicbids? Sign up to submit your band to Seattle Hempfest and get a free trial, plus 25 “Tokens” to submit to 25 Token Gig Listings at no additional cost. Previous Sonicbids members can reactivate their membership for only $1!
Sonicbids is easy to use. A performer creates an account with Sonicbids for a small fee, and then uploads all demo package information. The cost of submitting is roughly the cost of over-head required to mail out a CD, jewel case, folder, photo, bio, with postage, etc. It is cleaner and greener, easier and faster. Sonicbids splits each submission fee with Hempfest, and Hempfest passes its half onto the Entertainment Committee to reimburse bands for travel expenses if they are coming from far away.
Sonicbids is another step in Seattle Hempfest’s desire to lessen our carbon footprint. This helps us evolve into a more green, more eco-friendly steward of the planet. Hempfest makes a big impact, and we ask you to join us in reducing waste and conserving resources by digitally submitting your demo package. The cost is roughly the same.
Once again, you can click on the logo above, or you can use this link http://www.sonicbids.com/SeattleHempfest to enter your act into consideration for the 2013 Seattle Hempfest.
Scroll down for more info on Sonicbids pricing and memberships.
Way #2.
We greatly prefer an electronic press kit via Sonicbids because it is more environmentally conscious and is easier for us to manage, but bands can still submit via snail-mail by sending hard copy submissions to: Hempfest Entertainment c/o Hempfest Central, 12351 Lake City Way N.E., Seattle, WA, 98125
We reviewed over 600 acts for 2010, around 700 for 2009, and over 600 in 2011, and 2012, and well over 500 for 2013. We thank all of the acts who submit each year. We simply do not have enough slots to book all the acts that we’d like to and the process of choosing is agonizing.
More on Sonic Bids:
Sonicbids is the leading matchmaking site for emerging bands and music promoters. Since its launch in 2001, Sonicbids has become the de-facto standard for submitting music to events and opportunities around the globe, counting as partners thousands of prominent events and festivals in North America, Europe, and Australia. Today, the Company boasts a registered membership base of 325,000 bands from over 100 different countries, who use the site daily to connect with 25,000 music “promoters” – ranging from some of the world’s largest music festivals and music conferences, to clubs, coffee houses, cruise ships, colleges, advertising agencies, brand managers, podcasters, music supervisors and other people looking to book, license or broadcast music. In 2010, bands and artists using Sonicbids booked close to 80,000 “gigs” through the site. Sonicbids’ mission is to empower the Artistic Middle Class. Get a Gig or Book a Band at www.sonicbids.com.
Sonicbids is a Social Music Marketing platform that connects bands, promoters, consumer brands and music fans. Sonicbids was launched in 2001 with a basic mission: great music should always find an audience. It has since grown into a global marketing platform connecting more than 350,000 bands with 26,000 promoters from over 100 different countries with an aggregate reach of 100 million socially connected music fans.
Sonicbids is the online launching pad for many of today’s hot artists and has exclusive partnerships with many taste-making events and consumer brands like South By Southwest, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, CMJ Music Marathon, Red Bull, Marriott Hotels and DieselIndustry.
New to Sonicbids? Sign up to submit your band to Seattle Hempfest and get a free trial, plus 25 “Tokens” to submit to 25 Token Gig Listings at no additional cost. Previous Sonicbids members can reactivate their membership for only $1!
Do bands get paid for playing Hempfest?
Rarely. Staffed completely by volunteers, Hempfest is free to attend and has no admission fee. Therefore most of the 100 plus acts that perform each year do so without compensation, as a contribution to the cause. There are rare exceptions when we pay a top headliner their benefit fee. Otherwise, the Entertainment Crew operates on a shoe-string budget and is limited to offering gas money to performers traveling from afar.
We are working hard to bring in more revenue so we can pay our world class acts that make us so proud, but we’re not there yet. Music is a huge part of any culture, and ours is no exception. We honor the hundreds of bands and thousands of musicians who have contributed to Seattle Hempfest over the years. It is a privilege to work with so many professionals who are passionate about their beliefs. Together we all make Hempfest possible.
What do our past performers have to say about playing Hempfest?
