Seattle Hempfest 2010: Music, Munchies and a Message

This year, on August the 21st and 22nd, thousands will gather at three of Seattle’s waterfront parks – Elliot Bay, Myrtle Edwards, and Olympic Sculpture – for three reasons.

The Music

Starting at noon both Saturday and Sunday, bands will take one of five stages at Hempfest, along with a huge gathering of speakers. Saturday evening, check out Angela Hammontree, Paapa Wastik, The Divine Crime and Third Law of Motion (among many others). Sunday features another solid line-up, including Pangea, Sweet Kiss Momma, Sam Marshall Trio and Herbivores.

The Munchies

When a craving strikes, you’ll have thirty vendors to choose from at Hempfest, from brats and BBQ to espresso and elephant ears.  And Hempfest is aware of the hypocrisy that so often comes with liberal, green-minded festivals; they’ve gone PVC free this year, with no plastic bottles and a mandate that all vendors must use Bio-Wares or approved alternatives.

The Message

It should be clear – the message is, of course, to legalize it. According to their website, Hempfest “advocates the decriminalization of marijuana for responsible adults, legal access to medical marijuana for patients who could be benefited by cannabis, and legal domestic hemp production.” It’s a political rally, but also a festival – or as the hosts say, a “protestival.”

Admission? Free. However, there are various levels of memberships beginning at $25 that will help you bypass those long lines, and of course, donations are accepted and much appreciated. For more information, visit the Hempfest official website.

Images courtesy of MaplessInSeattle