Vegfest

Love this festival! So many amazing samples… Everything from grilled cheese sandwiches, to granola bars to chocolate to smoothies. And only $ 8 for all day. But be prepared, it does get crazy busy in the middle of the day and lines can be long.
Recommend going twice… Once at the beginning of the festival and also on the last day during the last 2 hours. At the end, they may be out of «some» samples, however if they have tons of samples left, they will give them out free or super cheap.

Honestly, I’ve never been to vegetarian event before. I’m not sure why it took me so long. First I will say I’m glad I went on Sunday since it was free parking in Seattle. Yussssssssss!
Secondly, as I crossed the courtyard next to the International Fountain I could already smell the goodies even before I entered the Exhibition Hall. Walking up to the event, there were volunteer handing out literature and schedules. Way to be proactive. It as only $ 8 to enter. Let’s just say I was not prepared for the amount of samples that this event had. There really were a huge amount of samples. Practically every table had something whether it be a burger cut in quarters or some chia seed chips or beeless honey. Let’s also just say, I’m glad I didn’t eat before I came since I got several cups of different organic and inorganic chips, seeds, juices, elixirs, «milks», «hamburgers», gummis, candies, and even beeless honey. Beeless honey you ask… well it’s made with apples. I know… I was shocked too.
They had several books and media I had never seen and the books were mega cheap. I didn’t stay for any of the cooking demonstrations but that is probably what wafted outside to draw the crowds in, as if they needed prompting.
And I mean wow there had to have been at least 300 – 500 people there. So many veggie friendly people. Almost everyone had a smile on their face.
A few notes: Although there were free samples, overall it seemed to be a lots of snacks and chips and only a few items that were sustainable. Vegetarians can get fat too from eating too many snacks. Also, everything was in those little sample cups. It was probably for health reasons, but I couldn’t help but be flabbergasted at the amount of cups that were thrown away. I guess it’s easy for someone to just take a cup and walk away rather than carry a paper plate around the whole time and use tongs. I’m just sayin’ from a «green» standpoint. Also, I have never seen so many vegetarian/​vegan/​gluten-​free/​veggie friendly people in one place which was amazing in itself, but all those hot bodies made the exhibition hall a little warm as well so keep that in mind and don’t be afraid to take some clothes off when you go (just not too many clothes wink nudge). And since there were so many people it is very hard to move so if you’re the claustrophobic type, this might be an event you want to miss. Don’t bring a large stroller if you don’t need too and bring a reusable bag so that you don’t waste a plastic one they give you as you enter.
I definitely will be back and maybe with a friend next time.

My three favorite things about vegfest:
1. Free samples. Oooh, the free samples. Don’t bother having lunch before you come in here, even if you’re picky. Every table in this place was handing out something and before I knew it I was so full of granola and fake cheese that I wished I’d skipped several meals beforehand.
2. Offending the vendors. Alright, it wasn’t on purpose. But I’m honest. And when someone offers me a vegan protein drink claiming everyone loves it but when I taste it it’s like someone mixed Samosa seasoning with a vanilla milkshake, I’m going to tell them as much. And man, are their reactions ever amusing.
3. Learning about new ways to enjoy vegetarianism. I’m not a vegetarian on purpose. I have medical issues that make it a must. So it was really cool getting to see all of these veggie products I never would’ve known about otherwise, like the co-​op thing you can join that delivers organic veggies every week, or all kinds of yummy veggie snacks I never would’ve known existed.
Of course, I also enjoyed laughing at the people trying to push their religious veganism onto me and the zealots that are inevitable with a thing like this. But it was definitely a fun experience and opened my eyes to a few things I think even meat eaters would enjoy.
So if you get the opportunity to give it a go, put on your honesty face, get ready to pucker up and spit things out in front of vendors, and make sure you have a camera on hand. You might even find something you really enjoy!

I’m looking forward to Vegfest 2014. That said, the food offered at this event is in no way healthy. The levels of salt, fat and sugar in most of the products are ridiculous high, and vegetables like potatoes and unhealthy refined grains were prominently featured.

