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
Totally Fabolous Vegan Bake-Off
When | TBD
Where | The Glass Factory – 99 Sudbury
Admission | Tickets necessary
Toronto’s yearly compassionate baking extravaganza powered by the Toronto Vegetarian Association.
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.
Veggielicious
When | TBD
Where | Restaurants in Toronto & across the GTA
Veggielicious is an annual culinary celebration coordinated 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 | TBD
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
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 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 | TBD
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 | TBD
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.
Durham Vegan Festival
When | TBD
Where | Abilities Centre, Whitby
Admission | TBD
Kingston VegFest
When | TBD
Where | St. Lawrence College
Admission | Free admission + free parking
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
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
Alberta
What | VegFest Calgary
When | TBD
Manitoba
What | Winnipeg VegFest
When | TBD
New Foundland
What | St. John’s VegFest
When | TBD
Nova Scotia
What | Halifax VegFest
When | TBD
Quebec
What | Montreal Vegan Festival
When | TBD