Written By Sason Bishope Parry
Berkeley Ca USA
On a bright and beautiful Labor Day weekend, the vibrant city of Berkeley became the epicenter of plant-based living as the Fourth Annual Bizerkeley Vegan Food Festival took over Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. Sunday,
September 1st, marked the triumphant return of this much-anticipated event, which has quickly grown to become the largest vegan food festival in Berkeley. This year, it drew over 5,000 enthusiastic attendees, both vegan and non-vegan, from near and far—including some dedicated souls who traveled all the way from Southern California to bask in the sun and savor the delights of a festival that has become a beacon for the plant-based community.
The festival has solidified its place as a welcoming space where everyone—from seasoned vegans to the merely curious—can explore the ever-expanding world of vegan cuisine and the compassionate lifestyle that embodies veganism.
With each passing year, the festival celebrates the joys of plant-based eating and embraces a charitable spirit, raising $2,500 this year for the local Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary.
This commitment to supporting the community and promoting ethical living was palpable as festival-goers poured into the park, greeted by the warm smiles of Bizerkeley staff and the promise of delicious giveaways, like the much-loved Mellody Foods vegan honey.
Sponsors played a pivotal role in making this year’s event a smashing success. Prime Roots, with their delectable vegan deli meats, Natures Fynd, who introduced their Fy whole protein with lots of delicious giveaways and Eclipse Foods, debuting their new vegan bonbon ice cream.
The festival grounds were transformed into a veritable vegan oasis, where tantalizing aromas mingled with the sounds of laughter and music, creating an atmosphere that was as joyful as it was energizing.
Attendees were treated to a global culinary journey, with over 80 vendors showcasing vegan versions of beloved dishes from around the world.
Whether it was savoring a classic burger reinvented with plant-based ingredients or discovering a new favorite dish with an international twist made vegan, there was something to satisfy every palate.
From Coco Breeze’s vegan Caribbean creations to Srey Vegan’s Cambodian-inspired delights, there was no shortage of mouthwatering options.
Oakland’s Humbowl offered nutritious vegan bowls, while Vegan It Should Be served up alkaline-powered dishes that left everyone feeling rejuvenated.
San Francisco’s Nixta Foods wowed the crowd with their Salvadorian-inspired vegan pupusas, and Masala Gossip introduced attendees to easy-to-cook vegan Indian sauces. The diversity of flavors on display was a testament to the creativity and passion driving the plant-based movement.
Dessert lovers were in for a treat as well. The Green Flour Bakery sold out early, a testament to the irresistible allure of their vegan offerings, while Raydiant Vybes kept the crowds coming back for more of their sweet treats.
Fruitopia’s organic fruit bowls provide a refreshing option for those seeking a lighter indulgence. And for the beverage enthusiasts, the festival didn’t disappoint—Berkeley’s own Wow Wow Lemonade, as well as The Lemonade Bar and Mossed Juicery, offered thirst-quenching options, while Hippie Chai’s instant teas and Three Trees plant-based milks added a touch of comfort. On a mission to help sheltered animals, Coffee Companions served great coffee with an aura of compassion, and Dr Hops brought their health-conscious hard kombucha for those looking to unwind.
“The Bizerkeley Food Festival is all about community, celebration, and showcasing the incredible diversity of plant-based cuisine,” said Erika Hazel, the founder of The Bizerkeley Vegan and the visionary behind the festival. Every year,
I aim to shine a light on these exceptional brands, giving them a platform to connect with the community.
I’m overjoyed and grateful for the incredible turnout of attendees, almost triple the amount from last year. It warmed my heart to witness the energy of our thriving vegan community, as vegans and curious newcomers came to discover the diverse flavours and innovations of plant-based cuisine.”
The entertainment lineup was equally dynamic, keeping the energy high and the crowds engaged throughout the day. Headliner Stunnaman02, a proud vegan himself, brought his infectious hip hop raps and energy to the stage, turning his hit song “Eat A Salad” into a massive singalong that left everyone craving a healthy, plant-based lifestyle.
His hour-long set, featuring collaborations with Audiopharmacy and PWT Dance Academy, was a festival highlight, blending music, activism, and community spirit into a performance that resonated with the audience. Stunnaman02 also surprised the crowd by bringing out special guest C5, an Oakland-raised, Los Angeles-based artist who recently went vegan. Together, they rocked the park with C5’s Earth Day song and collaboration with PETA, “Go Vegan,” further amplifying the festival’s message of compassion and sustainability.
Beyond the music and food, the festival invited attendees to explore a rich tapestry of lifestyle, wellness, and planet-friendly organizations, along with animal wellness groups, art, and apparel brands. Passionate vegan artist Jen Swift enchanted festival-goers with her vibrant animal and nature paintings, while Shani’s Living Creations displayed beautifully handcrafted pots filled with thriving plants.
Malaya Botanicals introduced attendees to their vegan and CBD-infused skin products, and Vegan Power Co drew crowds with their fun and stylish vegan merchandise. Dzolik’s vegan leather products and Dancing Medicine Woman’s holistic wellness offerings further enriched the diverse selection.
Eco-friendly nonprofits like Acterra were present to educate and inspire action for a healthier planet, while the California Pitbull Rescue provided insights into adopting pit bulls, offering fans a
chance to support animal welfare. The festival was filled with inspiration for veganism, leaving no shortage of ways for attendees to take home a piece of the festival spirit.
The silent auction, which contributed to the $2,500 raised for Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary, was another highlight, allowing attendees to support a worthy cause while bidding on unique and meaningful items. It was yet another way the festival fostered community engagement and underscored the values at its heart.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Hazel shared, “My philosophy is that vegan cuisine is made for everyone because it represents cultures and cuisines from all over the world.
At the festival, I had the joy of meeting guests from all walks of life, each with their own unique reasons for spending their Labor Day weekend with us. Their shared enthusiasm for supporting our plant-based entrepreneurs truly turned it into a wonderful celebration.
It takes us almost a full year to plan the festival, with all the moving parts. To see so many people turn out and my vendors do so well is beyond rewarding for a community and lifestyle that I love so much.”
As the day drew to a close, the sense of community and shared purpose lingered in the air. The Fourth Annual Bizerkeley Food Festival not only provided a platform for innovative plant-based brands but also fostered connections, inspired change, and celebrated the joys of living a compassionate, vegan lifestyle.
For those who attended, it was more than just a food festival—it was a powerful reminder of the potential for a kinder, more sustainable world. Erika Hazel, a longtime passionate vegan and animal lover herself, along with her inspiring team, truly outdid themselves.
With events like the Bizerkeley Food Festival and the inspiring vendors and people that contributed to its success, the future is bright for veganism and the animals it seeks to protect, offering a different way of living more compassionately to all those who attended.
The festival was such a massive hit that The Bizerkeley is already planning a satellite show in Hawaii.
Erika has also hinted at plans for the fifth annual Bizerkeley, which she says is in the works to be even bigger and will take place September 7, 2025, so mark your calendars now. We can’t wait to experience it again!
For more information about The Bizerkeley Vegan and future events, visit thebizerkeleyvegan.com
