The Seattle HEMPFEST® protestival is founded in the belief that the public is better served when citizens and public officials work cooperatively in order to successfully accomplish common goals.

Reliving the 2020 Hempfest

January 8, 2025
January 8, 2025
January 8, 2025
SEATTLE HEMPFEST STARTS PRODUCTION ON 5 PART DOCUSERIES What if 100,000 cannabis enthusiasts gathered without incident on the downtown Seattle waterfront annually for decades to protest prohibition? A new documentary project is telling that story: The story of Seattle Hempfest and how a band of community activists helped change the laws. It is an American story of free speech, obstacles, and victories wrapped up in urban rebellion. The result is the culmination of decades of tireless advocacy and outspoken resistance that everyone needs to hear and see, and it is a testament to cannabis activists working the world over to set the plant free. THE WHY In our eyes, Seattle Hempfest was always about Freedom, Liberty, and Justice. Adults in a free society deserve the right to make their own educated and informed choices about what they put in the sanctity and the sovereignty of their bodies. Those important health and recreational choices should be made based on truthful and accurate information. So we felt it was important to bring the truthful and accurate information to the public. Because they were really only getting one side of the story, which was the prohibition side, which is really based on lies. THE STORY This story is about the undisputed king of cannabis festivals, the largest free speech rally in the country, and how it affected change in Washington state and across America. No one disputes the role Seattle Hempfest played in Washington State, being among the first in the country to legalize recreational cannabis. The more than 30-year history of Seattle Hempfest is beautifully woven through all five episodes, creating an entertaining story filled with interviews with experts in science, policy, and history. Mixed with graphics, historic footage, animations, b-roll, narration, and lots of great music. More than 30 years. An All volunteer staff. Struggles with the city: Politicians, musicians, authors, activists, and famous attendees. All to free a plant. THE EPISODES 1. HEMPFEST CANNABIS & HISTORY 2. SCIENCE MEDICINE & NATURE 3. POLITICS MONEY & POLICE 4. HEMP SUSTAINABILITY & the ECONOMY 5. ART MUSIC & all that's CREATIVE Run time 45 to 60 mins per episode THE TEAM The core production team has spent more than a decade filming and now working on projects like this with Seattle Hempfest. We have hundreds of hours of footage and interviews going back to 2010, including full event broadcast recordings from the main stage for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Some is exclusive footage no one else has. Including picking up the permit from the city and walking the site with Homeland Security. Behind the scenes for set up and tear down. The famous cigarette butt pick-up walk of the entire park after the event. Interviews conducted during the event with former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. Industry Icon Steve DeAngelo. Travel Guru Rick Steeves. Activist Jodie Emery. Former Congressman Dennis Kucinich. And the Legendary Evy Musikka.
"IT'S ALL ABOUT FREEDOM TEASER" DOCUSERIES TEASER
Hempfest International event in Açores Portugal!
February 29, 2024
Margaret Denny, known for her purple and crimson hair, coordinated the North Merch Booth at Seattle Hempfest for decades. She passed unexpectedly at Talbot Center in Renton. She was confined to a wheelchair after a catastrophic car accident. She was in a care facility unable to transfer back and forth into her wheelchair after blowing out her shoulders. Across from her hospital bed she had two Hempfest posters prominently positioned on the wall. Margaret was the epitome of a trooper, always positive and upbeat despite living in constant nerve pain. Margaret will be missed by everyone who knew this strong, courageous women who was a blessing to all around her.
Remembering Margaret Denny
Load More... Subscribe

The Original Free Speech Protestival Since 1991!

Seattle Hempfest® is one of the original voices in the fight to repeal cannabis prohibition. Since 1991, we have gathered in Seattle to “edutain” the community with thoughtful discourse, superb music, and dozens of merchandise and food vendors. The pandemic cooled our flame a bit, but we carry on the fight in 2023 and beyond!

Hempfest® is a community-funded, volunteer-driven organization. None of our staff or board gets paid. This festival costs over half a million dollars to put on and generates over 8 million dollars in economic impact annually, so it’s a meaningful community and civic investment. Hempfest® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Consult with your tax professional whether your contribution is deductible.

Hempfest® has been confronting the tragedy of cannabis prohibition in Seattle for over three decades, leading Washington to become one of the first states to legalize cannabis for adult use. Is your region, anywhere in the world, ready for some Hempfest® magic? Click here for licensing opportunities for your event.

Interested in advertising your business at Seattle Hempfest®, or one of our authorized, licensed global events? Email us to learn how you can help advance our mission to legalize cannabis.

Shop

Hempfest® Merch Coming Soon!

Upcoming Events

Coming Soon!

With our eyes on 2024 for a triumphant return of the world’s largest annual cannabis reform rally, we ask you to support us by patronizing our upcoming events.

No event found!
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014

Hempfest
Photography

Through the Years

Sometimes a photo can speak a thousand words. Hempfest volunteer photographers have helped document so much of the magic that has brought us to where we are today. Our event is an eclectic mixture of culture, determination, education and self discovery. From one-on-one discussions to speakers’ panels, glassblowers to voter registration, our photo gallery has decades of history for you to see.

Visit the Photo Gallery

©2025 Seattle Hempfest®

Privacy Policy