Large festivals run from April through October
May 2019 — Vegetarian festivals in South Chicagoland were ushered in this year with northwest Indiana’s Michiana VegFest April 14 in South Bend, IN, at the Century Center. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. new vegan products were showcased; well known speakers made presentations; nationally recognized chefs provided demonstrations. Vendors hawked their wares, children spent time in a special area, and everyone enjoyed the closing musical performance.
Like Michiana, Vegandale Fest will be held outdoors, but it charges admission. Currently, early bird tickets online are $10, but at the gate they could be double the price June 22; the e-tickets will be emailed on May 22. Children under 13 will be free as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The event is in Butler Field(south end) of Chicago’s Grant Park from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., but online registration provides a discount. Music is provided by the same group throughout the day for anyone who wants to dance, including children. Vendors hawk their food, drink and merchandise. Fountains are available to refresh water bottles. There are picnic tables and plenty of grounds to spread picnic blankets.
August brings festivals in the suburbs and on Chicago’s South Side; both are outside and free, offering food samples, tented vendors, tented presentations and entertainment by various groups. Veggie Fest is the largest in the country and family-oriented, with separate children’s, yoga and meditation tents on August 10-11 in South Danada Park in Lisle, IL.
Taste of Vegan Health and Wellness Festival, held later in August, is one day, smaller and has an African/Caribbean focus. Picnic blankets or chairs are welcome as the audience listens or dances to the varied live entertainment. More information will be provided in later issues.
VeganMania, unlike Vegandale Fest, is free, but asks for a suggested donation of $5. Unlike the other festivals, it is an inside event at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N Broadway St, Chicago. Tickets are sold for cash to purchase wares from the vendors and food court in the large noisy, friendly common area on the first floor. A common eating area offers tables and chairs near the food court. Musical performances on the first floor and presentations/ cooking demonstrations on the second floor are held in closed side rooms during the one-day October event.
Have you attended any large vegetarian festivals? What did you like about them? What did you dislike?