Articles in this issue:

• What to Look for at VegFest!
• Tickets on Sale: Early Bird Discount for Northwest VegFest
• VF Speaker: Kip Andersen
• VF Chef Demo: Aaron Adams Casañas
• VF Silver Sponsor: Ahimsa Travel Club
• Support Farm Sanctuary and VegFest: Conscious Step Socks
• VF Films: Inspire and Learn
• VF Vegan Scouts Room Kid's Activities
• Recipe of the month: Three Sisters Quesadillas
• Volunteer for Free VegFest Admission

Local in-person and online events: Upcoming Events: click here for details

• NW VEG Westside Potluck August 16, 5:00pm-7:30pm
• Flipside Vegan Market August 22, 12:00pm-5:00pm, 6550 N Interstate Ave, Portland
• Northwest VegFest: August 29 & 30, 10:00am-6:00pm, Tickets on Sale NOW
• Miyoko Presents: Small Inspirations, Big Impacts: Why YOU are Important to Saving Animals, People, and the Planet, August 30
• Chef AJ Presents: Eat Up, Slim Down, and Get Healthy, August 29
• Dr. Alan Goldhamer Presents: Extending Healthspan, August 29
• Kip Andersen Presents: You Already Knew: On Instinct, Buried Truth, and the Courage to Act, August 30
• Gene Baur Presents: From One Rescue to a Global Movement, August 29 & 30
• Transform Your Health Workshop with Terri Chrisman, nutritionist, and author of Fabulous Health: August 30, 3:30pm-6:00pm, Wingspan Event and Conference Center
• Miyoko Presents: Artisan Dairy: The Vegan Way, August 30
• Ashley Castellanos Presents: Vegan With a Passport, August 30
• Aaron Adams Casañas Presents: Saving Flavor, August 29
• Chuck Underwood, Matt Ruscigno, Linda Tyler, Hilary Conway, Eleni Woldeyes, Nan Chaison, and Susan Weber. See them all August 29 & 30 at Northwest VegFest

VegFest Is Finally Here Again!

There Is So Much to Discover at Northwest VegFest!

Whether you're a lifelong vegan, simply curious about plant-based eating, or looking for a fun weekend with family and friends, Northwest VegFest is packed with experiences that will inspire, educate, and delight. Every corner of the event offers something new to discover.

Be Inspired!

Throughout the weekend, inspiring speaker presentations will feature internationally recognized voices including Miyoko, Chef AJ, Gene Baur, Kip Andersen, and many other experts sharing practical advice, compelling stories, and the latest developments in health, sustainability, animal advocacy, and compassionate living.

Cook with the Pros!

Be sure to visit the Cooking Demonstration Kitchen, where talented chefs will prepare delicious recipes while sharing practical kitchen tips and time-saving life hacks that make healthy plant-based eating easier than ever.

Explore and Enjoy Free Food Samples!

The bustling Exhibition Hall is filled with innovative companies, nonprofits, and local businesses showcasing the latest in plant-based living. Sample delicious products from exhibitors like Cultured Kindness, offering handcrafted dairy-free cheeses, and enjoy a cup of sustainably grown Café Mam coffee. Dreaming of your next vacation? Learn how to explore the world compassionately with Ahimsa Travel Club and discover exciting opportunities for ethical adventures.

Have Fun With the Kids!

Bring the whole family and stop by the Vegan Scouts Kids Activity Room, where children can enjoy hands-on crafts, games, and educational activities in a welcoming environment designed just for young visitors.

Movies to Move You!

Film lovers won't want to miss the Documentary Film Room, featuring thought-provoking documentaries throughout the weekend, including acclaimed films by keynote speaker Kip Andersen. These screenings offer an engaging look at the connections between our food choices, health, animals, and the environment.

Food Patio!

When it's time to eat, the all plant-based Food Court offers an incredible selection of satisfying meals, decadent desserts, refreshing beverages, and tasty snacks from some of the Pacific Northwest's favorite vegan food vendors.

Connect with your Friends, meet your Community, explore New Foods!

Come explore, taste, learn, and connect with thousands of people celebrating delicious food, healthier living, and a more sustainable future. Northwest VegFest is more than an event—it's a weekend of inspiration you'll remember long after you leave.

Tickets Are On Sale Now!

There's never been a better time to experience Northwest VegFest! Save by purchasing your tickets before August 15—a one-day pass is $2 off, and a two-day weekend pass is only $25.

Bringing friends, family, or coworkers? Group ticket purchases receive an additional 15% discount, making it even easier to share the experience.

Plus, enjoy free parking (a $10 value) or take advantage of convenient public transit—Wingspan Event and Conference Center is just a 4-minute walk from the Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station.

