UPDATE: DC VegFest 2020 is now canceled

June 2020 Update: Many of you have been asking about our plans for the much-anticipated DC VegFest celebration. Earlier this year (see below), we announced a postponement from our late summer plans, hopeful that we’d be able to safely reschedule later in the fall.

Given the continued uncertainties and concerns surrounding the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, it’s with great sadness that we are officially announcing the cancellation of the 2020 DC VegFest.

While we’re deeply disappointed to have to make this decision, canceling is the most responsible option. The health and safety of everyone involved in organizing and participating in such a large event — and the wider community as a whole — must come first.

We are now exploring the possibility of hosting a virtual event, similar to the online celebration we created in 2018 after a weather-related State of Emergency Declaration in DC forced us to cancel that year’s event.

Please stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, we hope you’ll join us in continuing to lend support to local vegan and vegan-friendly businesses. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we will continue to share information about vegan food and businesses, including our guide to vegan takeout and delivery in the District.

Thank you for your support and please stay safe and healthy — and we’ll see you 2021!

March 23, 2020: We’ve created a crowdsourced directory of vegan and vegan-friendly food business in the DC-area that are still open and in need of support. Add your business here today & spread the word:

March 17, 2020: In response to the uncertainties and growing concerns related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and being mindful of safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, supporters and the wider community, Animal Outlook has proactively made the decision to postpone the current planning of our annual DC VegFest, set for this August. We will revisit the situation in the coming weeks and hope to resume planning, aiming to host the event later this year, in the fall.

Additionally, given the advanced planning needs and financial commitments required to organize this massive event which would need to be expended far in advance of the event, and given the challenges and setbacks experienced in 2018 when the DC VegFest was forced to cancel after the DC Mayor declared a weather-related State of Emergency, we believe this postponement is the safest and most responsible option.

We will continue to monitor updates and recommendations from these agencies and encourage you to also stay up to date, as well as take personal safety precautions:

• DC Department of Health

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• World Health Organization (WHO)

We recognize that many community members may be disappointed about our decision to postpone the much-anticipated DC VegFest, but, out of an abundance of caution, we must consider public and personal safety a top priority. We ask for your continued support during these uncertain times, and we hope to share further updates on our planning process soon.

Thank you again for your support of Animal Outlook and please take personal precautions as recommended on the above referenced websites.

Sincerely,