It’s getting to that time of year. The weather is getting warm, the sun is shining, and the vegan festival season is about to get into full swing. What’s even better is that the number of vegan festivals is increasing each year. Here are my top 7 vegan tips when it comes to going to vegan festivals in your town.
Choose a vegan festival that suits you.
Are you on a budget? Do you have a shopping list for all your Christmas goodies? Or do you just want to try the latest vegan products and food? Have a look at the festivals coming up in your area and see which ones are going to suit your needs. Check out the vegan vendor list and their individual websites. Is the vegan festival easy to get to? Make sure there’s plenty of public transport, or ample parking if you prefer to drive.
Set a vegan festival budget.
Sometimes it’s easy to spend more than your budget, especially if you want to support more than one vegan vendor. If you’re on a budget, put a little cash aside for the vegan festival you choose to go to. On festival day, pace yourself and buy what you need and a few extras for something special. Don’t forget to budget for your vegan food and drinks on the day. Plan in advance as to who you’re going to support and stick to your plan.
Choose your moments.
A known festival fact: you can’t always avoid the crowds!
Crowds are unavoidable but you can minimise your exposure to them. If you want to enjoy your time at the vegan festival without the crowds and queues, then choose to go early. Check out the vegan vendors you want to support, see the talks or performance acts you want to see, then leave early. Not only will you have a memorable vegan festival experience, but you’ll conserve energy. If things start to get a little overwhelming, then seek out a quiet area.
Arriving early also means you get to try new vegan products and food before the vendors run out of their stock.
BYO vegan festival buddy.
I have a better time at a vegan festival if I take a festival buddy. Bring a friend, or group of friends, with you so you can enjoy the experience with others. Your vegan festival buddies can also help you if you want to share new vegan foods or if you can’t quite finish your vegan meal. Plus, you have a someone with you if you happen to fall ill.
If you go with a group, choose a meeting spot before you break up and head in different directions. Then, you’ll always find your vegan festival buddies and not lose one another.
Take your reusables.
There’s never been a better time to take your reusables. Kick waste to the curb and put a kit together that includes a cup, water bottle, plate and cutlery. Don’t forget a couple of containers if you plan to buy some cakes or sweet treats for later. If you’re planning to buy larger items, don’t forget to pack a compactable bag. Bring a backpack so you can keep your hands free as you wander.
Don’t forget the non-profits.
Not-for-profit organisations love vegan festivals because they can tell you all about how they’re promoting veganism, saving animals and championing some of the causes you care about. Show your support and donate to a non-profit on the day or buy some of their merch or sign up as a volunteer. Every bit counts.
Dress for the occasion!
Keep your eye on the weather report in the days leading up to the event and on the day. Then, dress accordingly. Make sure you pack sunscreen, hat and a compactable umbrella so you’re ready for anything. Comfy shoes are a must, too.
Upcoming vegan festivals in Melbourne
Head to a vegan festival in Melbourne this year. Here’s a couple to book into your calendar.
Sunday October 15: VegoFest at the Old Cheese Factory, Berwick
Saturday November 18: The Vegan Market Melbourne at Seaworks Maritime Precinct, Williamstown
Sunday 10 December: The Vegan Christmas Market at Federation Square, Melbourne
