VegFest Comes To Cleveland May 18

CLEVELAND — More than 15,000 people are expected to attend a day-long vegan festival in downtown Cleveland on May 18. The 2019 Cleveland VegFest is expected to fill up the Huntington Convention Center.

The festival will start at 11 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m. Last year's festival was one of the five most attended events at the convention center. Attendance is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. The first 7,000 guests that donate at least $5 will receive a free tote bag

The day will include a yoga sessions, food demos, live music, interactive kids' activities, a delicious selection of foods to try at the Cleveland Water Vegan Food Court and shopping in the Cruelty Free Marketplace.

"The vegan food options this year are off the charts - we’re talking sushi and wings and ribs and tacos - not to mention the desserts. This is food that even hardcore meat and dairy enthusiasts will love,” said Exhibitors Chair Cori Knol. “Our challenge will be managing lines and making sure vendors bring enough food for the hungry crowds.”

There will also be movie screenings and a variety of speakers discussing subjects like veganism, animal rights, social justice and the environmental impacts of animal agriculture. One of the co-founders of Greenpeace, Captain Paul Watson, will serve as the keynote speaker.

"We are honored to welcome Captain Paul Watson to Cleveland,” said Jennifer Kaden, VegFest speakers chair. “As one of the founders of Greenpeace, and the founder of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, he is the preeminent voice on ocean conservation. His talk on the State of the Oceans will definitely be a highlight of the day.”

Other talks include:

• Dr. Natalie Santiago “The Vegan Pediatrician” - Vegan Kids, Vegan Families
• Sarina Farb - The Future is Vegan
• John “Badass Vegan” Lewis – Hungry for Justice
• Brenda Davis, RD – Dispelling Nutrition Myths
• Christopher Sebastian – Race, Class, Species
• Rae Sikora - Brilliant Chickens, Einstein Fish