Vegan News
Dallas' Texas Veggie Fair returns for 2019 at exciting new location
Texas' biggest and best veggie fest is back, but this time in a new location: Texas Veggie Fair will host its 10th annual event on Saturday November 2, for the first time in downtown Dallas.
This is also the first time it's been held in November.
After seven years at Reverchon Park in Oak Lawn, the fair will be held outdoors at the Dallas Farmers Market, taking over The Shed and the new City Futsal Dallas Sports Park adjacent to the Farmers Market which opened in July.
Co-founder James Scott says that he actually considered the Dallas Farmers Market as a venue for the very first year.
"That was back when it was a city venue, and they contacted us about doing it there," Scott says. "It didn’t quite fit at that time but it's always been on our radar as a possibility."
He says that Reverchon Park has been "lovely," but the fair has somewhat outgrown the space. The 2018 Texas Veggie Fair welcomed approximately 15,000 attendees, and they anticipate more attendees in 2019. The fair has grown every year.
The annual event showcases a variety of plant-based foods, products from local and national vendors, speakers, cooking demos, live music, craft beer, yoga and kids’ activities, and more. Texas Veggie Fair is family-friendly, free, and open to the public.
"It's nice visually but the logistics for an event like this are not ideal," he says. "The park has a lot of space but not usable space for an event like this with hundreds of vendors."
The game changer for using the Dallas Farmers Market was the addition of City Futsal, which comes with valuable covered areas that are perfect for vendors.
"There's room for our speakers, chef, demos, and other vendors," Scott says. "There's also a lot of spaces for seating and eating. We're going to be the first festival out there that will take over entire park, both the shed and the City Futsal facility."
Presenters and speakers for the 2019 event include:
- Kendrick Farris, a three-time U.S. Olympian and one of the plant-based athletes featured in the film The Game Changers
- Carol Adams, feminist-vegan advocate and acclaimed author, will speak about her award-winning book Protest Kitchen
- The Sustainable Duo, eco-entrepreneurs, will do a "Let’s Get Zero-Wasted" presentation
Eddie Garza, Senior Food and Nutrition Manager for the Humane Society of the United States and a leading figure in the movement to reform food systems in Latin American communities, will offer cooking demonstrations in both English and Spanish.
Miss Krystle, vegan electro-pop singer/songwriter, will perform on the Blue Circle Media Stage, where local musicians and DJs will also be featured throughout the day. Panel discussions on Plant-Based Pregnancy & Parenting, Health & Nutrition, and more will be hosted by One Life Radio.
Beyond Meat is among the first-time vendors joining the Texas Veggie Fair lineup, while local favorite Spiral Diner & Bakery will participate for the 10th straight year.
V-Eats Modern Vegan at Trinity Groves and Viridescent Kitchen are partnering with Texas Veggie Fair as Special Venue Sponsors.
Ben's Body Basics out of Shreveport, Louisiana, is sponsoring Farris' appearance.
A full case of cakes at Pietro's. Photo courtesy of Pietro's