5 Reasons to Visit the Vegan Beer & Food Festival
Los Angeles's celebrated Vegan Beer & Food Festival makes its Northwest debut on Saturday, Sept. 26. We understand that anything with the v-word makes omnivores wary—and we know, we know, you could never give up cheese—but we're convinced that the party has plenty to offer any eater (or drinker!). Here are five reason to head to Zidell Yards and join the fun:
- It’s one of the last outdoor beer fests of the year—and pours are free.
Beer festival season is finally winding down, and this might be your last chance to soak up the sunshine while snacking your way through a pretzel necklace. Better yet, your admission ticket includes unlimited tastes—no token rationing here!
(Wondering which of your beloved craft brews are vegan? Many of Portland’s most popular beermakers pass the test, including Base Camp, Rogue, Deschutes, Ecliptic, and Coalition. Several California craft brewers will bring their sun-kissed suds up north for the event, and big names like Lagunitas, New Belgium, and Elysian will also make appearances. Gluten-free pours will be provided by Ground Breaker and local cider makers.)
- Many of L.A.’s tastiest food trucks will be there.
This marks the festival’s first foray out of Los Angeles in its six-year history, and many of the fest’s most popular vendors are trucking north to make their Portland debut. It may be a vegan event, but don’t expect quinoa-tofu bowls… instead, these SoCal carts will offer deep-fried cheesesteaks, fried chicken waffle sandwiches, baja street tacos and even mock Big Macs.
Meanwhile, beloved local eateries will be whipping up new dishes for the event—expect loaded kimchi fries and chocolate covered caramel stout cheesecake from Blossoming Lotus, and pecan derby pie (made with Ground Breaker beer) from Back to Eden Bakery. And don’t miss the debut of Portland’s newest plant-based restaurant: Of Roots and Blooms may not have a storefront yet, but the team promises handmade smoked apple beer sausages, along with their legendary mac & cheese and cashew fromage fort.
- It’s also a music festival…
VBF enlisted the folks at Doug Fir Lounge to secure a quality soundtrack for this food & drink fete. Banjo-slinging alt-folk group Thao & the Get Down Stay Down promise a rollicking headline set, with back-up from local bands Mimicking Birds, Modern Kin, and Genders.
- ….and a kombucha festival…
Whether you avoid gluten, abstain from alcohol, or just want to pamper your gut flora, VBF has you covered with limitless probiotic pours. Guests include local ‘booch makers like Eva’s Herbucha, Lion Heart, Humm, and Brew Dr., as well as big-name brewers like GT’s and Health-Ade.
- …and a craft fair!
There’s only three months until Christmas, so give your stomach some time to digest by perusing paintings, pottery, teas, tank tops, and... tofu pirate plush toys? It is a vegan festival, after all.
Vegan Beer & Food Festival
Zidell Yards (3121 SW Moody Ave)
September 26th, 12pm–7pm
PLUS: We're giving away two tickets to the Vegan Beer & Food Festival. Tell us why you want to be there in the comments below. (Winners must be 21+, we'll pick a winner on Wednesday, September 23.)