Volunteer!

Pre-registered volunteers receive free admission while helping make the Pacific Northwest's largest celebration of plant-based living a success. However you choose to attend, we can't wait to welcome you for an unforgettable weekend of delicious food, inspiring ideas, and compassionate community!

Kip Andersen Headlines Northwest VegFest

Have you ever had a feeling that something wasn't quite right—long before you could explain why? That quiet inner voice often becomes the first step toward meaningful change.

At Northwest VegFest, award-winning filmmaker Kip Andersen will explore that powerful idea in his keynote presentation:

You Already Knew:

On Instinct, Buried Truth, and the Courage to Act

Known for creating documentaries that have challenged conventional thinking around food, health, sustainability, and animal agriculture, Andersen invites audiences to reflect on the moments when they first recognized a truth that others overlooked—or chose to ignore.

Drawing on more than a decade of investigative filmmaking, Andersen traces the path from intuition to action. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from uncovering hidden realities, the challenges of exposing controversial issues, and the personal cost—and profound rewards—of following the evidence wherever it leads.

His message is especially timely. In a world saturated with endless information, social media algorithms, and AI-generated content, Andersen argues that our greatest strength isn't technology—it's our capacity to witness, think critically, and live authentically. Real change begins when ordinary people trust their instincts, seek the truth, and have the courage to act on what they know.

Rather than simply inspiring audiences, this keynote offers something deeper: recognition. Many people who embrace a plant-based lifestyle, advocate for animals, or work toward a more sustainable future have experienced that quiet realization that there is a better way. Andersen reminds us that these individual choices become part of a much larger story—one that has the power to shape culture and inspire others.

Kip Andersen is the founder of A.U.M. Films and Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing films that promote compassion, sustainability, and harmony for all life. He is the acclaimed director and producer of the internationally influential documentaries Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret, What the Health, Seaspiracy, and Christspiracy.

Don't miss this thought-provoking keynote at Northwest VegFest. You may discover that the most important story you'll ever help tell is the one you're already living.

VegFest Celebrity Chef

Turn Kitchen Scraps into Culinary Gold

with Chef Aaron Adams Casañas

Did you know that more than 350 million pounds of food are wasted every day in the United States? Much of what ends up in the compost or trash isn't really waste at all—it can become the foundation for rich broths, flavorful seasonings, vibrant sauces, and other delicious creations.

At Northwest VegFest, acclaimed Portland chef Aaron Adams Casañas, founder of Astera, will demonstrate how to transform everyday kitchen scraps into extraordinary ingredients. Whether you're new to reducing food waste or already enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, Aaron will share practical techniques ranging from simple, everyday tips to more advanced culinary methods. You'll leave inspired to save money, reduce waste, and unlock incredible flavors hidden in ingredients you may have been throwing away.

Aaron's journey to becoming one of Portland's most respected vegan chefs began with childhood dreams inspired by public television cooking shows. After working his way from dishwasher to professional kitchens across Seattle, Guam, Miami, New York, and Florida, his growing ethical concerns led him to embrace a fully vegan philosophy.

After relocating to Portland in 2003, Aaron helped co-found the celebrated Portobello Vegan Trattoria, where his innovative tasting menus showcased the possibilities of plant-based fine dining. In 2015, he launched Farm Spirit, highlighting Oregon's exceptional farmed and foraged ingredients. During the pandemic, that vision evolved into Fermenter, emphasizing cultured foods and fermentation. His latest venture, Astera, opened in 2024 and continues his commitment to showcasing Oregon's seasonal bounty through an elegant, plant-based tasting experience.

Aaron's presentation is perfect for anyone who loves cooking, wants to reduce food waste, or is simply looking for creative ways to make the most of every ingredient. Discover how a handful of vegetable peels, herb stems, and other overlooked scraps can become the secret to remarkable flavor while helping build a more sustainable kitchen.

Northwest VEG is excited to welcome Ahimsa Travel Club as a Silver Sponsor of Northwest VegFest 2026! Dedicated to creating meaningful, mindful, and compassionate travel experiences, Ahimsa Travel Club invites you to explore the world while connecting with local cultures, incredible landscapes, and like-minded travelers.

The name Ahimsa comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “nonviolence” and reflects the company’s commitment to travel that aligns with values of kindness, respect, and conscious living. Through thoughtfully designed journeys, Ahimsa Travel Club helps guests experience destinations in a deeper way—beyond typical tourism—by creating opportunities for authentic connections, memorable adventures, and responsible exploration.

Whether you dream of discovering vibrant communities, experiencing breathtaking natural wonders, or sharing a journey with others who value compassion and sustainability, Ahimsa Travel Club offers unique escapes designed to inspire and rejuvenate.

