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20 Awesome Vegan Things to Do in Los Angeles This May

As Summer’s heating up, so are the vegan festivities. Oh, it’s Spring you say? Sorry, we can’t hear you out here in Los Angeles where seasons don’t exist. From recurring favorites like Smorgasburg to annual events like VegFest, May’s comin’ in hot. Like literally, have you seen those weather forecasts? Here’s this month’s itinerary!

Things To Do
Los Angeles

As Summer’s heating up, so are the vegan festivities. Oh, it’s Spring you say? Sorry, we can’t hear you out here in Los Angeles where seasons don’t exist. From recurring favorites like Smorgasburg to annual events like VegFest, May’s comin’ in hot. Like literally, have you seen those weather forecasts? Here’s this month’s itinerary!

1. Santa Clarita Vegfest

Saturday, May 4

Holla for making vegan food accessible in Santa Clarita! It’s about time our friends to the North get a taste of that vegan festival action.

 

2. Vegan District at the Pike Outlets

Saturday, May 4

From 12-5pm, stop by this all-vegan Long Beach block party for massive burritos from Cena Vegan, irresistible cookies from Maya’s Cookies, mouthwatering mac ‘n’ cheese from Avocadamama, and other unforgettable noms from SoCal’s finest plant-based vendors.

 

3. Sundays at the Gentle Barn

Sunday, May 5

Enjoy a relaxing Sunday away from the city with bundles of adorable, rescued farm animals. It’s like a dog cafe if you just think of cows as oversized Dalmatians… or, are we the only ones?

 

4. LA Vegfest

Sunday, May 5

Come for the food, stay for the talks, and leave with an uplifted spirit (and full stomach).

 

5. Navigating Veganism in Communities of Color

Thursday, May 9

A panel of powerful vegan influencers, from restaurant owners to nutritionists, discuss Los Angeles’ current state of accessibility to vegan food in communities of color.

 

6. Melrose Vegan Pop Up by F.A.K.E.

Saturday & Sunday May, 11 & 12

Meet vegan designers, get a cruelty-free makeover, and get a professional photo snapped at this free event! Sheesh, the photo alone is worth $30 in this city.

 

7. Vegan Pop Up & Open Mic Night

Friday, May 17

Plant-based comfort food, a live DJ, and a chance to tell your story, try out that slam poem, or test out some jokes conjoin at this local event in Leimert Park.

 

8. OC Night Market

May 17-19

Started by the founders of the legendary 626 Night Market series, OC Night Market highlights Asian street food at its creative peak. Browse vegan options from 200+ Eastern-inspired vendors in Costa Mesa.

 

9. Long Beach Vegan Social

Saturday, May 18

Featuring vendors like Chicana Vegana, The Falafel Factory, Compton Vegan, Srey Vegan, and more!

 

10. Vegan Spring Fling

Sunday, May 19

Music, vegan pop-ups, and a full bar. Need we say more?

 

11. Vegan Kickback and Cook-off

Sunday, May 26

Some of SoCal’s favorite vegan purveyors, including Avocadamama, Chicana Vegana, and Jade’s Vegan Sushi battle for the crown in an Iron Chef-esq competition. The best part for attendees is tasting all the food, regardless of who wins!

 

12. Punk Rock Thursdays

Every Thursday

Join our friends at Besties in East Hollywood for loud punk rock cuts and indulgent, sloppy, and mouth-watering eats from The Vegan Hooligans.

 

13. Vegan Pop-ups in Highland Park

Every Friday Night

Friday nights in Highland Park are a walk through vegan wonderland, complete with ice cream slides, horchata rivers, and quesadilla mountains. Okay, that doesn’t entirely make sense, but you get the idea—York St is a site to behold for any plant-based foodie.

 

14. African Vegan

Multiple Days

Experience an evening of intimate dining, accommodating hosting, and handcrafted vegan food inspired by the cuisines of several different African countries.

 

15. Vegan Pop-ups at BESTIES

Every Saturday

SoCal vendors join East Hollywood’s BESTIES—an all-vegan convenience store specializing in quick, easy, and affordable bites—for a midday excursion. Follow their Instagram page for updates on upcoming events!

 

16. Hinterhof's all Vegan German Brunch

Every Saturday & Sunday

Just a couple months after opening, Hinterhof is meshing German and American cuisines into one, cohesive eye-popping brunch menu. Some standout items include their Pretzel Bread French Toast and Schnitzel and Waffles, which is akin to a German take on chicken and waffles. If you’re ready for a lavish brunch you’ll never forget, Hinterhof is your weekend destination.

 

17. Vegan by EL Zamorano

Every Sunday

El Zamorano’s authentic plant-based Mexican cuisine is complemented by a variety of rotating vendors’ food, frequently including burgers, pizza, tamales, and more!

 

18. The Little Green Kitchen Pop-up

Every Sunday

Feast on nachos, tostadas, tacos, and cheesecake at the Brentwood Farmers Market from 9am-2pm!

 

19. Vegan Sunday

Every Sunday

Every vegan’s favorite weekly affair bursts into the Summer with extended hours and just as many must-try noms.

 

20. Smorgasburg

Every Sunday

Enjoy Instagrammable eats from LA’s most prestigious pop-ups, including Workaholic, Happiness Capsule, Donut Friend, Señoreata, and more! This month’s Smorgasburg tip: if you’re a French fry fanatic, swing by the Bao Haus tent for their taro fries with sweet and spicy, Asian-inspired marinara dipping sauce. We guarantee you’ve never experienced a fry like this before. Just be sure to get there early to secure your order, as they’re known for selling out!

Ryan Tempfer

Ryan is a cook, writer, and musician born and raised in Tampa, FL. With years of recipe testing for his Asian-American food blog, No Eggs or Ham, behind him, he strives to sharpen the image of vegan food by highlighting chefs who push the boundaries of plant-based cuisine. Unlike the advice your mom lent you, he encourages you to play with your food every chance you get!

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