“Absolutely first class as the organizers did such a great job for any size event and even more so on one as large as this. The selection and notification process was smooth, their timely and thorough posting of info and personally responding back to the artists without delay was one of the best I have ever experienced. Once at the gig they were very hospitable, nice back stage accommodations, and their sound and stage crew was the best I have ever experienced.” – Rich Wetzel
“What an awesome bunch of folks. Hospitality was wonderful and the crowd was great too. We had a blast.” – Paradigm Quartet
“As crazy as this event was due to the number of people who showed up, the organizers did a very good job of accomodating us and making sure our performance went as smooth as possible. Additionally, all of the staff were very nice and willing to offer any help we needed.”- Moyra
“Really professional. Treated us well and very organized. Good folks.” – Half Acre Day
“The entire staff of Hempfest was excellent to work with, very accommodating. The event itself was GREAT, huge turn-out, everything in regards to our show went off without a hitch. Very professional group and we would work with them again in a heartbeat. ” – Ockham’s Razor
“Big thank you to the fine folks at Hempfest for putting on such a first-rate festival! Communication was excellent, hospitality was very good, and we were treated just great! It was our pleasure to take part in such a massive event. Thank you Hempfest!” – Shanghai Woolies
We are interested in your feedback. Send your comments to: entertainment@hempfest.org
Performer Information
For Acts Scheduled to Perform at Hempfest Fri/Sat/Sun Aug. 16, 17, 18, 2013
EMERGENCY BAND PHONE NUMBER: TBD – Call this number if you are running late.
BACK-LINE and LOAD-IN
Hempfest equips each stage with a full professional quality back-line. The smart acts just walk in with their guitars, kick-drum/effects-pedals, drumsticks and keyboards. Back-line list by stage will be included in this mail. However, if you just MUST have your own amps, drums and sophisticated gallows set up you must observe the following:
GEAR LOAD IN (All Stages) 6:00 AM – 6:45 AM
GEAR LOAD-OUT 9:00 PM- 10:00 PM
You won’t need to be concerned with load-in/out times if you are not bringing your drums
and amps (however, give yourself enough time to find a place to park). Most
keyboards can be brought in assisted by band support. If you have a full stock Hammond
B3 or if you are bringing a small mountain of keyboards please let the All Stages Manager
know in advance. 95% of acts use the back-line.
We have a 25 foot limit on vehicles. Small trailers with small wheel base allowed.
NO TOUR BUSES allowed into the park. Only vehicle deliveries are allowed, no vehicles will remain parked in the parks during the event. All vehicles are removed from parks by 8 AM. Keep in mind these are the City’s rules not ours, so there is zero wiggle room.
Please, BE ON TIME. We’ll do everything we can to get you on stage and performing in your time slot. Any special needs should be worked out in advance with the All Stages Manager. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the full professional back-line provided on all stages.
STAGE PLOT DOCUMENT: Fill out this document and e-mail it back to: entertainment@hempfest.organd/or hand it to your stage manager 60 minutes in advance of performance time on day of event. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET! This will guarantee that we can provide you the best sound available and have a quick and smooth change-over between acts. There will be speakers on stage between bands and during your set-up. There is no dead stage time at a “protestival” as we are in it to win it.
SOUND SYSTEMS – Main Stage, McWilliams Stage and Seeley Stage sound Provided by NAF Productions - mark@naf.com. Hemposium Stage Sound provided by Storme Sound – nstorme@aol.com . If you have special sound concerns or needs you should contact them in advance.
HOSPITALITY – There will be complimentary hospitality food and drink available to performers/speakers only. Each performer can take full advantage of the complimentary food and drink in the backstage area of your stage. Band guests are not allowed to eat from the hospitality area but you can always share with your guests.
YOUR SONG LYRICS FOR THE DEAF? Our American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are
asking us for your song lyrics in advance, so they can be prepared to interpret them to
the hearing impaired. If that is something you are into send lyrics to
entertainment@hempfest.org with the words “LYRICS” and “YOUR BAND NAME”
capitalized in the subject heading. (As sign language interpreters are volunteers too,
we may or may not have them all day at every stage)
PROFANITY detracts from the power of our message and does not help our cause.
Hempfest is not in a club or a bar, it is in two public parks and there are children present. We do
not censor your freedom of speech. We ask you to do that by keeping profanity at the minimum.
BACK-STAGE HOSPITALITY
Our backstage is where your equipment is secured and we want to make sure that we
know everyone who’s enjoying the privacy of that area at all times. We also want you to feel
comfortable in our backstage hospitality area. Schmooze, network, make contacts, meet
people, exchange cards, introduce yourself and make new friends there.
Thanks for being a part of Hempfest! Sorry if we come off sounding heavy, it is a big job throwing the world’s largest cannabis reform rally. We absolutely have to pull it off pro and we need your help to do it. One day Hempfest will be a victory party, and we thank you in advance for supporting this essential cause.
