DC VegFest is September 28

Yards Park, looking west.

I'm all hyped up over vegan food this week after recently eating Todd Gray's Muse vegan brunch at the Corcoran, enjoying a great dinner of vegan small plates at Zengo, and snagging a quick vegan lunch at the Woodlands Vegan Bistro (aka Everlasting Life) food truck. SO much easier to eat vegan in DC that it was 10 years ago. I mean, multiple vegan food trucks... come on now.

Now, DC VegFest has set a date for its awesome annual event: Saturday, September 28. 

VegFest transitioned from a niche, but quality, smaller event on the GWU campus to a full on summer festival at Yards Park in Southeast. The event is a mix of food vendors, vegan related non-profits & for-profits, government agencies, speakers, and other presenters. This year, the event returns to Yards Park on September 28 from 11:00am - 6:00pm. Organizers haven't released the full schedule yet, but the speakers include Paul Shapiro (Humane Society of the Untied States), Doron Petersan (Sticky Fingers), and Wendy Rieger (NBC 4). Very cool. See you there.

DC VegFest Moves to Yards Park

Vegan Treats at 2011 DC VegFest. Hopefully they return. (Photo: Compassion Over Killing)

The DC VegFest is this Saturday; and it is moving across town. The annual event, organized by Compassion Over Killing and the Vegetarian Society of DC, celebrates all that is to be vegetarian in the District. Last year's event was held at George Washington University and drew over 6,000 people. This year, the organizers are going big and have moved the event to Yards Park, one of my favorite DC outdoor spaces!

The 2012 VegFest will include more than 100 exhibitors, the return of the cupcake eating contest and yes, a beer and wine garden (!!!). Of course there will crazy food samples and food for sale (I'm hoping for the return of Pennsylvania's Vegan Treats). The known vendors include DC's Sticky Fingers, Everlasting Life Cafe and Bread & Brew, among others.

Yards Park is located 300 Water St SE, just a few blocks from the Navy Yard Metro station and Nationals Park. The fun starts at 11:00AM this Saturday and continues until 6:00PM. FREE and happens rain or shine. Come early if you can; the first 1,000 attendees will get a reusable DC VegFest bag with goodies inside. I can't come early : / but will be there midday. See you!

DC VegFest is Next Week

Vegan treats from Pennsylvania's Vegan Treats

On Saturday September 11, take the 42 bus (almost all the way) to the 2010 edition of DC VegFest.  2009 fest was an unexpected surprise for me; I hadn't heard of the event somehow.  The DC vegan scene is  substantial and growing, but events like this are hard to miss.  Anyway, now I know!

DC VegFest is not just about food, but it could be. Last year's festival darlings Vegan Treats of Bethlehem, PA will return to lead a stellar group of food vendors.  They made the marvelous treats seen in the photo.  The line stretched to over 50 people last year! No one left disappointed.  Sticky Fingers, Sunflower Vegetarian, Bread & Brew, Amsterdam Falafel and Cafe Green will be present among others.

Of course vegan minded organizations will be present with full booths of literature, books, giveaways and information.  I feel like there are way more this year than last.  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Vegetarian Society of DC and Humane Society of the U.S. are the biggest names I recognize.  There are over 25 total non-profit exhibitors presenting, at least, that many facets of living a vegetarian or veg friendly lifestyle. The for profit vendors include Portland's Herbivore, one of my favorite vegan clothiers.

DC VegFest is next Saturday (Sept 11) from 12:00 noon until 6:00pm and will be on the campus of George Washington University at University Yard, 2000 H Street NW.  That's about 5 blocks from the closest 42 bus stop or much closer to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station.  Get the full schedule and details on the DC VegFest website.