About Us

The Original Free Speech Protestival!

Seattle Hempfest® is working to overcome the setbacks that it endured during the height of the pandemic when public events were shuttered.

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.

Learn More on Our YouTube Channel

YouTube Video UCWXPZrcb27DrljXDeVXzXzw_yqCdAs-Ef-w

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

Hempfest® History

Originally billed in 1991 as the “Washington Hemp Expo”, the first Hempfest started in Volunteer Park where it would stay for three years. With an attendance of only 500 people and a staff that included about 20 members of the Seattle Peace Heathens Community Action Group, there was no way to know that we were sowing the seeds that would someday make Pacific Northwest history.

About Us

The Original Free Speech Protestival!

Learn More on Our YouTube Channel

Hempfest® History

Be a part of the Fight to End Prison for Pot

Join the Seattle Hempfest Human Solution Chapter