2012 Back-Line by Stage
Share Parker Main Stage
-Guitar Amps
1 Marshall JCM 900 100w
1 Mesa Triple Rectifier 100w
2 Marshall 4×12 cabinets
Mesa Tremoverb Combo
-Bass Amps
2 Ampeg SVT head
2 Ampeg SVT 8 x 10 cabinets
-Keyboard Amp
1 Roland kC 550
-Drums
6pc drum set w/ cymbals- pro set from Donn Bennet Drums
Seeley Stage
-Guitar Amps
2 Fender Twin Reverb
1 Fender Deluxe Reverb
-Bass Amp
1 Ampeg SVT head
1 Ampeg SVT 8 x 10 cabinet
-Keyboard Amp
1 Roland kC 550
-Drums
5pc drum set w/ cymbals- pro set from Donn Bennet Drums
McWilliams Stage
-Guitar Amps
1 Marshall JCM 900 100W head
1 Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 100w head
2 Marshall 4 x 12 cabinets
-Bass Amp
1 Ampeg SVT head
1 Ampeg SVT 8 x 10 cabinet
-Keyboard Amp
1 KB 100(Peavey or better)
-Drums
5pc drum set w/ cymbals- pro set from Donn Bennet Drums
Hemposium Stage
-Amps
1 Fender twin reverb
1 Fender Hotrod 4×10
1 Ampeg 1 x 15
-Drums
5pc drum set w/ cymbals- pro set from Donn Bennet Drums
GETTING TO SEATTLE HEMPFEST
INFORMATION FOR BANDS
The event spans three Seattle waterfront parks: Centennial Park, formerly Elliott Bay Park (North Entrance), Myrtle Edwards Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park (South Entrance).
To get directions to the Hempfest North Vehicle Entrance from anywhere, to to Google, Yahoo, or your favorite map program and set your destination address to:
Alaskan Way W. Seattle, Wa 98119
click here to get directions - GettingToHempfest
Once you arrive at Hempfest:
Once you get into Seattle and get down to Elliott Street you are gonna drive over the Galer Street Overpass. After the stop sign you’ll make a right turn. There will be another stop sign as you drive under the overpass. Our traffic folks should be there to direct you on to the Band Check-In booth where our Band Load-In Crew will meet you. They will get you to your stage. Also, each performer will be automatically given a Stage All Access Pass and a Stage Guest Pass at Band-Check-In. Any additional passes must be worked out in advance. Don’t lose your pass, we have to laminate thousands of them by hand!
Once you get dialed in you will have to park your car, so give yourself plenty of time. Don’t show up 20 minutes before your performance if you really want to perform. You should give yourself an hour and a half to show up, get passed in, hook up with Band Load-In and park your car. It should not take that long, but if it does you’ll be ready.
Additional lodging information can be found here.
By Bike or Foot
Perhaps the best way to get to Hempfest is by bike. Myrtle Edwards Park is part of the Elliott Bay Trail which connects to the massive Burke Gilman Trail. One may easily navigate the regional trail system from Sammamish, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Kirkland, etc.
Comprehensive bicycling maps from King County
Alternate SeaTac to Downtown map from Cascade Bicycle Club
Bike rental info from Cascade Bicycle Club
When approaching on the Burke-Gilman, one has two main routes. The first option is to cross the historic Fremont Bridge, the most frequently opened drawbridge in the United States. Take a left onto Westlake and ride along the west side of Lake Union all the way downtown.
The second option is to ride the Burke-Gilman to the Ballard Locks, which are open from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. After crossing the locks, coast through Magnolia, and into the magnificent train yards before hitting the glistening waterfront. If the locks are closed, take the 15th Ave bridge, right on Dravus, left on 20th and down by the train yards.
To the south, the Elliott Bay Trail runs past downtown to SoDo and the stadiums, where one can (sort of) connect with the I-90 trail or continue south along Alaskan/Marginal Way to hook up with the West Seattle Bridge.
Mon-Thurs (August 13-16 ), and Mon-Wed (August 20-22) from 7:30-8:30 AM is vehicle free time on East path of Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks. Hempfest vehicle traffic is suspended for that hour during weekday set-up and tear-down to respect morning bike commuters who use the parks.
For public safety, BICYCLE RIDERS MUST DISMOUNT during Seattle Hempfest. ALL DAYS, ALL HOURS.