It’s great to avoid animal products if you have ethical reasons to avoid them. It’s also great for the planet. I’m personally interested in eating a healthy diet and living a long life. This involves avoiding animal products as well as excess salt, fat and sugar.
Of the hundreds of food offerings at Vegfest 2013 I found two or three that were healthy enough that I would consider eating them. This is insane. Avoiding animal products just to die of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and cancers caused by eating the garbage offered as a replacements for animal products makes no sense at all. I’m hoping that the 2014 festival steps up and offers more healthy options. I was really hoping to find products and businesses that offered healthy prepared options. There must be someone other than Whole Foods that sells healthier food!

Definitely worth going to, at least once, to check it out. Tons and tons of unique vegetarian/​vegan products. Can’t say they were all healthy but definitely some tasty stuff, like the orange fake chicken. I think I tried it three times. :P
You really can have soy as a replacement for EVERYTHING! And most of it tasted great, if you already like soy like I do.
Personally, I enjoyed sampling everything from carrot cake to lentil chips to chocolates to chai tea to flavored tofu to cookies to Indian food to cookies to cereal, etc. When I left, I had a huge bag of samples to take home with me. I felt like it was Halloween. I wouldn’t mind coming back in a few years.

I was visiting Seattle on the weekend of the Vegfest and decided that I should visit it because of the high reviews on Unilocal.I was pensive because there is an entry fee (and I’ve never been to a vegfest with an entry fee before). But, the entry is nothing once you realize all the deliciousness that awaits you inside! (Entry was $ 8). This place is packed with veg treats. It was like a tradeshow for veg products. I am vegan and I would estimate that I was able to sample at least 90% of what was there. It was also very easy to see what was vegan (most things are labeled, and if they’re not… you can just ask). I was stuffed with delicious treats by the time I left, and I definitely didn’t even have the stomach to try everything. Plus I left with a bag full of samples to take with me. I got to try some products (mostly certain vegan cheeses) that I have seen in stores, but are pricey and I don’t have the income to indulge in them (thanks grad school for the below poverty salary!). Plus I left with a ton of coupons for products, so if I do plan to indulge later, at least I’ll indulge at a discounted rate.
It was so good, I almost went back on the second day. Frankly, I would have if it wasn’t a Sunday and I wasn’t a long bus ride away. Thumbs up!

This is always a good event with lots of vegetarian and vegan products to try for your $ 8 admission fee. But this event has gotten WAY too big for its current location in the Seattle Center. While it’s still possible to move around and get all the samples one would like to try, the problem is that there is nowhere to just sit/​stand and catch your breath for a second. There is just a constant shifting sea of humanity that pushes everything along with it. So, bigger location next time, m’kay?

The food quality here is way better than the food at the Bite of Seattle, and I’m not even a vegetarian. Go famished as there will be more than enough samples to satisfy your appetite.
Since organic/​vegetarian food may be expensive or may taste a bit different for us non-​vegetarians, I think that this is a great way to sample the items without any substantial loss to your wallet or stomach. You are bound to walk away from this festival more educated about the impacts of food on your health and some new favorite food brands.
If there is one thing that this festival has taught me, it is that vegetarian food has come a long way in taste compared to the good ol’ days. In fact, just from having attended one of these festivals, I’ve since replaced many of my snacks, drinks, and dessert items based on taste alone. It’s definitely worth it to skip your $ 8 lunch item and spend the money on the ticket and eat at the festival for your lunch instead.
Get there within 15 min. of their doors opening to avoid the crowd. Otherwise, this place is packed by the time afternoon rolls around.

This was great!
I’m not a vegan, but I love to try new foods. I’ll be back next year!

