The annual VegFest Los Angeles is returning to Woodley Park on May 6, bringing with it a full day of vegan food, cooking demonstrations, live music, speakers, and non-profit organizations. The event is expected to attract over 20,000 attendees as they taste, learn, and play. More than 90 food vendors will be on site serving up delicious vegan fare, from massive burritos to green smoothies; however, there is so much more to experience beyond these vegan eats. Grab a bite from a few of your favorite food vendors, then check out these activities to enjoy a full day of vegan inspiration and fun.
VegFest Los Angeles – Beyond the Food
1. Learning Kitchen
Sure, there’s plenty of food around, but do you know how to recreate it at home? Pop by the learning kitchen to refine your plant-based culinary skills and take something home besides a half-eaten box of donuts. Learn how to create simple, whole food meals from Caitlin Shoemaker (From My Bowl), and kid-approved vegan dishes from That Vegan Mom. The Supreme Banana will also entertain the crowd with her food-centered shenanigans. Finally, all speakers will go head-to-head in The Great Vegan Mac & Cheese Cook-Off!
2. Kid’s Kingdom
Are the little ones getting fidgety waiting in those long food lines? Grab a snack and head over to the Kid’s Kingdom for some family-friendly entertainment. The dedicated kid’s area will have face painting, an arts and crafts station, and a bounce house – perfect to expend that excess energy from those vegan cupcakes so you can have a pleasant car ride home.
3. Live Music
Missed Coachella? Enjoy a live concert without heading to the desert at the Main Stage. Jam out to vegan bands playing everything from indie rock, reggae, bluegrass, and the latest DJ hits. Artists include Sara Dee, Valley Soul, Johnny Love, The Turners, Christopher Ameruoso’s Swam Rock Music, and J Brave Feat. Shylah Ray – the Plant-Based MC & DJ. Turn it up!
4. The Oasis Beer & Wine Garden
It’s fairly easy to predict the weather in Los Angeles, and that means only one thing: it’s probably going to be hot. Chill out with a cool beer from The Lagunitas Brewing Company in the 21+ Oasis Beer & Wine Garden. Lagunitas will be serving its flagship IPA and premiere a special VegFest Beer. Those who prefer some bubbly can opt for the Summer Love, the festival’s signature mimosa made with vegan champagne.
5. Vegspiration Tent
Meet your favorite vegan activists and influencers at the Vegspiration Tent. In the morning, learn from Earthling Ed about how to start a conversation about veganism, then stick around for vegan power couple Shaun Monson (director of “Earthlings”) and Amy Davis as they speak to the new wave of the animal rights movement. The afternoon sessions are also packed with impressive activists and leaders. Hear from journalist Jane Velez-Mitchell, followed by Farm Sanctuary’s Gene Baur, Sea Shepherd’s Captain Paul Watson, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk, and “Speciesism” director Mark Devries.
Beyond these incredible activists, there will also be a large social media presence. You follow them on Instagram and Youtube every day, here’s your chance to meet them in person! Don’t miss Happy Healthy Vegan, Rawvana, Supreme Banana, Mic the Vegan, Sweet Simple Vegan, and more.
Finally, learn how to improve your plant-based fitness from a panel of elite vegan athletes, moderated by Cam F Awesome. Hear from Olympic medalist Dotsie Bausch, bodybuilder Nimai Delgado, and the Badass Vegan, John Lewis. You’ll be sure to get a few new answers to the never-ending, “Where do you get your protein?” question.
6. Mind-Body-Space
Festivals can be overwhelming. What to eat? Why is the line taking so long? Where’s the bathroom? We get it. Find some peace at the Mind-Body-Space, “a healing oasis focused on love and gratitude.” Join in a vinyasa flow, center yourself during a sound bath session, find calm with essential oils, learn how to meditate, or burn off the stress with some acroyoga and a core class.
7. Non-Profit Booths
Have some fun and do some good. Dozens of vegan non-profits will be in attendance to educate festival-goers about their important work. Engage with volunteers and find a cause that resonates with you. To start, check out the Kindred Spirits Care Farm and Animal Equity booths and ask how you can help make an impact.
8. Pet Adoptions
Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters in the US every year, according to the ASPCA. If you have the time and financial ability, consider adopting a new furry family member via the pet adoption center. Seven rescues will be on site with adoptable animals, including the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation, Best Friends Animal Society, Have a Heart Animal Sanctuary, Kitten Rescue, SNPLA, and Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue.
VegFest Los Angeles is free to attend. The event will be held at Woodley Park on Sunday, May 6, from 10:30 am – 6:30 pm. VIP passes and fast passes are available online.
Image Credit: VegFest Los Angeles.
