VegFest comes back to the ‘Burgh

Photos by Chloe Burkart and Lauren Stauffer

Saturday, August 4, Pittsburghers gathered in the Northside at Allegheny Commons Park for the city’s fourth annual VegFest.

With the goal of promoting a sustainable lifestyle, the event hosted hundreds of vendors selling vegan and cruelty-free beauty products, scented candles, art and much more. VegFest-ers floated from tent to tent indulging in everything this festival had to offer.

Festival goers were invited to sample endless vegan eats. The company Beyond Better offered three flavors of vegan queso: mild original, spicy and black bean, so delicious you’d never know they were dairy-free. In addition to salty snacks, vendors such as Sugar Spell Scoops and Sweet Alchemy Bake Shop provided guests with delicious desserts. Treats ranged from vegan cookies, ice cream, donuts, and everything in between, proving veganism does not mean neglecting your sweet tooth.

Furry friends of all kinds were also meandering around the festival. Dogs, cats and even pigs were eager to say “hello” and to thank guests for advocating for them.

Kindness and compassion filled the park with positive energy aiming to inspire non-vegans to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. And for those already leading a vegan lifestyle, the spirit of VegFest reaffirmed their decision.