By Breanna Ewell | Staff Writer

ALLEGHENY COMMONS — Every year, the Northside hosts a one-day, plant-based festival known as “VegFest,” and it’s coming back this Aug. 5. The festival, which is located at Allegheny Commons Park, brings thousands of visitors, according to event organizers Leila Sleiman and Natalie Fristick.

Sleiman and Fristick co-founded the festival, which began in 2015. The idea was aroused by other countries and cities having VegFest, according to Sleiman.

“Why not in the city of Pittsburgh?” she said. Sleiman also said “The thought of having residents in the community and other people from neighborhoods enhanced more excitement for the project.”

A fun fact about VegFest is that there is no entry fee. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Festivities at the event include: family-friendly activities, live music, kid activities, animal organizations, plant-based food vendors and small business stands.

“The goal yearly is to bring Veg Fest to a staple summer festival in the Steel City,” Sleiman said.

For more information check out the festival website, PittsburghVegFest.org, email PittsburghVegFest@gmail.com or check out the festival’s Instagram @PittsburghVegFest.

“Veg Fest is so beautiful and vibrant because people from communities gather and enjoy different festivities that bring positive energy,” Sleiman said. “It allows people to be introduced to small business, give plant based food options from food vendors, and help citizens build animal connections.”