Summertime is fast-approaching. It’s time to dig your summer clothes out of the closet and start roadmapping which vegan festivals you’re going to hit up this year and get ready to eat all the (vegan) food.
Festivals are arguably some of the best parts of having warmer weather, especially when they’re packed with vegan food — this year’s Coachella got it right by bringing plenty of delicious vegan options to the table. It’s an experience that indulges the senses with the tastiest and most Insta-worthy food that’s free from animal ingredients.
And what better place to seek out festivals than out west? Not only do you get the sunshine (California), but also in close proximity to some of our country’s most beautiful national parks. Some of the best vegan food the country has to offer, fun, and nature — what more could you ask for? Not much.
Festivals are fun, but remember to pace yourself and come prepared to deal with long lines in the sun — experienced attendees can tell you that it’s part of the festival experience. Be sure to have a bag packed with all the essentials you’ll need — vegan sunscreen, SPF lip balm, hydrating face mist, and a hat and sunglasses — because staying safe and hydrated is just as important as having a good time. Bonus points if you bring your own reusable water bottle, cutlery, and containers to reduce your carbon footprint even more.
Get your PopSocket ready to take a lot of drool-worthy food photos. Here are the best vegan festivals to hit up on the west coast this year.
9 Summertime Vegan Festivals You Need to Attend
1. Eat Drink Vegan
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Eat Drink Vegan returns to Pasadena, Calif., for the ultimate day of plant-based food and of course, vegan drink. Kicking off during the first official week of summer, this year’s festival will feature more than 100 vendors from around the world serving up the best vegan fare. A ticket also gives you access to unlimited pours of 250+ beverages including craft beer, wine, and cider from Arrow Lodge, Sage Bistro Brewery, Modern Times, Flying Embers, and many more.
Don’t drink? Don’t worry. You’ll also have kombucha and craft soda to choose from thanks to Big Leaf Bucha, Fine Feathers, Dr. Hops, and other brands both local and international.
This year’s vendors include hits like the UK’s Temple of Seitan, Atlanta-based celebrity favorite Slutty Vegan, Coachella debutante Monty’s Good Burger, and Magpies’ famous vegan soft serve ice cream as well as culinary pop-ups from Vegan Yack Attack and Sweet Simple Vegan. Nic Adler, the festival founder, is also the foodie genius behind Coachella’s food program, so you know it’s going to be one of the biggest and best vegan foodie events of the summer.
EDV also features the new CBD Village to chill you out, plus a marketplace, culinary stage, yoga, a 5k run, and exhibiting brands.
Get your tickets here.
The VIP tickets will give you early entry to the festival, access to an all-day fast pass (no dealing with long lines!), a VIP lounge with exclusive drinks, and priority sign-up for Drunken Lotus wine and yoga. Eat Drink Vegan takes place on June 22 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
Get your VIP tickets here.
2. Las Vegas Vegan Taco and Beer Festival
The Las Vegas Vegan Taco and Beer Festival is Nevada’s first-ever vegan beer fest. Kicking off in Sin City, the event is a collaboration between local vegan Mexican eatery Tacotarian and Tacos & Beer Restaurant. The festival will showcase more than 100 kinds of beer from local craft brewers like Able Baker and CraftHaus as well as plenty of sweet and savory vegan Mexican food to munch on.
Author Kathryn Hartwig of Vegas-based blog Vegans, Baby, an online plant-based guide to the city, says the Takis elotes — yes, vegan elotes topped with chili-lime mayo and spicy Takis queso fresco — from Tacotarian are a must-try. It’s thanks in part to the work of Vegans, Baby founder Diana Edelman that Vegas is an up-and-coming hotbed for vegan food and drink.
Other options include tacos, burritos, flautas, and crunchy homemade vegan churros. Come celebrate great vegan food and drink with great friends.
The Las Vegas Vegan Taco and Beer Festival takes place on May 4 in the Tacos & Beer parking lot at 3900 Paradise Road.
Get your tickets for the inaugural event here.