Bicycles should enter through the North entrance in Centennial Park to utilize the bike racks, or use the bike racks at Bay and Elliot. Attaching bikes to the fence at Olympic Sculpture Park is not allowed.
By Car
Interstate 5 runs through the heart of Seattle. From either direction, take the Mercer Street exit (Exit 167) towards the Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle. From Mercer one has two options at the first traffic light (Fairview). Turn left onto Fairview, then right onto Denny. Or, one may turn right on Fairview, then left on Valley, which becomes Broad. Both of these options meet up at Denny and Broad. (See a map from Google, Microsoft, or Yahoo.) Continue on either street in a downhill direction until you get to the waterfront. The south entrance to Seattle Hempfest will be on the right.
There are pay parking garages and lots in downtown Seattle (see below) and in nearby Queen Anne. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and and is free all day Sunday. Myrtle Edwards Park has no parking.
- Graham and Dunn Building
2801 Alaskan Way
Pier 70 at Broad Street and Alaskan Way.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. - Olympus Parking Garage
2801 Western Avenue
Entrance is on Clay Street (one-way, west), between Western Avenue
and Elliott Avenue.
Hours: 6 a.m.–11 p.m. - Public Parking, Seattle Trade and Technology Center2600 Elliott Avenue
Located on the corner of Vine Street and Elliott Avenue.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. - Bell Street Pier
2401 Elliott Avenue
Across from the Edgewater. Entrance is on Wall Street and Alaskan
Way.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.–midnight - Ampco
Surface lot on Wall Street and Elliott Avenue with a pay box. No day
parking. Evening and weekends only. - Ampco
Surface lot on Vine Street between Elliott Avenue and Western Avenue
with a pay box. Entrance is on Vine Street (one-way, east). - Diamond Parking
2620 First Avenue
Surface lot with a pay box. No day parking. Evenings and weekends
only. - Diamond Parking
Surface lot on the corner of Western Avenue and Battery Street with
a pay box.
By Plane
Most of you plane people will touch down at SeaTac International Airport, which provides non-stop service to numerous cities ranging from Missoula, Montana to San Francisco to Amsterdam.
The Port of Seattle has useful info on getting downtown from SeaTac. One may may hop the easy Link light rail direct from the airport to downtown or take Metro to downtown. Shuttle Express offers shared-ride van service to downtown from the third floor of the airport garage. Some hotels offer shuttle service also. Taxi service is provided by STITA Taxi. To get SeaTac pickup service from another taxi service, one must specifically call them. Several rental car companies operate at SeaTac.
Kenmore Air provides seaplane service from Lake Union to various parts of Washington and British Columbia, and landplane service from Boeing Field.
By Bus
Metro Transit provides local (countywide) bus service. A number of bus routes stop in downtown Seattle. Once downtown, just walk downhill to the waterfront, turn right and follow everyone else to Hempfest. Metro operates numerous park and ride lots throughout the region. Also of note, the downtown core is a “ride free” zone.
To beat the crowds, use the north entrance by crossing the new Amgen Pedestrian Bridge off of W Prospect Street. Modeled after the double-helix geometry of DNA and crossing an expanse of train tracks, the pedestrian bridge is hard to miss. It has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible, placing the avid attendee just north of Hempfest’s north entrance. The following Metro routes stop nearby: 15, 18, 19, 24, 33, 81.
Sound Transit provides regional bus service. They provide service south as far as Dupont, north as far as Everett, and east as far as Issaquah.
Greyhound provides nationwide bus service. Rates are decent, and bus rides are interesting. Reserve 14 days in advance and rates are $20-109 dollars one-way anywhere in the U.S.
By Boat
Seattle Hempfest happens north of Pier 70 on the waterfront near several public and private ferry services. The Washington State Ferries run several routes around Puget Sound. Pier 52 hosts the Bremerton and Bainbridge Island routes, and Pier 50 hosts the Vashon Island passenger only ferry.
King County Transporation provides passenger only ferry service between Pier 55 and West Seattle via the Elliott Bay Water Taxi at Seacrest Dock.
Victoria Clipper operates a passenger only ferry between Victoria, BC and Seattle. Operating from Pier 69, it’s a bit pricey but those jetfoils make it the fastest ferry service around.
For ferry service between British Columbia and Washington, one may also use the private M.V. Coho passenger and vehicle ferry service. This lands in Port Angeles on the gorgeous Olympic Peninsula. To get to Seattle from here, one will need to take a ferry from Bainbridge or Bremerton, or head south to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and back up I-5. The Alaska State Ferrieshave (costly) service to Bellingham.