All that for only $ 8? There are a ton of samples here! I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but I like to try new things so this was seriously worth it. Plus Dave of Dave’s killer bread was there :) The only thing I didn’t particularly care for was the propaganda sheets that were being passed around out front.

this is CRAYCRAY. no joke. I even woke up early to go to this and by the time I left (around noonish), a lot of the samples were already gone.
There are a lot of vendors so it does even out the price of your ticket (if this is your first time going)
I don’t think I’ve had so many soymeat samples in my life! and not to mention soy/​coconut/​almond milk & smoothies.
some vendors were unique but I don’t think you really ‘buy’ stuff there unless you sign up for the vegetarian of washington membership? people were paying $ 22 for a huge bag of vegan groceries and a membership of some sort.
it was a fun first time experience but pace yourself. it’s a jungle in there!

VegFest is a great idea, but…
It’s so crowded in such a small space. It’s a stressful battle every time just to get a tiny sample almost all the vendors.
Then there is really no place to peacefully eat. It’s basically a big battle to get your sample and stuff it in your face while you can.
Some vendors pack up early and others run out of samples before the day is out. I found it disappointing for the entry fee.
The food quality is great. But the samples can sometimes be tiny and not as many vendors as I was expecting. Though some places do give out extremely generous samples or even full size retail bottles or packages of amazing stuff.
Would love to see something like this better organized and in a much larger building.

This is easily the best festival in Seattle all year! I went a few years back with my mom. Neither of us are actually vegetarians: I am a pescatarian and my mom is just interested in food and healthy living.
For $ 8, we saw so many demos, tried probably 20 samples of unique foods (from vegan dairy items to meats to ethnic foods to all sorts of juices and vegetables), got tons of coupons and signed up for a membership with Vegetarian Times (which also came with a goody bag).
I think the reason Vegfest works is because unlike other festivals, no one really just goes «to find something to do.» Everyone is there because they are vegetarians or are interested in vegetarianism/​healthy living. Everyone there is engaged and excited. No exhibits slack off or offer lackluster food like, say Bite of Seattle.
This is a total steal and I will def. be back!

A huge room full of people and very well-​labeled vegetarian samples for $ 8? WIN!!!
My first experience of Vegfest was this year (2011) and I’m SO glad I went!
The samples were great, the people were friendly, the samples and coupons to take home were great, the labeling (vegan, gluten free, etc) was fabulous, and I was amused when they handed everyone a paper grocery bag on their way in (to collect goodies and «literature»).
I love that they show people that they can eat a lot (both snacks and real meals) and get VERY full without eating meat (or dairy or gluten if you happen to skip all the samples containing those).
The only downer: There was some sort of set-​up mishap, so the recycling bins didn’t make it out onto the floor until pretty late in the day (on Saturday).

This was a total bust! It is mostly a food sample free-​for-​all of processed soy based imitation meat products. If you do not currently have a soy allergy and would like to develop one, this event is for you! One or two exhibit rows will do it. They said there were demonstrations and lectures but the place was a mad house and I had no clue where they were located. We did find the restrooms because they had very large signs pointing in their direction.
The fall fair at PCC is much much better.

I love love love vegfest, okay so its probably because I am a vegetarian, but even if I wasn’t I still think its great fun. For only 8 $ you can try samples of so much food. It definetely can replace a meal or two. Usually you leave with some stuff to take home as well. There is something for everyone, even the pickiest meat eater. It reminds me of what bite of seattle used to be many years ago on a much larger scale. I look forward to this event all year and I almost always renew my vegetarians of Washington membership at the festival as the goodie bags are so great. Sure this year it was 22 $ but I am sure I made up for that in the stuff I took home at least. I love getting coupons and getting a chance to try some of the expensive vegetarian food I might not want to buy without having a taste first. It can be crowded though and its largely volunteer run so sometimes questions do go unanswered. I hate to share this secret with so many people as I want all the vegetarian food for myself. I was so sad I didnt make it both days, already hoping for next year.

I got to check this event out for the first time, and I really enjoyed it! It is a great deal that you get to sample so many vegetarian/​vegan items only for $ 8. Because some of the vendors were extremely popular and swarmed by a mob, I didn’t get to ask questions about their products. Nonetheless, it was nice to try out new and different snacks/​drinks/​vegetarian meats that I’d been wanting to taste. (I think I’ve discovered new favourites!)
It was extremely crowded with a variety of people (great to see a lot of families with young kids), which tells me there are a lot of public interests in vegetarianism/​veganism. Way to go, Seattle!

