The first Vegas VegFest presented by CompassionWorks International and sponsored by Violette’s Vegan, takes place April 9 at the Clark County Ampitheater near Downtown Las Vegas from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
While these festivals of everything plant-based (aka vegan) have been taking place around the country for years, 2016 marks the first time the festival debuts in Las Vegas.
Thanks to CompassionWorks International and its founder, Carrie LeBlanc, along with a dedicated team, the Vegas VegFest is bringing together more than 40 vendors, from Violette’s Vegan to Panevino and the debut of the new all vegan, fast food spot, GFY, as well as lifestyle vendors like Widow Den and more.
“Over the past couple of years, the plant-based, veg lifestyle has become more mainstream,” said LeBlanc. “As more and more restaurants begin to offer veg-friendly menus, and more businesses in town begin to cater to requests from customers to offer cruelty-free products, we decided now is the right time to bring an important event like this to Las Vegas.”
The Vegas Veg Fest brings together local, regional, and national brands which offer food and products that do not use animals or animal by-products.
Speakers, including Paul Shapiro, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection at the Humane Society of the United States and the Vegan Bros, are going to take the stage to educate attendees about the benefits of going cruelty-free.
The event is free and suited for everyone — vegans and non.
“It’s not only for people who identify as plant-based, but is welcoming to those who simply want to learn more about what having a plant-based lifestyle means,” said LeBlanc. “We want to show that by eating delicious food, anyone can make a positive impact for people, animals, and the planet.”
Diana Edelman is the founder of Vegans, Baby. She previously lived and worked in Thailand working for an elephant sanctuary and has traveled around the world speaking about the realities of elephant tourism, being a positive activist and entrepreneur at events including TBEX, SEED Food + Wine, VegFest Puerto Rico, VegFest Toronto and more. Diana is a proud partner with the James Beard Foundation and curates their Vegas Vegan Dinner series at the famous James Beard House, as well as the vegan activation, The Farm Stand, at Las Vegas’ Life Is Beautiful festival.
