West Seattle to host massive Cantanna Fest after last-minute venue change

Cantanna Fest, billed as a free speech music festival with a political purpose in support of cannabis legislation and more is set to take over Lincoln Park on Aug. 10 and 11. 

In a surprising turn of events, West Seattle’s Lincoln Park will be the new home of Cantanna Fest, a large-scale cannabis and music festival, on August 10th and 11th. The event, organized by Scott McKinley and rapper Redman, was originally slated to take place at Franklin Farms in Snohomish but had to be relocated just weeks before the scheduled date due to contractual issues.

It is sponsored by the Washington Cannabis Workers Club who worked to secure the venue and the permits. They are a division under UFCW3000.

McKinley and his team managed to secure the new venue and necessary permits in a whirlwind four-day period, working closely with Seattle Parks and Recreation. This will mark the first electrified sound concert at Lincoln Park in 17 years, according to McKinley.

The festival boasts an impressive lineup of 60 bands, including side projects of Pearl Jam members and other notable acts. Performances will take place across multiple stages, with music running until 10 PM followed by a silent disco in the “EDM forest” area until midnight.

Beyond music, Cantanna Fest aims to promote cannabis advocacy and political engagement. The United Empowerment Party, a federally approved political party focused on cannabis issues, will be present to gather signatures and potentially identify candidates for state senate seats.

The event is free to the public, though VIP tickets were distributed earlier. Organizers are still seeking sponsors and finalizing logistics. Parking will be limited to street and neighborhood options, similar to other large events in Seattle parks. Videos for potential distribution nationally will be shot during the event. The bands were all chosen by fans previously through the use of an online voting system.

While the last-minute venue change has presented challenges, McKinley remains optimistic about the festival’s potential impact. “We’re trying to unite everybody,” he said, emphasizing the event’s goal of galvanizing support for cannabis-related political action.

As preparations continue, West Seattle residents and cannabis enthusiasts alike are encouraged to mark their calendars for this unprecedented event in Lincoln Park.

Vendor booths open at 10am and music will be featured in 40 minute sets from 11am to 10pm both nights with the silent “EDM Forest” running from 10 to 12am which is limited to vendors only as an “after party”

A previously scheduled car show will not be offered during the event.

Organizers urge attendees to car pool and to use Metro Transit via the C Line.

C line schedule here.

VIP Tickets available here