The best vegan festivals around the world (and when to go)

If there’s one thing vegans know how to do, it’s turn a lifestyle into a full-on celebration.

Whether you’re in the mood for smoky jackfruit sliders, climate talks that don’t make your head spin, or an oat milk latte with foam art that deserves its own Instagram grid—vegan festivals are where plant-based culture hits peak flavor.

From sun-soaked summer lineups in Europe to cozy community pop-ups in the Pacific Northwest, vegan fests are more than a good time—they’re a tangible, tasteable look at the future of food.

And yes, they’ve got more to offer than free tote bags and hummus samples (although, let's be real, those are always welcome).

Let’s globe-trot through the best vegan festivals around the world—and exactly when to pack your reusable cutlery.

1. Veganuary-inspired: Vegfest UK (London, UK – October)

Think of it as the Glastonbury of plant-based eating—but with fewer mudslides and more seitan shawarma.

Vegfest UK is one of the longest-running vegan events in the world, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year. What started as a modest gathering in Bristol in 2003 has blossomed into a full-blown cultural force.

Now hosted in London’s iconic Olympia venue, this two-day event is a buffet of vegan everything—cuisine, fashion, fitness, tech, and activism.

Don’t miss: Live cookalongs from British vegan chefs, sustainability panels with climate scientists, and indie vendors selling vegan cheeses that could fool your French aunt.

Best time to go: Early October, when the UK’s fall chill pairs perfectly with a hot vegan curry.

2. Sun, sand, and soy curls: Vegan Block Party (Orlando, FL – October)

If your ideal weekend includes palm trees, Latin beats, and birria tacos made from mushrooms, Vegan Block Party in Orlando brings the flavor—minus the Miami humidity.

This year’s event takes place in Lake Eola Park, right in the heart of downtown. With its lakeside views, swan boats, and shaded green space, it’s a scenic upgrade that pairs perfectly with an afternoon of sampling plant-based eats and dancing to live DJ sets.

Expect climate-conscious vendors, pop-up fashion stalls (pineapple leather, anyone?), and a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion.

Best time to go: October. The humidity’s eased, but the vibes are still on fire.

3. Street food heaven: Vegan Street Fair (Los Angeles, CA – March)

Come hungry. Leave full. Bring a Tupperware just in case.

Vegan Street Fair is exactly what it sounds like—a massive open-air feast in the middle of LA. But it’s also a celebration of how diverse plant-based eating can be. You’ll find Ethiopian injera wraps, Filipino sisig bowls, soul food barbecue, and tacos that make even the most skeptical omnivores pause mid-bite.

Best part? All dishes are available in “mini” sizes so you can sample widely without hitting a tofu wall.

The festival draws a melting pot of people—foodies, families, influencers, and chefs scouting the next big thing.

Pro tip: Wear sunscreen, stretchy pants, and be ready to queue for the good stuff.

Best time to go: March, before LA’s summer heat kicks in and melts your cashew ice cream.

4. Mediterranean flavor with a message: Vegan Life Festival (Athens, Greece – October)

If feta-less Greek salads and olive oil-drizzled everything sound like your vibe, Vegan Life Festival in Athens delivers—with a big side of community action.

Hosted in the heart of the city, this is Greece’s largest vegan event and one of the most culturally rich plant-based festivals in Europe.

The vibe blends tradition and innovation—think moussaka remixed with lentils, spanakopita without the dairy, and street-style souvlaki made from seitan or mushrooms.

But it’s more than food. Vegan Life Festival is rooted in education and activism. You’ll find panel talks on animal rights, workshops on reducing food waste, and pop-up markets from local eco-entrepreneurs.

The crowd? A beautiful mix of locals, tourists, students, and curious omnivores. It’s accessible, high-energy, and very Instagrammable (sunlight on whitewashed buildings never gets old).

Best time to go: October—when the Athenian heat has mellowed, but the festival energy is in full swing.

5. Culture meets community: Vegandale Festival (Multiple U.S. & Canadian cities – Spring through Fall)

Vegandale is a touring festival with a name that sounds like it belongs in a Tim Burton film—but make it plant-based.

From New York to Toronto to Chicago, this traveling fest is known for its wild branding (think: slogans like “Morals over milk”) and unapologetic attitude. It’s bold, diverse, and intentionally disruptive in a way that makes you rethink the status quo.

What sets it apart: Art installations. Spoken word performances. Fierce apparel. It’s part resistance, part celebration—and always delicious.

Don’t miss: The mac and cheese donuts, vegan Nashville hot chicken, and photo booths with slogans that double as conversation starters.

Best time to go: Depends on your city—but they usually roll through each spot between May and September.

6. Southeast Asian roots: Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Thailand – October)

Heads up: This one isn’t entirely vegan, but it’s one of the oldest and most intense plant-based festivals on the planet.

Rooted in Taoist traditions, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival spans nine days and honors spiritual cleansing through plant-based eating. It’s a sensory overload: ceremonial parades, piercing rituals, fire walking, and stalls of meat-free street food.

While you’ll need to ask vendors about dairy or egg ingredients (not all offerings are strictly vegan), the festival’s deeper message is clear—food is sacred, and what we eat is intimately connected to how we move through the world.

Cultural note: Dress respectfully, stay curious, and bring an open mind (and maybe a camera with a strong zoom lens).

Best time to go: Early October. Check lunar calendar dates, as it follows the ninth Chinese lunar month.

Why vegan festivals matter more than ever

Sure, they’re fun. But vegan festivals do more than serve up great eats and cool swag—they build bridges.

Every booth, every bite, every conversation is part of a larger shift toward more conscious living. They turn ideology into experience, making things like food justice, climate action, and animal rights feel human and tangible.

They also give local vendors, activists, and creators a platform. The ripple effects go beyond one weekend—fueling small businesses, building community networks, and normalizing sustainable choices in cities where plant-based eating might still be seen as fringe.

Festival tips to make the most of your visit

You’ve got your ticket, your appetite, and your stretchy pants. Now what?

Whether it’s your first vegan festival or your fifteenth, a little strategy goes a long way. Here’s how to level up your experience and make every plant-based moment count.

• Bring cash and card: Some vendors are old school; others take Apple Pay. Be ready for both.

• Pack light: Reusable cutlery, a water bottle, and maybe a foldable tote. That’s it.

• Don’t skip the talks: Panels and demos are where real learning (and inspiration) happens.

• Taste adventurously: If you only go for burgers and cupcakes, you’ll miss the magic. Try something you can’t pronounce.

• Go with friends, leave with more: These events are built for connection. Say hi. Share snacks. Trade opinions.

The takeaway

In a world of urgent headlines and endless scroll, vegan festivals are little pockets of hope. They show us what the future can look like—not just greener, but tastier, kinder, and more connected.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just plant-curious, these events are worth the trip. Because in the end, changing the world might start with something as simple as sharing a jackfruit taco with a stranger.