Feb
The vegan community in Canada has been growing steadily in the past years and 2019 looks like an exciting year for us vegans. The release of the new Health Canada Food Guide with its major focus on fruits, vegetables and plant-based protein; mainstream media such as The Economist and Forbes declaring 2019 “The Year of the Vegan” and the general craze around the Beyond Meat and other revolutionary new products, are set to give veganism another huge boost.
Last year saw a whole bunch of new VegFests popping up all over Canada and we’re very happy to see many of them coming back for a second time this year.
What exactly is a VegFest?
It’s a celebration of all things vegan. While they’re open to anyone and certainly aim to attract vegans and veg-curious alike, everything sold at a VegFest has to be vegan! Usually, you’ll find a good selection of local vegan food trucks and a vegan market with all sorts of vegan companies showing off and selling their products.
VegFests are usually accompanied by music performances, speeches, and workshops. Many animal rescues, sanctuaries and animal rights organizations will also attend and tell you about their work and ask you to support them with a small donation or by signing a petition.
Are you pumped yet? Here’s our big list of all VegFests and vegan events scheduled for 2019.
Did we forget one? Please let us know in the comments.
Ontario
Veggie Fest Hamilton
When | May 4, 2019. 10 am – 6 pm
Where | Ancaster Fairgrounds
Admission | Free + free parking
Kicking off the official VegFest season in Ontario is Veggie Fest Hamilton. In its 6th year, this one is always a crowd-pleaser
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Veg Spring Market
When | May 5, 2019, 11 am – 6 pm
Where | Artscape Wychwood Barns, Toronto
Admission | Tickets necessary
Toronto’s yearly spring market powered by the Toronto Vegetarian Association.
Mississauga VegFest
When | May 11, 2019, 10 am – 6 pm
Where | Port Credit Memorial Arena
Admission| Free
Mississauga’s VegFest is back for its second year and will be adding outside vendors due to the massive success of 2018.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Ottawa VegFest
When | Jun 1-2, 2019
Where | The RA Centre
Admission | $5 admission
A two-day VegFest in its 9th year with a total of 100 vegan vendors
VegFest Windsor
When | June 9, 2019
Where | Lanspeary Park
Admission | Free admission
The Sustainable Block Party + Pop Up Market
When | June 29, 2019
Where | Organic Garage, Toronto
Admission | Free
This exciting event will bring together influencers, media makers, the community and local companies for delicious vegan eats & drinks, sustainable shopping and a silent auction
Kitchener-Waterloo VegFest
When | July 6, 2019
Where | City Hall, Kitchener
Admission | Free
Kitchener-Waterloo’s VegFest is back for a second year, taking place at a super central location in Kitchener: city hall.
Sarnia VegFest
When | July 7, 2019, 11 am – 5 pm
Where | Canatara Park
Admission | Free
Sarnia’s outdoor VegFest is happening for the 3rd time this year. Besides food vendors, they also offer music, speakers and a dog love station.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Muskoka VegFest
When | Aug 10, 2018, 10 am – 6 pm
Where | River Mill Park, Huntsville
Admission | Free admission
Muskoka’s VegFest is back for its 2nd year and will take place in beautiful Huntsville, in the heart of cottage country.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Toronto Vegandale Fest
When | Aug 10, 2019, 11 am – 7 pm
Where | Fort York, Garrison Common
Admission | $10 – $20 admission
A vegan food & drink festival taking place in four North American cities. The Toronto edition features a great variety of local, national and international food vendors.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Toronto Vegan Social Popup
When | Sep 5, 2019 – 6:30 pm – 11 pm
Where | Lovechild Social House
Admission | $35
Toronto Veg Food Fest
When | Sep 6-8. 2019
Where | Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
Admission | Free admission
The Toronto Vegetarian Association’s biggest event of the year, the Veg Food Fest features more than 140 vendors and many many guest speakers.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Peterborough VegFest
When | Sep 15, 2019
Where | Millenium Park
Admission | Free admission
Happening for the 3rd time in 2019, Peterborough VegFest is a family-friendly festival in downtown Peterborough.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
VegFest Guelph
When | Sep 21, 2019 – 11 am – 5 pm
Where | Riverside Park
Admission | Free admission
It’s back! VegFests old location is still under construction, but they’ve found a new home at Riverside Park.
Eat Drink Thrive
When | Oct 19, 2019 – 10 am – 6 pm
Where | Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls
Admission | $5
Durham Vegan Festival
When | Oct 20, 2019
Where | Abilities Centre, Whitby
Admission | Free
VegFest London
When | Nov 19, 2019, 10 am – 6 pm
Where | Metroland Media Agriplex, London
Admission | $5 admission
A huge indoor festival happening since 2013, last year’s VegFest London attracted more than 7500 attendees.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
KW Vegan Christmas Market
When | Nov 24, 2019
Where | Descendants Brewery, Kitchener
Admission | $5 (suggested donation)
Organized by us, this will be KW’s first Vegan Christmas Market featuring 10-15 local vegan vendors. All ticket proceeds will be donated to Froghollow Farm Sanctuary.
Veg Holiday Market
When | Nov 24, 2019
Where | Whychwood Barns, Toronto
The TVA’s annual winter market. This year with extended hours, craft beer and wine.
VegFestivus, A Vegan Night Market
When | Nov 30, 2019
Where | Leon’s Centre, Kingston
Ring in the holiday season with 40 Vegan food and drink vendors from all across Ontario.
VegFestivus, A Vegan Holiday Market
When | Nov 30, 2019
Where | Peterborough Square, Peterborough
Celebrate the season with our 2nd Annual holiday pop-up market
Toronto Vegan Christmas Market
When | Dec 14, 2019
Where | The Gallery, Ontario Heritage Centre, Toronto
Open to the general public, the Vegan Christmas Market features a curated group of vendors offering a wide range of vegan products.
British Columbia
What | Powell River VegFest
When | Aug 10, 2019
What | Kelowna Vegan Festival
When | May 26, 2019
What | VegExpo Vancouver
When | May 5, 2019
What | Vegtoria
When | July 20, 2019
What | Vancouver Vegan Festival
When | July 27, 2019
What | Vegan Market at Fort Langley
When | Sep 28, 2019
Alberta
What | VegFest Calgary
When | Jun 15, 2019
Manitoba
What | Winnipeg VegFest
When | Sep 21, 2019
Nova Scotia
What | Halifax VegFest
When | Sep 22, 2019
Quebec
What | Montreal Vegan Festival
When | Sep 21 & 22, 2019
What | Montreal – Marché de Noël Végane / Vegan Christmas Market
When | Dec 7, 2019