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!
