2 vegetarian and vegan festivals happening in San Antonio

More details are available on the Facebook event page San Antonio VegFest 2019, planned for this August, aims to "inspire people to reduce animal suffering and increase environmental sustainability." More details are available on the Facebook event page San Antonio VegFest 2019, planned for this August, aims to "inspire people to reduce animal suffering and increase environmental sustainability." Photo: Facebook Screengrab Photo: Facebook Screengrab Image 1 of / 59 Caption Close 2 vegetarian and vegan festivals happening in San Antonio 1 / 59 Back to Gallery

San Antonio's festival scene is typically a meat lover's heaven. But two new festivals scheduled this year aim to satisfy the cravings of those who don't eat meat.

Vegan festival VegFest is coming to San Antonio for the first time this August, and in November, Sin-Carne-Val will host "San Antonio's first carnival for herbivores." The two new events stand in stark contrast to San Antonio's normal taco, barbacoa and barbecue festivals.

VegFest, scheduled to take place Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Dignowity Park, “seeks to inspire people to reduce animal suffering and increase environmental sustainability,” according to Facebook event page details. In addition to a large variety of vegan food vendors, the festival will also feature nationally recognized speakers, cooking demonstrations, exhibits and interactive activities. Vegan VIPs will have access to a private area with samples from vegan-friendly restaurants.

RELATED: Date for San Antonio's 2019 Barbacoa & Big Red Festival revealed

Sin-Carne-Val, on Nov. 9 at Alamo Beer Company, will be “a fresh take on a classic fair.” The Spanish phrase “sin carne” translates to “without meat,” so big names in the faux meat industry and plant-based celebrities will make appearances at this festival, according to the Facebook event page. The carnival will also include traditional carnival rides, interactive attractions, cold beer and more.

The recently-announced festivals come amid a rising number of events catering to the vegan and vegetarian communities in San Antonio. Vegan Stop Shop and the Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex are partnering up to host several vegan vendors from the area, and on Feb. 3, Cafe Azteca will hold its first vegan market.

S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | @smchavey

