You Won’t Believe How Amazing the World’s Largest Vegan Festival in Tel Aviv Is

Vegan festivals are popping up all over the world, and Israel has been no exception. With thousands of people flocking to Tel Aviv to attend Vegan Fest and celebrate plant-based living in all its forms, it has become one of the most sought-after events in the country. Learn more about this amazing vegan festival in Tel Aviv, including what you can expect from it, who should visit it, and why everyone needs to go at least once in their life!

What makes this event unique

In addition to being entirely vegan, Tel Aviv’s festival is also 100% cruelty-free. Event organizers worked with PETA to ensure that all animals were treated ethically. Instead of using leather or fur in their garments and accessories, designers used faux materials like hemp, faux leather, and microfiber suede. Organizers also had a no-smoking policy for animal safety reasons. Since most leather comes from cowhide, killing an animal for its skin is akin to asking people to kill you for your skin—at least that’s how PETA sees it.

Why Veg Fest is unlike any other festival out there

Veg Fest is an entirely vegan festival. Even if you’re not a vegan, Veg Fest offers an immersive, interactive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. With more than 70 international exhibitors from around Israel and abroad—including food vendors and other lifestyle brands—there’s always something fun to see and do at Veg Fest.

The action-packed schedule

First, let’s talk about how awesome it is that there’s a vegan festival. It’s not just any old festival—it’s THE largest vegan festival on earth. Wow! If you think that doesn’t sound like a very big deal to you, then you should know that (according to Happy Cow) there are only two cities in all of Europe where vegans can be sure they won’t be left with anything to eat at all: Jerusalem and… Tel Aviv.

Last year’s highlights

The highlights of last year’s festival included a panel discussion on how to eat a healthy vegan diet and workshops on using hemp products for skincare and baking. In addition, there were plenty of delicious vegan options at kiosks throughout Rabin Square. One stand offered hearty traditional Israeli food such as falafel made with jackfruit instead of meat. Another stand served up Fattoush – grilled flatbread topped with cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint. Yet another offered an omelet filled with smoked tofu dressed in hot sauce and tamari sauce that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of Israel’s vegan movement is its ability to use local ingredients to create an authentic taste that cannot be replicated anywhere else!

Why you should come this year

This year marks an important milestone for Evolution – our 10th anniversary! What began as a festival of 250 people has grown into a diverse conference and festival with more than 10,000 people attending. If you’re not convinced that you should visit yet, then here are just some of the reasons why you need to come

Who is coming?

50,000 people are expected to flock to Israel’s first vegan festival! The one-day event will feature speakers, cooking demos, food and beverage samples from dozens of vendors, contests, a film screening, and live music. Even though it’s a one-day event, it will take place over three locations: Sapir Square (4th floor), Jaff Port, and Bloomfield Stadium. There is also a VIP package for an additional fee. You can find out more about tickets here. We’re planning on checking out all three venues as well as sampling some of our favorite restaurants—we hear Max Brenner has amazing dairy-free ice cream!

Where to stay during Veg Fest

When it comes to staying at a hotel for Veg Fest, all you need is a good night’s sleep and a safe place to keep your items (like any medications you may be taking). That said, if you have time to spend exploring between meals or after being stuffed with your fair share of vegan eats, I highly recommend checking out some of my favorite vegan-friendly places around town. Here are just a few suggestions: If you’re traveling with pets and want to stay somewhere very centrally located (and budget-friendly), look no further than Max Brenner Hotel. The rooms here aren’t massive, but they make up for it by making people feel like they’re living their best chocolate-covered life during their time spent inside them.

Restaurants and cafes for all tastes, budgets, and lifestyles in Israel

From hummus and falafel to vegan ice cream, Jerusalem artichoke soup, and seven-grain bread, Israel’s diverse culinary offerings have something for everyone. Add to that an ever-expanding network of vegan restaurants and it seems impossible that anyone could still be craving meat. Yet despite a culture built on eating great food (and more of it), many travelers are surprised to find that Israel is also a haven for vegans—so much so