East Bay Vegan Food Fest Celebrates Its Fifth Year

BERKELEY, CA — Northern California’s largest vegan food festival – the Bizerkeley Food Fest – is celebrating its fifth year Sunday. It will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley BART station.

“I am so proud of what this festival has evolved into,” said Erika Hazel, the creator, founder and organizer of the festival. “It’s a fundraiser, day of community engagement and education, and giant party that has something fun for everyone.”

The Bizerkeley Food Fest (BFF) was inspired by Hazel's travels to other cities, where she came across food festivals such as the Portland VegFest in Oregon and the Eat Drink Vegan Fest in Pasadena, California.

Stints in roles at other vegan festivals, including the Vallejo Healthy Food Fest (curator) and the San Francisco World Vegan Fest (former volunteer, speaker and board member), also contributed to her interest in – and eventual founding of – her own vegan food event.

In March 2020, Hazel reached out to Sports Basement Berkeley to support her aim to put on the festival. They agreed to help and have been sponsoring the event ever since.

The festival's also a means for Hazel to give back to the community. Proceeds this year are going toward California Pitbull Rescue, a nonprofit organization that’s in line with the event's five pillars: people, animals, health, wellness and entrepreneurship.

“Every ticket sale helps us to continue to raise thousands of dollars for animals in need,” she said.

The event will feature approximately 100 vendors; a live DJ; myriad food offerings; “foodie games” and a vegan designer fashion show; cultural and musical performances; free food and beverage samples; a wellness zone; a beer garden and “wine down” lounge for adults age 21 and over; and a kids’ fun zone with bounce houses, a giant Jenga, cornhole and bubbles.

This year’s festival will also include a pickleball tournament, which starts at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $5.64 (“Last Call” General Admission) to $80.03 (V.I.P.). To purchase a ticket, go here.

Admission is free for youth age 17 and under who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Information about the North Berkeley BART station and parking is available here.