One may also take a cruise ship to Hempfest, should one be so inclined. Five cruise ship companies operate from Pier 66 and Terminal 30.
For those sailing from afar, the Port of Seattle operates three marinas with guest moorage. Bell Harbor Marina on Pier 66 has 80 guest slips. Shilshole Bay Marina is the city’s largest marina with 100 guest slips. Fisherman’s Terminal also has some guest slips, but requires a pass through the locks. From either Shilshole or Fisherman’s Terminal, Hempfest is a quick bike ride away.
For the local boaters, nothing beats Hempfest by boat. Just set your course for the downtown waterfront and you can’t miss it. Boaters from Lake Washington and Lake Union must pass through the Ballard Locks, which are open from 7 a.m – 9 p.m. Don’t be a stoner and miss the closing of the locks.
By Train
Amtrak provides nationwide train service. Seattle is on three of their routes: Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles), Empire Builder (Seattle to Chicago), and Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver to Eugene). Trains stop a bit south of downtown at King Street Station.
Sound Transit provides regional commuter rail service Monday through Friday, which might nice if you’re staying the weekend. There are two routes, one south of Seattle and one north. The train goes into Seattle early, and leave Seattle after work hours. Southerly, one can ride the train from Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent, and Tukwila. To the north is a gorgeous waterfront ride to Everett and Edmonds.
click here to get directions & a map GettingToHempfest
By Bike or Foot
Perhaps the best way to get to Hempfest is by bike. Myrtle Edwards Park is part of the Elliott Bay Trail which connects to the massive Burke Gilman Trail. One may easily navigate the regional trail system from Sammamish, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Kirkland, etc.
Comprehensive bicycling maps from King County
Alternate SeaTac to Downtown map from Cascade Bicycle Club
Bike rental info from Cascade Bicycle Club
When approaching on the Burke-Gilman, one has two main routes. The first option is to cross the historic Fremont Bridge, the most frequently opened drawbridge in the United States. Take a left onto Westlake and ride along the west side of Lake Union all the way downtown.
The second option is to ride the Burke-Gilman to the Ballard Locks, which are open from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. After crossing the locks, coast through Magnolia, and into the magnificent train yards before hitting the glistening waterfront. If the locks are closed, take the 15th Ave bridge, right on Dravus, left on 20th and down by the train yards.
To the south, the Elliott Bay Trail runs past downtown to SoDo and the stadiums, where one can (sort of) connect with the I-90 trail or continue south along Alaskan/Marginal Way to hook up with the West Seattle Bridge.
Mon-Thurs (August 13-16 ), and Mon-Wed (August 20-22) from 7:30-8:30 AM is vehicle free time on East path of Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks. Hempfest vehicle traffic is suspended for that hour during weekday set-up and tear-down to respect morning bike commuters who use the parks.
For public safety, BICYCLE RIDERS MUST DISMOUNT during Seattle Hempfest. ALL DAYS, ALL HOURS.
Bicycles should enter through the North entrance in Centennial Park to utilize the bike racks, or use the bike racks at Bay and Elliot. Attaching bikes to the fence at Olympic Sculpture Park is not allowed.
By Car
Interstate 5 runs through the heart of Seattle. From either direction, take the Mercer Street exit (Exit 167) towards the Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle. From Mercer one has two options at the first traffic light (Fairview). Turn left onto Fairview, then right onto Denny. Or, one may turn right on Fairview, then left on Valley, which becomes Broad. Both of these options meet up at Denny and Broad. (See a map from Google, Microsoft, or Yahoo.) Continue on either street in a downhill direction until you get to the waterfront. The south entrance to Seattle Hempfest will be on the right.
There are pay parking garages and lots in downtown Seattle (see below) and in nearby Queen Anne. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and and is free all day Sunday. Myrtle Edwards Park has no parking.
- Graham and Dunn Building
2801 Alaskan Way
Pier 70 at Broad Street and Alaskan Way.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. - Olympus Parking Garage
2801 Western Avenue
Entrance is on Clay Street (one-way, west), between Western Avenue
and Elliott Avenue.
