Last year, Houstonians lined up on a warm June day for the visiting Vegandale Festival, billed as “North America’s fastest-growing vegan festival.” The celebration of all things vegan included music, games, contests, dancing, and, of course, copious amounts of vegan food.
The fest returns this year on Saturday, November 9, at Sam Houston Park — specifically to draw more a larger crowd. “Our biggest learning from last year is that it might be too hot in June to host an outdoor festival,” festival spokesperson, Jenna Owen, tells CultureMap. Attendees can expect a full stage music, entertainment, games, dancing, and contests, and “an incredible sense of community being in the presence of thousands of other like-minded people,” adds Owen. Craft beers and wine will also be on tap.
Hungry yet? Some menu highlights from more than 100 vendors:
- Beer Cheeze Battered Beyond Burger (Southern Fried Vegan, California)
- Fish and Chips (Oh My Cod, Florida)
- Chickn Sando and Cajun Fries (Lettuce Fest, California)
- Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnaholic, Pearland)
- Bubble Waffles and Ice Cream (Eggloo, New York
Vegandale started on a Toronto street with a collective of vegan businesses, and has since evolved into the brand that’s now expanding across North America, “to show the world the ease and enjoyment of living without the use of animals,” according to the fest.
“People often think that veganism is a diet for white people eating only salads,” says Vegandale president, Hellenic Vincent De Paul. “We’re out to prove that veganism is rooted in justice for animals and that you can still enjoy all of your favorite comfort foods without exploiting animals.”
As CultureMap reported, Houston is just behind Austin as the most vegetarian-and-vegan-friendly city in the nation. “We expect around 100,000 attendees across all of our fests this year in-Chicago, Miami, Toronto, New York, and Houston,” notes Owen.
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The Vegandale Festival runs from 11 am to 7 pm Saturday, November 9, at Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St. Tickets and more information can be found online. $10.
The Vegandale festival returns to Houston.
Bistro Mistral serves classic fare like French onion soup. Courtesy of Bistro Mistral 