First-Ever Texas VegFest Passes On Meat

Most places in Texas may dish out meat-heavy dishes, but Austin is often an exception to the rule. So it's no surprise that the vegetarian-friendly city is hosting the first-ever Texas VegFest, meant to celebrate plant-based diets and everything healthy.

The Texas VegFest, held this Saturday, is expected to draw in nearly 3,000 vegetarians from across the state, reports CultureMap. The festival will have it all: speakers, cooking demonstrations, live music, and most importantly, food and drink. The event will have more than 20 vendors, both local and national. Some of the highlights: mac and "cheeze" from the Mac'N Food Truck, veggie hot dogs and burgers from Hot Dog King, and chocolate-dipped, fair-trade bananas from Bananarchy.

The event's founder, Angela Ramsammy, said the inspiration came from New Orleans' vegetarian festival. She told Austin 360, "I thought, if New Orleans can have a veg fest, why can't Austin? Austin is such a veg-friendly city, it seemed like an obvious fit." However, the event not just exclusive to vegetarians; Ramsammy told CultureMap there's something for everyone. 

Check out the web site for more details. The best part — it's a mere $5 suggested donation to get in.