The Bay Area’s largest vegan block party — the Bizerkeley Vegan Food Festival — returns Sunday, Sept. 7

I’m Erika Hazel, also known as The Bizerkeley Vegan, and I’m the founder and host of the Bizerkeley Food Festival. On Sunday, Sept. 7 from noon to 6 p.m., we’ll celebrate our fifth year, and this is set to be our biggest event yet. 

10 things to be excited about at this year’s Bizerkeley Food Festival

1. We’ve partnered with pro Troy Atkin of Eco Sports to host our inaugural vegan pickleball tournament using Eco Sports’ vegan pickleball rackets. 

2. Many of the festival elements are things I’ve never seen at another vegan food festival, and I can’t wait for guests to experience them together — from the Rivian Car Show to the entertainment acts, the wellness zone, the beer and wine garden and the VIP lounge. 

3. This is the largest and most talented entertainment lineup we’ve ever had.

4. This year we have so many non-vegan vendors that are expanding their menus to feature more vegan offerings for the festival. 

5. I’m excited that Rivian Motors San Francisco will host a car show and offer test drives of their vehicles with vegan interiors. I’ve never seen a vegan festival that also featured a car show, which makes this year especially unique. 

6. We have the largest number of festival partners to date, and many of them are non-vegan organizations that support our mission. 

7. This year the festival is proud to support California Pit Bull Rescue, a Berkeley nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming pit bull-type dogs. The group has been a longtime presence at the festival, and for the fifth year their mission takes center stage as proceeds will go toward advancing their advocacy and lifesaving work. 

8. We have nearly 50 food and beverage vendors ready to serve the community.

9. For the first time, we’re hosting Food Fest Week from Sept. 1–7, leading up to the festival. The week features curated events that showcase plant-based cuisine and celebrate the local community, including a Stop Light Party Social Mixer, a Fireside Chat Panel and more. 

10. Express Entry is new this year! For $20, guests receive early access, pre-order pickup access and a special welcome gift. With the purchase of an adult Express ticket, entry is free for kids 15 and under. 

Want to attend?

You can RSVP and purchase festival tickets now at Eventbrite. You can also get your tickets to Food Fest Week. To learn more about the festival, visit bizerkeleyfoodfest.com. 

PHOTOS: Jeffrey Littman