Well folks, it is that time of year again – the annual Southern California beer and food festival Eat Drink Vegan is almost here! The festival is held on May 26, 2018 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl and features over 100 of the most highly rated plant-based food vendors, tons of vegan merchandise and over 250 vegan beverages – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic!

Nothing on this earth compares to the feeling of mentally preparing for a festival for months, buying your tickets, stepping through the pearly gates and realizing that you left something at home. So today, I’m going to give you the short list of Eat Drink Vegan festival must-haves based on my experience:

1) Sun block – I cannot stress this enough. The Rose Bowl and surrounding golf course experience nearly direct sunlight and, while there are fanning and misting stations to temper your exhaustion, no one at a vegan festival likes lobster – so you don’t want to look like one.

2) Hats, sunglasses and a light flannel or long sleeve – Really folks, the earth is our friend, but the sun is a relentless and unapologetic ball of fire. I recommend layers so that you have the option to cover up!

3) Reusable water bottle – Alcohol and heat are two major dehydrators, so bringing your own water bottle to refill is a must.

4) Plastic food containers – The Eat Drink Vegan website encourages bringing storage containers, and I always regret it when I don’t. There are so many amazing things to try, and never enough room in my belly!

5) Small backpack/ Boho Bag/ Satchel – Festivals are far more enjoyable when your hands are free and you will need space to put all of your merch and leftover food.

6) Cash – Most vendors take cards, but in the case that they don’t or they experience technical malfunctions, it is beneficial to have cash on you. There are ATMs at the venue as well.

7) Picnic blanket – You will be standing in lines and walking in circles constantly over the course of the day, so it’s a good idea to bring a blanket to lounge on so you can be comfortable in that food coma.

If you haven’t yet purchased your tickets for Eat Drink Vegan on May 26, there are still some available on the website. See you there my plant-based people!

Until Next Time,

The Vegan Brewja.

(Feature picture by a festival stranger. From left: me, David, Eddie.)

https://instagram.com/p/BG3CdTeEirm/