3. SoCal VegFest
The SoCal VegFest is celebrating its fourth year running with plenty of vegan food, drink, and entertainment. Taking place in sunny Orange County Calif., the two-day festival aims to celebrate and educate all things related to healthy, eco-conscious living. This year’s vendors have yet to be announced, but past events have included vegan burgers, stacked sandwiches, dairy-free ice cream, tacos, and more. You won’t miss out on finding something delicious.
SoCal VegFest takes place on October 19 and 20 at the OC Fair and Events Center in Costa Mesa, California.
Get your tickets here.
4.Vegan Spring Fling
Orange County-based events company Plant Party People is kicking off Vegan Spring Fling with food, drink, live music, and games. Vendors include the Vegan Tamale Co., dairy-free mac from Avocadamama, Xochitl Vegan meatless asada and sandwiches, and artisan vegan cotton candy from Get Fluffed Up to get you in the festival mood.
Vegan Spring Fling takes place on May 19 at the Garden Amp in Garden Grove, Calif.
Get your tickets here.
5. Reggae Vegan Fest
Reggae Vegan Fest brings good food, good music, and good vibes. Legendary reggae band Third World will take the stage, which will also feature performances from Empress Akua, Drifting Roots, and The Movement. The full vendor list has not yet been announced, but all food will be vegan.
The music-centered festival also puts a spotlight on how a vegan diet positively impacts the planet, animals, and personal health through talks delivered by doctors, athletes, and activists alike.
Reggae Vegan Fest takes place on July 21 at NTC Park in San Diego.
Get your tickets here.
6. VegFest LA
VegFest LA is bringing more than 150 exhibitors to Encino, California. The event features over 80 vegan food vendors, a beer and wine garden, animal adoption, and a star-studded lineup of guests. Speakers include a vegan parenting lecture from “Clueless” star Alicia Silverstone, Farm Sanctuary founder Gene Baur, and journalist Jane Velez-Mitchell. Plant-based Mexican eatery Cena Vegan, sushi burritos, vegan donuts, pizza, dumplings, and ice cream are just a handful of the vendors you’ll find at the event.
VegFest LA takes place on May 5 at 6004 – 6076 Woodley Avenue in Encino, California.
Get your tickets here.
7. VegFest Colorado
VegFest Colorado is a two-day event that brings together the best local vegan food and drink as well as renowned speakers to talk about all things related to conscious living. This year’s festival is partnering up with Eco-Cycle to eliminate as much waste as possible through reducing packaging, recycling, and composting. Vendors so far encompass vegan New York style pizza, dairy-free soft serve ice cream, baked goods, and meatless burgers.
VegFest Colorado takes place on July 27 and 28 at the 1st Bank Center on Broomfield, Colorado.
Get your tickets here.
8. Vegan District
Enjoy good vegan food and the sunshine at Vegan District, Long Beach’s own outdoor vegan market. Vendors include plant-based comfort food caterer Compton Vegan (try the jackfruit ribs plate), dairy-free ice cream, meatless Cuban sandwiches from SEÑOREATA, tacos, sushi burritos, and vegan “Pop-Tarts” and donuts from Live Well Bakery. Come for the food, stay for the scenery — Vegan District takes place right near Long Beach’s iconic ferris wheel and merry go round, so there’s summer fun to have beyond just the food.
Vegan District takes place every Saturday at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach. Admission is free. For more information, visit the website.
9. Spokane VegFest: Healthy Living Expo & Music Festival
This year marks the sixth annual Spokane VegFest in beautiful Washington state. The community-focused event promotes easy ways that we as individuals can reduce our impact on the planet and lead healthier lifestyles. Visitors can expect to find food trucks, free food samples, vendors selling cruelty-free and vegan clothing and skincare, cooking demonstrations, massages, eco-friendly exhibitors, and nonprofit organizations promoting kindness toward animals. Previous year’s speakers include German strongman and animal rights activist Patrik Baboumian. This year’s event also features a festival within a festival with live music scheduled all day long. This is a family-friendly festival.
Spokane VegFest takes place on Saturday July 27 at Spokane Community College.
Get your tickets here.
*this is a sponsored post.
