The Bizerkeley Vegan Food Festival debuted in 2021 to sold-out ticket sales and massive, marked crowds
The Bay Area’s arguably the nexus of California gastronomy — a convergence of dietary lifestyles and cheffing techniques that meet and mingle to make for a foodie oasis. Berekely, especially, has had a major role in that axiomatic existence, so it’s puzzling how it wasn’t until this time last year that the municipality had never hosted a food festival dedicated to vegan eats.
And because of Bizerkely Vegan Food Festival’s phenomenally successful first run, the plant-based happening is slated to return this summer.
“The reaction from the inaugural Bizerkeley Food Festival was astounding, so I’m absolutely thrilled to return to Sports Basement Berkeley for another year,” said Erika Hazel, whose founder of both the Bizerkeley Vegan Food festival and the like-named, hyperlocal blog it got its name from, to The Bold Italic in an email. “The event will once again bring the community together — vegan and non-vegan alike.”
Hazel announced earlier this week that the second annual Bizerkeley Food Festival would be held on Sunday, July 3rd, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the same venue as last year. It’ll also feature more than twice the number of on-site vendors than last year — over 40 businesses are expected to be present for the 2022 event, which will include both new and returning local vendors — as well as live entertainment acts, wellness and education workshops, and crafting stations for the artisanal, wholesome vibes.
Complementary and very cute and fun and fresh merchandise will be available to take for all who attend; prize giveaways are expected to place even more free goodies in the hands of a lucky few. (For the drinking-aged adults among us [which Google Analytics quantifies at least 87% of our readership], complimentary hard kombucha will be given out to those with valid identification cards.)
And like in 20201, Berekzeley Vegan Food Festival will also help raise funds for Friends of Berkeley Animal Care Services.
“We are happy to partner with a local cause again such as Berkeley’s beloved animal shelter,” Hazel continues. “It’s important for us to be aware of how we can best support our community and better the lives of animals in all aspects.”
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The animal shelter will have its own station at the festival, featuring a “doggy kissing booth” and silent auction — with 100% of the proceeds procured during the bidding going directly to the organization. Also… much of the art/products featured in the said auction will feature both Black-owned and LGBTQ-owned businesses, in addition to ventures started by young entrepreneurs.
After 2021 left us feeling disappointed by effectively being a lukewarm repeat of 2020, here’s hoping we can (at long last) enjoy the summer festivities to come — plant-based or otherwise.