DC Vegfest: Bigger, Better, and More Delicious Than Ever

DCVF_Sharegraphic9 (1)Are you vegan, vegetarian, or just curious about eating a more plant-based diet? Then this year’s DC VegFest on September 20th is not to be missed. Held at beautiful Yards Park on the DC waterfront, DC VegFest is a free day-long celebration that includes speakers, cooking demos, more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, a “Barking Lot” where four-legged furry friends can romp, music, and much more.

This year’s keynote speaker is Robin Quivers–also known as Howard Stern’s sidekick–and author of The Vegucation of RobinWashington Post writer and author Joe Yonan along with Doron Petersan of Sticky Fingers Eats and Treats are on tap to do cooking demos featuring easy-to-make vegan dishes the whole family will enjoy.

More than 25 restaurants will be showcasing their healthy eats at the festival, ranging from kombucha from Craft Kombucha and freshly pressed juice from South Block Juice Co. to vegan Chinese food from Vegetable Garden and vegan pizza from Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza. Those looking for refreshments a little harder than juice can even take advantage of the beer and wine garden, sponsored by Bread & Brew.

Other exhibitors not to be missed will include all-natural skin-care lines, yummy baked goods, organic dog treats, and even a local culinary arts school specializing in healthy, plant-based diets.

Nine authors and chefs, including event MC and The Cheesy Vegan author John Schlimm and 73-year-old ultra-marathon runner Dr. Betty Smith will speak throughout the daylong festival. Other speakers include:

  • Lesley Parker-Rollins — Vegan mom and host of Ask a Vegan Family
  • Bryant Terry – Eco-chef and author of The Inspired Vegan and Afro-Vegan
  • Dr. Neal Barnard – President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
  • Alexis Fox and Micah Risk of Lighter Nutrition Coaching and Community

DC VegFest highlights the many benefits and flavors of vegetarian eating and shows how easy and delicious it is to choose healthier, more sustainable, and kinder foods. Attendees will enjoy free food samples from So Delicious, Tofurky, Larabar, Way Better Snacks, and more as well as tasty vegan cuisine from nearly two dozen food vendors.

Attendees will also have the chance to peruse exhibitor booths from such animal-friendly organizations and companies as Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, the Humane Society of the United States, Conscious Corner, A Well-Fed World, Animal Rescue Bar, Washington Humane Society and many more.

In addition to this event being free and open to everyone, the first 1,000 attendees will also get a free 2014 commemorative DC VegFest tote bag loaded with veg-friendly products, coupons and more!

The DC VegFest was originally founded by the Vegetarian Society of DC and has been organized by Compassion Over Killing since 2009.

Organic Beer, You Say?

UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled for Friday February 12th!

Our friends over at The DC Green Connection are partnering with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and Peak Organic Brewing Company to bring you a special networking event featuring organic beer. Tim Adams, co-owner of Peak Organic (brewed in Portland, Maine), will give a short overview about their brewing process and talk about what makes their product organic.

Along with copious amounts of frothy goodness, you will be able to mingle with current SAIS masters students and alumni and explore topics ranging from Copenhagen COP15 outcomes to the latest initiatives in carbon financing and market developments on alternative energy.

The details:
When: Friday, February 5. Doors open at 5:00 pm. A short program begins at 6:30 pm. Doors close at 9:00 pm.

Where: Johns Hopkins University SAIS – Nitze Building (1740 Massachusetts Ave NW, Paul H. Nitze Building, Kenney Auditorium)

RSVP: To http://www.meetup.com/The-DC-Green-Connection or email dcgreenconnection@gmail.com

Price: $10.00 DCGC Members* & Students, $15.00 Non-Members (Includes 2 beer tickets).
(Non-member fee includes 2010 membership discount).

Details: Please bring an official ID to show the guard in the lobby where you will also register for the event and pick up your drink tickets.

More Info: Contact organizers Samit Shah (281.723.8190) or Monika Thiele (206.790.1769)

Green Events: December

Still feeling the sour aftertaste of 2009? Get into the holiday spirit with these three fun eco-fab events.

Monday December 7th

Kickoff to Copenhagen 2009 Holiday Mixer

Join the DC Green Connection and CarbonfreeDC for the “Kickoff to Copenhagen” holiday mixer. Learn about what’s going on at the Copenhagen Climate Change discussions from climate policy expert Will Gartshore, enjoy Restaurant 1905’s  cocktails and food samples, and network with other greenminded Washingtonians.

There will also be a small silent auction with proceeds going to support CarbonfreeDC’s efforts to green low-income neighborhoods as well as to promote the DCGC mission of educating consumers and growing the green economy.

When:  December 7, 2009, 6:00-9:0o pm
Where: 1905 9th St. NW, upstairs (*Near U St. Cardoza Metro stop on 9th & U)
Tickets: $15 General, $12 DCGC Members. Includes one free drink, appetizers, and drink specials all evening. (Cash/check at the door)
RSVP: dcgreenconnection@gmail.com

Tuesday December 8th

Green Drinks

The monthly gathering is back–this time at Farmers & Fishers. Adrienne Spahr, Founder of Green Living Consulting will offering green holiday tips.

When: Tuesday, December 8th, 6:30-9:30 pm
Where: Farmers & Fishers (formerly Agraria) on the Georgetown Waterfront (Fountain Level), 3000 K St. NW
RSVP: Green Drinks on Facebook

Tuesday December 15th

DC EcoWomen Holiday Party

Join the DC EcoWomen (and men, this time) for a happy hour and networking event. Enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar at one of DC’s leading sustainable restaurants, Farmers & Fishers.

When: Tuesday, December 15th, 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: Farmers & Fishers (formerly Agraria) on the Georgetown Waterfront, 3000 K St. NW (in the Sunflower Room)
RSVP: Strongly encouraged through the group’s Facebook Event Page. If you’re not a Facebook member, RSVP to rsvp@ecowomen.org.

Organic Wine Tasting

wineLearn how a grape goes from the vineyard to your glass at an organic wine tasting sponsored by The DC Green Connection on Friday September 18th at 6pm at Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Join sommelier Brian Cook on a virtual tour of organic wine production starting on the vineyard and ending with a tasting of several varieties of reds and whites. And what would a wine tasting be without a cheese pairing? Your ticket also entitles you to delicious canapés and an artisanal cheese board prepared by the restaurant’s chefs.

Space is limited so reserve your spot by emailing organizer Monika Thiele at dcgreenconnection@gmail.com or 206.790-1789. Tickets are $25 (members), $30 (non-members) at the door.