My family has been going to this event for a long time, and today was my first visit. I have been a vegetarian for years and seriously was introduced to so many things I did not know existed. Wow! I Couldn’t believe all the samples. Seriously, so many fun things to try. The volunteer staff was amazing but it was challeging for them as people were asking questions about the product they were serving and they did not know specifics. A company representative at each booth (some had them) would have helped with answering questions.
This is fun event to attend and would recommend it if you can make it tomorrow. Important tidbit –no debit/​credit cards to purchase tickets. Cash/​check only. A Book area where you can purchase books to take home is also available.

I just got back from Veg Fest 2011. While there were some good food and speakers there, I was a little disappointed in the number of samples and food. Though it may have been the crowds and groups with strollers — it was packed!
I will say there is a HUGE improvement form last year. last year the announcer was blaring nonstop with misleading info to get a lot of fre eitems and then actually to ge these free items you had to sign up fo rtheir membership. Blaring constantly is a major drawback to me. This was much better handled to day.
My favorites: Cascadian Farms, Harbor Creek Farms, Odwalla Juice, Boulder Chips and many dips and crackers.
It was warm and crowded. I watched demonstrators check food temps. Thank you.

I realize reviews of an annual event aren’t really helpful until it rolls around again, but really, I’m telling you now: If you’re in Seattle during VegFest 2011, definitely go!
What a deal – for an $ 8 entry fee you are let into a HUGE venue packed with all sorts of vendors who let you fill up on free samples and may even give you a few to take home, depending on the vendor. This is a fantastic way to get a free (after the $ 8 fee) meal and try out all those organic, vegetarian, and/​or vegan brands you had been noticing in your local grocery or health foods store but hadn’t yet tried out, either due to the price or the sheer number of products to choose from. It’s a great way to chat with fellow vegetarians and health food enthusiasts, try out great products with ingredients you may have never tasted before, and fill up on tasty treats. There were also free educational booths and tables full of some pretty awesome veg cookbooks and healthy living resources.
The vendors were a good, diverse mix: They ranged from nationally distributed brands like Morningstar, to more regional/​local companies, to companies still in the product development stage, and to local restaurants trying to drum up business. For me it was nice to see a lot of Bay Area/​NorCal brands representing, like Imagine Foods and Amy’s Kitchen.
This food fair had something for everyone and anyone interested in plant foods: Gluten-​free chips, nutmilk cheeses, hemp ice cream, coconut milk ice cream, vegetarian energy bars, kombucha, powdered greens, stevia-​sweetened drinks, sprouted grain breads, organic teas and chocolate bars, and the more traditional offerings like veggie burgers and fruit juices. Even Loma Linda/​Worthington was there with their line of Seventh-​Day-​Adventist-​inspired canned mock meats. If you are a veg foodie or just an omnivore with an adventurous palate, this is a cheap way to have a great time and open up your taste buds to a whole new world.
P. S. My only gripe about VegFest? Hopefully next year they will only use compostable sample cups and spoons, ’cause the amount of trash being generated was pretty frightening. Some vendors did use compostable items but with all the plastic cups and spoons being used and tossed by uncaring people into the cans marked «compost,» it got to be a little too dissonant with the eco-​friendly premise of the event.
P. P. S. Also, this isn’t a gripe but just an observation: Because VegFest is run by volunteers and some vendors don’t send a sales rep along with their products, sometimes you’ll run into people who don’t really know or haven’t even tasted the product they’re demonstrating. I felt compelled to tell the girls who were offering samples of GT’s Kombucha that they might have more success getting people to like it instead of saying «Yuck! This is like vinegar!» if they started off with samples of the fruitier flavors, and I was disappointed when I learned that the guys demonstrating Follow Your Heart’s vegan cheeses didn’t know that Follow Your Heart is actually an awesome veg restaurant down in the LA area. Call it the former salesman in me, but I like it when a person is passionate and knowledgeable about a product, especially if it’s a product I already like.