With live music, magic and more than 50 vendors serving vegan dishes, organizers hope to give the third annual VegFest a fun, festive atmosphere.
The event happens Saturday, July 5, at Maffeo Sutton Park.
"This year's Nanaimo VegFest you can expect to see more of a variety of vendors and diverse vendors, we have new vendors that just joined," said Teesha Middleton, Nanaimo festival organizer and vice-president of Positively Vegan.
In the morning, there will be speakers presenting on sustainable food systems, climate action and animal equity, while in the afternoon the band Gator will take the stage, featuring Coun. Paul Manly. During the event an all-vegan artisan market will take place as well as youth activities, including performances by Craig the Magician.
"The last two years we were heavy on the speakers … and I was hoping to gear it to a festival-type vibe such as bathtub weekend, where you can have a little bit of selection of both speakers and music."
Similar to previous years, a selection of vegan foods will be available for attendees to buy, with 53 businesses, many of whom will veganize their menu for the occasion. Among them is Van Isle Poutinerie, the Spud Barn, Taco Papi and more.
Middleton said Positively Vegan, which organizes the festival, wants to show the community that there's plenty of dietary options out there, and "plant-based isn't grass."
"I say, 'give me something, I'll make it vegan.' I have my grandmother's recipe book and I've almost made it 100-per cent veganized, I think she'd be very proud of me."
VegFest Nanaimo takes place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with free admission.
The festival has also expanded to travel to Victoria on Aug. 16 and Kelowna on Sept. 21.
