Seattle Hempfest

Seattle Hempfest is an annual event in Seattle, Washington, the world's largest[3] annual gathering advocating decriminalization of marijuana.[4] Founded in 1991 as the Washington Hemp Expo,[1][5] a self-described "humble gathering of stoners" attended by only 500 people,[5] and renamed the following year as Hempfest,[1] it has grown into a 2-day annual political rally, concert, and arts and crafts fair[6] with attendance typically over 100,000. Speakers have included Seattle city council member Nick Licata,[5] actor/activist Woody Harrelson (2004),[5] travel writer and TV host Rick Steves (2007),[5][7] former Dallas Cowboys center Mark Stepnoski (2003),[5][8] and former chief of the Seattle Police Department Norm Stamper (2006).[1] Hempfest has also in recent years attracted such well-known performers as Fishbone (2002)[9], The Kottonmouth Kings (2004)[10], Rehab (2006)[11], and Pato Banton (2007)[12] to its five stages[13] spread throughout Myrtle Edwards Park and Elliott Bay Park, on Seattle's waterfront