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 and has emerged as the face of plant-based dining in Las Vegas and the leading plant-based restaurant consultant in the city. She spent a decade in the travel blogging world before switching gears to work in elephant rescue in Thailand. Diana travels the world to meet chefs and try vegan food, as well as speak at events focusing on travel, tourism, veganism and entrepreneurship. She’s a partner with the prestigious James Beard Foundation and curates their Vegas Vegan Dinners at the James Beard House. Diana is also a partner with Life is Beautiful, curating the all-vegan Farm Stand.
