Northern California's largest vegan food festival drew over 5,000 attendees over Labor Day weekend.
Northern California’s largest vegan food festival, the Bizerkeley Food Festival, returned in full swing this Labor Day weekend, attracting over 5,000 attendees to Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park on Sunday, September 1. The event brought together a vibrant mix of vegan and non-vegan guests to celebrate plant-based living in an atmosphere buzzing with excitement, delicious food, and community spirit.
Photo by Jeffrey Littman
A Feast of Flavors and Fun
Festival-goers explored an impressive lineup of vendors and nonprofits from across the country, indulging in a variety of mouth-watering vegan bites and creative twists on classic dishes. Over 80 vendors showcased their offerings, including well-known food and beverage brands like Prime Roots, Eclipse Foods, and Nature’s Fynd, along with local favorites such as All Pau Berkeley, Chef J. Redd, and Cocobreeze. Attendees also discovered unique lifestyle, wellness, art, and apparel brands, creating a holistic celebration of the vegan lifestyle.
Erika Hazel, founder of the Bizerkeley Food Festival, said, “Every year, my aim with the Bizerkeley Food Festival is to shine a light on these exceptional brands, giving them a platform to showcase their unique offerings and connect with the community. I’m overjoyed with gratitude by the incredible turnout of attendees. It warmed my heart to witness the energy of our thriving vegan community, as vegans and curious newcomers came to discover the diverse flavors and innovations of plant-based cuisine.”
Photo by Jeffrey Littman
Entertainment and Community Impact
The festival wasn’t just about food. A dynamic lineup of entertainment kept the crowd energized, with headliner Stunnaman02 performing his hit “Eat A Salad,” alongside Audiopharmacy and PWT Dance Academy. Guests also enjoyed interactive games and a silent auction that successfully raised $2,500 for the local Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to supporting the community.
Photo by Jeffrey Littman
A Platform for Veganism
Founded by Hazel in 2021, the Bizerkeley Food Festival showcases top-tier vegan businesses while supporting local causes like Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary through a silent auction.
Hazel said, “My philosophy is that vegan cuisine is made for everyone because it represents cultures and cuisines from all over the world. At the festival, I had the joy of meeting guests from all walks of life, each with their own unique reasons for spending their Labor Day weekend with us. Their shared enthusiasm for supporting our plant based entrepreneurs truly turned it into a wonderful celebration.”
Erika Hazel, Founder of Bizerkeley Food Festival Photo by Jeffrey Littman
For more information, visit TheBizerkeleyVegan.com.