Hours: 6 a.m.–11 p.m. - Public Parking, Seattle Trade and Technology Center2600 Elliott Avenue
Located on the corner of Vine Street and Elliott Avenue.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. - Bell Street Pier
2401 Elliott Avenue
Across from the Edgewater. Entrance is on Wall Street and Alaskan
Way.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.–midnight - Ampco
Surface lot on Wall Street and Elliott Avenue with a pay box. No day
parking. Evening and weekends only. - Ampco
Surface lot on Vine Street between Elliott Avenue and Western Avenue
with a pay box. Entrance is on Vine Street (one-way, east). - Diamond Parking
2620 First Avenue
Surface lot with a pay box. No day parking. Evenings and weekends
only. - Diamond Parking
Surface lot on the corner of Western Avenue and Battery Street with
a pay box.
By Plane
Most of you plane people will touch down at SeaTac International Airport, which provides non-stop service to numerous cities ranging from Missoula, Montana to San Francisco to Amsterdam.
The Port of Seattle has useful info on getting downtown from SeaTac. One may may hop the easy Link light rail direct from the airport to downtown or take Metro to downtown. Shuttle Express offers shared-ride van service to downtown from the third floor of the airport garage. Some hotels offer shuttle service also. Taxi service is provided by STITA Taxi. To get SeaTac pickup service from another taxi service, one must specifically call them. Several rental car companies operate at SeaTac.
Kenmore Air provides seaplane service from Lake Union to various parts of Washington and British Columbia, and landplane service from Boeing Field.
By Bus
Metro Transit provides local (countywide) bus service. A number of bus routes stop in downtown Seattle. Once downtown, just walk downhill to the waterfront, turn right and follow everyone else to Hempfest. Metro operates numerous park and ride lots throughout the region. Also of note, the downtown core is a “ride free” zone.
To beat the crowds, use the north entrance by crossing the new Amgen Pedestrian Bridge off of W Prospect Street. Modeled after the double-helix geometry of DNA and crossing an expanse of train tracks, the pedestrian bridge is hard to miss. It has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible, placing the avid attendee just north of Hempfest’s north entrance. The following Metro routes stop nearby: 15, 18, 19, 24, 33, 81.
Sound Transit provides regional bus service. They provide service south as far as Dupont, north as far as Everett, and east as far as Issaquah.
Greyhound provides nationwide bus service. Rates are decent, and bus rides are interesting. Reserve 14 days in advance and rates are $20-109 dollars one-way anywhere in the U.S.
By Boat
Seattle Hempfest happens north of Pier 70 on the waterfront near several public and private ferry services. The Washington State Ferries run several routes around Puget Sound. Pier 52 hosts the Bremerton and Bainbridge Island routes, and Pier 50 hosts the Vashon Island passenger only ferry.
King County Transporation provides passenger only ferry service between Pier 55 and West Seattle via the Elliott Bay Water Taxi at Seacrest Dock.
Victoria Clipper operates a passenger only ferry between Victoria, BC and Seattle. Operating from Pier 69, it’s a bit pricey but those jetfoils make it the fastest ferry service around.
For ferry service between British Columbia and Washington, one may also use the private M.V. Coho passenger and vehicle ferry service. This lands in Port Angeles on the gorgeous Olympic Peninsula. To get to Seattle from here, one will need to take a ferry from Bainbridge or Bremerton, or head south to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and back up I-5. The Alaska State Ferrieshave (costly) service to Bellingham.
One may also take a cruise ship to Hempfest, should one be so inclined. Five cruise ship companies operate from Pier 66 and Terminal 30.
For those sailing from afar, the Port of Seattle operates three marinas with guest moorage. Bell Harbor Marina on Pier 66 has 80 guest slips. Shilshole Bay Marina is the city’s largest marina with 100 guest slips. Fisherman’s Terminal also has some guest slips, but requires a pass through the locks. From either Shilshole or Fisherman’s Terminal, Hempfest is a quick bike ride away.
For the local boaters, nothing beats Hempfest by boat. Just set your course for the downtown waterfront and you can’t miss it. Boaters from Lake Washington and Lake Union must pass through the Ballard Locks, which are open from 7 a.m – 9 p.m. Don’t be a stoner and miss the closing of the locks.
By Train
Amtrak provides nationwide train service. Seattle is on three of their routes: Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles), Empire Builder (Seattle to Chicago), and Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver to Eugene). Trains stop a bit south of downtown at King Street Station.
Sound Transit provides regional commuter rail service Monday through Friday, which might nice if you’re staying the weekend. There are two routes, one south of Seattle and one north. The train goes into Seattle early, and leave Seattle after work hours. Southerly, one can ride the train from Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent, and Tukwila. To the north is a gorgeous waterfront ride to Everett and Edmonds.
