Positively Vegan is proud to present VegFest Nanaimo 2025, a free, all-ages outdoor celebration of compassionate living, local plant-based cuisine, and community joy. The festival returns to Maffeo Sutton Park (100 Comox Road) on Saturday, July 5th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with dozens of vendors, live performances, engaging talks, and family-friendly activities.

Set against the backdrop of Nanaimo’s waterfront, this year’s VegFest opens with a territorial welcome and blessing by an Indigenous Elder, followed by Indigenous artists, and youth performers with ‘Paul Manly’s band Gator,’ and ‘Craig the Magician.’ A full day of celebration will spotlight plant-based food trucks, an all-vegan artisan market, youth activities, and climate-conscious community groups committed to a better future.

“VegFest is about joyful offering of hope, healing, and connection through food, culture, and solidarity,” says Teesha Middleton, event coordinator with Positively Vegan. “It’s a place where everyone is welcome to come as they are, be nourished, and reimagine what’s possible.”

This year’s event includes:

• 50+ Vendors: From vegan karaage chicken to traditional plant-based fare from diverse cultures (e.g. El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago), cruelty-free skincare to handmade crafts
• Live Music & Dance: Featuring local Paul Manly’s band Gator
• Sustainability & Justice Talks: Bite-sized presentations on food systems, climate action, and animal equity
• Family Zone: Face painting, Bouncy Castle, Craig the Magician and more
• Non-profit Showcase: Learn how to get involved in animal protection, food security, and rewilding efforts

VegFest Nanaimo is part of a larger summer tour by Positively Vegan, with VegFest Victoria to follow on August 16, 2025, and VegFest Kelowna on September 21, 2025. All three festivals are designed to showcase plant-based options of local vendors while highlighting the planetary health, and personal health benefits of choosing to live free from animal exploitation. “

 Admission is free, and all are welcome