In late 2015, a small group of folks scattered throughout the Hampton Roads area joined together to pursue a common goal: provide their community with the biggest celebration of plant-based fare in the region.
The inaugural 2016 VegFest, presented by Smithfield Pig Save, was a hit: Thousands converged on Festival Center at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to dine on delicious food, shop local goods, meet movers and shakers from the animal advocacy movement, rock out to local musicians, and learn about vegan eating.
The second and third annual VegFest at Chesapeake City Park proved to be even bigger and better, with over 4,000 attendees enjoying mouth-watering food from over two dozen local eateries, 50+ vendors and exhibitors, local music, a kids’ zone, yoga, a beer garden featuring Smartmouth Brewing, acclaimed speakers, contests, and so much more — all spotlighted by local media. And the runner-up from the first annual Vegan Pie-Eating Contest presented by My Vegan Sweet Tooth stole the throne at the grand finale in 2017! In 2018, we kept growing and growing: with a special food demo on Coast Live, 5,000 people, more food, more vendors, more fun, and more pie!
Our fourth annual festival on November 3, 2019, at Mill Point Park in Hampton, marked VegFest’s Peninsula debut and brought over 5,000 together for a celebration of compassionate living. Our headliner was The Deloreans, a beloved and energetic local 80’s cover band, and the speaker roster featured hip hop artist Grey, known for his viral “Vegan Thanksgiving” video.
Hampton Roads VegFest 2022 presented by Detox Dandy was our most record breaking festival yet with combined 130 vendors showcased over 2 days and an estimated 7,000 attendees. We flooded the boardwalk of the VB Oceanfront and featured 6 free educational workshops, 2 main stage speakers, live music & entertainment, HR VegFest Got Talent!, Caribbean and Latin dance fitness, ‘Best Of’ VEGAN Awards, Kids Vegan Sanctuary, Advocacy Circle, enhanced handicap accessibility, travel & hotel accommodations on the beach, campus organization connections and so much more! Through our generous sponsors, we were able to provide partial scholarships to many vegan businesses as well as covered vendor fees for all animal sanctuaries and rescues involved.
We are looking forward to HRVF 2024 at Chesapeake City Park and are so excited to update you on our wonderful entertainment, activities, and vendors. Visit our homepage for more updates, or check out our Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop.
