VegFest, presented by VegMichigan, will return to the Suburban Showcase Collection on Sunday, April 30. Now in its 18th year, the taste fest and expo has grown to be one of the largest vegan festivals in Michigan, educating families on the benefits of transitioning to a plant-based diet.
“VegFest has something for everyone,” says Paul Krause, president of VegMichigan.
The daylong festival is expected to draw a crowd of 5,000 or more.
Attractions include more than 150 restaurants, vendors, and exhibitors, including Bit Baking Co., Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Ann Arbor, Detroit Friends Potato Chip Co., and Eden Foods. Attendees can also enjoy “cruelty-free” shopping from stores like Compassion Co. and CosmoRiley.
But, the festival is much more than a food and shopping excursion.
“It’s a place where we can educate people about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, but we are also including entertaining events,” says Krause.
All-day events will include presentations by speakers like cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn as well as Dr. Kerrie Saunders on fighting disease and achieving optimal health through diet. Michael Dorn, best known for his role as Worf in Star Trek TV shows The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, will also discuss how a vegan diet changed his life.
Attendees can also participate in live cooking demonstrations by local chefs and educators like Jessie Ho-on of Avalon International Breads.
New this year is the Kids’ Zone, which will include games, face painting, and arts and crafts. There will also be a virtual reality exhibit where kids and adults alike can experience the life of a farm animal through 360-degree goggles.
This year’s festival begins at 10:30 a.m., with tickets starting at $12. Children 6 and younger can enter free.
For tickets and more information about the festival call 877-778-3464 or visit www.vegmichigan.org.
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