Every year since 2009, thinkers from across all disciplines, including scientists, scholars, artists, writers, activists, philosophers, and more, have come together for the Smoke Symposium, a day of lectures at Arlington-based Smoke Farm—affectionately described as “TED talks in a barn.” The day of intellectual stimulation culminates in a communal feast prepared by local chef Monica Dimas of Little Neon Taco, Sunset Fried Chicken, and Westman’s Bagel and Coffee, paired with plenty of lively discussion. This year’s lineup of speakers includes Adrienne Fairhall, codirector of UW's Institute of Neuroengineering and Computational Neuroscience Center; author, editor, and Evergreen State College teacher Miranda Mellis; Fulbright fellow Mary Weir; retired clinical psychologist Clark Martin; and The Stranger’s own Charles Mudede. Guests have the option to camp out overnight and take a dip in the Stillaguamish River. by Julianne Bell