Burlington residents will once again have the chance to explore plant-based living when the annual Burlington VegFest returns to the waterfront on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The free community event will take place at Spencer Smith Park, located at 1400 Lakeshore Road, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Organized by a local volunteer-led committee, the festival aims to raise awareness about the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of a vegan lifestyle. The event features a variety of plant-based food vendors, live music, educational presentations, and activities for children. It also serves as a hub for community groups dedicated to sustainability and animal welfare.
The festival, which was conceived by organization committee chair Lori Croonen in 2019, held its first event in 2022 after being delayed by the pandemic. For its first few years, the festival was held at Burloak Waterfront Park. In 2025, it moved to Spencer Smith Park, a premier venue in the city known for hosting major gatherings such as the Sound of Music Festival and Canada‘s Largest Ribfest.
Co-organizer Fiona Roossien noted that while the first few festivals drew between 5,000 and 7,000 attendees, the move to the more central downtown location has significantly increased the event’s profile. Organizers expect attendance at this year’s gathering to double compared to previous years.
Although admission is free, the Burlington VegFest committee is encouraging guests to support the local community by donating to a food drive. The organizers have set a goal to donate $1,500 worth of vegan food to the Burlington Food Bank.
