This Saturday, September 26, Balboa Park’s picturesque Presidents Way Lawn will transform into a vibrant epicenter of health, sustainability, and plant-based living. Co-presented by Viridian Productions, PlantDiego, and Plant Based Treaty SF Valley, the inaugural San Diego VegFest invites vegans, wellness enthusiasts, and curious foodies alike to celebrate a movement that is rapidly reshaping how we think about food, environment, and community.
San Diego VegFest kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with the 4th Annual Let’s Beat Breast Cancer Rally, presented in partnership with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Featuring speakers John Pierre and Dr. Joel Fuhrman, the rally shines a spotlight on the powerful connection between plant-centered nutrition and breast cancer risk reduction and survivorship.
“We’re raising our voices and banging drums to let women know they have the power to help reduce their breast cancer risk by putting plant-based foods on their plates,” shares Tracy Childs, founder and director of PlantDiego.
For those looking to restore balance, deepen their movement practice, or engage in meaningful health discussions, the festival’s dedicated Wellness Zone offers sessions throughout the day.
Wellness Zone Schedule
- 11:00 AM: Somatic Flow & Yin Stretch with Devi Daly (Live music by Emmanuel Villegas)
- 12:00 PM: Emotional Cleanse & Reset with Cam Alaasam
- 1:00 PM: Power Heal Flow Yoga with Katherine Sheridan, M.Ed.
- 2:00 PM: Q&A with a Physician with Sunita Shailam, M.D.
- 3:00 PM: Tai Chi & Sound Healing with Michael Birmingham
- 4:00 PM: Meditation & Sound Healing with Vanessa Dawson
Note: While classes are donation-based, advance registration is encouraged – reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
All-Day Wellness Offerings:
- Art-Centered Storytelling with Indi Childes
- Kirtan & Yoga Nidra with Spirit Soul and Friends
At the heart of the festival is an expansive international food court alongside over 60 local vendors and community organizations. Festival-goers can expect an array of planet-friendly dishes, artisanal desserts, and refreshing beverages, alongside handcrafted apparel, eco-conscious beauty products, and sustainable home goods.
“We’re thrilled to participate in this year’s San Diego VegFest,” says Paige Parsons Roache, organizer for Plant Based Treaty SF Valley. “With delicious food, engaging speakers, live music and so much more, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and explore how our food choices can make a difference for the planet,”
Beyond the plate, the festival grounds will buzz with energy across multiple hubs:
Main Stage Insights
Keynote speaker Dr. Joel Fuhrman, investigative journalist Jane Velez-Mitchell, and prominent advocates—including Kip Andersen, Genesis Butler, TK Pillan, and Sailesh Rao—will anchor thought-provoking panels on health, sustainability, and the future of food.
Live Culture + Sounds
The soundtrack to the day will feature DJ sets from the Chakasonica Fronterizx Vinyl Collective alongside live musical performances by CF Gainz, Vanessa Dawson, Plant Based Papi, and Tes Kempner.
Family + Pet Features
Families can spend time in the Kids Zone hosted by The Waldorf School of San Diego, meet adoptable felines from Desert Catopia, or get free dog microchipping courtesy of A Way Home For Dogs.
San Diego VegFest Event Details
Event Details at a Glance:
- Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Presidents Way Lawn in Balboa Park (Park Blvd & Presidents Way, San Diego, CA)
- Free + open to the public
- Free parking at the nearby Inspiration Point lot for up to 3 hours.
For more information, visit sandiegovegfest.com
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