Travel can be a powerful way to expand our understanding of the world and strengthen our connection to people, animals, and the planet. Ahimsa Travel’s approach reflects the same values that bring the Northwest VEG community together: compassion, curiosity, and a desire to make choices that create a more peaceful world.

Visit Ahimsa Travel Club at Northwest VegFest to learn more about upcoming adventures and discover how your next journey can become more than a vacation—it can become a meaningful experience that reflects your values.

Learn more and explore upcoming trips at escapeto.in.

Socks That Save Farm Animals

Looking for a gift that gives back—or a fun way to add purpose to your own wardrobe? When you shop Conscious Step through the Northwest VegFest link, you'll be supporting both Northwest VegFest and Farm Sanctuary at no extra cost to you.

Conscious Step creates high-quality, sustainably made socks and apparel that support nonprofit organizations making a difference around the world. Their Socks That Save Farm Animals collection helps fund Farm Sanctuary's rescue, education, and advocacy efforts, giving farm animals a brighter future.

It's an easy way to make your shopping count: choose meaningful gifts, support compassionate businesses, and help two organizations working to create a kinder world.

Shop through our affiliate link and turn every step into support for farm animals and Northwest VegFest!

Be Inspired in the

Northwest VegFest Film Room

Need a break from shopping, sampling delicious food, or catching a presentation? Step into the Northwest VegFest Film Room and immerse yourself in powerful documentaries that educate, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.

Running throughout both days of VegFest, the Film Room will feature a rotating selection of acclaimed documentaries exploring the connections between our food choices, health, animals, and the environment. Whether you're new to plant-based living or have been vegan for years, these films offer compelling stories, eye-opening research, and inspiring examples of people making a positive difference in the world.

One of this year's featured speakers is renowned filmmaker Kip Andersen, whose groundbreaking documentaries—including Cowspiracy, What the Health, Seaspiracy, and Christspiracy—have inspired millions of people around the globe to think differently about food systems, environmental sustainability, and personal health. Watching these influential films—or discovering them for the first time—adds another dimension to hearing Kip speak live during VegFest.

The Film Room offers a place to sit, relax, enjoy your favorite meal or snack from the food court, and recharge while continuing your VegFest experience. Stay for one film or spend an afternoon exploring stories that challenge assumptions, celebrate compassion, and leave you feeling informed and empowered.

Whether you're attending with family, introducing a friend to plant-based living, or simply looking for a quiet place to reflect, the Film Room is a destination you won't want to miss.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the resource table, where you'll find recommendations for additional documentaries to watch at home and share with friends and family. These films are excellent conversation starters and a great way to introduce others to the benefits of healthy, compassionate, and sustainable plant-based living.

Quips and Quotes

“Overall, the best thing we can do, longevity-wise, to add another six-to-ten years of life is to learn how to cook a whole food, plant-based diet at home.”

-Dan Buettner, longevity researcher. See the article in VegNews at The Secret to Longevity.

Adventure Awaits in the VegFest Vegan Scouts Room!

by Britt Baysinger

For many Native American communities, corn, beans, and squash are known as the Three Sisters. For centuries these three have been inter-planted because they thrive together. The corn stalks provide poles for the beans to climb. The squash plant’s large leaves shade the ground, retaining soil moisture and preventing weeds. Beans provide nitrogen to fertilize the soil, and their roots stabilize the corn during windy weather. Luckily for plant-based eaters, the sisters also taste delicious together. Since it’s fresh corn season now, it’s the best time to make this easy, no-oven entree.

I’ll be at VegFest later this month! On Saturday August 29, at 10:30am, I’ll be demo’ing one of my favorite recipes from The Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook, Kaleidoscopic Quinoa Salad plus two variations of it, including a “Goth” version in honor of Portland. Hope to see you there! 

Three Sisters Quesadillas

Volunteer at Northwest VegFest & Get a Free Ticket!

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make Northwest VegFest a success on August 29–30 at the Wingspan Event & Conference Center in Hillsboro!

Volunteer Perks:

Volunteer one shift and receive free admission to VegFest.

Volunteer two or more shifts, and you'll also receive a meal voucher to enjoy delicious food at the festival!

There are volunteer opportunities before, during, and after the event, including guest services, speaker rooms, videography, kitchen support, vendor assistance, cleanup, and more. Whether you can give a few hours or the whole weekend, we'd love to have you on the team!

Sign up here: Volunteer at VegFest

Thank you for helping us create an amazing weekend celebrating compassion, community, and amazing vegan food! 

Can you help spread the word?

Here are ways you can help get the word out and boost attendance at our BIG EVENT

• Have a good place to post a sign in your yard or on a fence? Please contact us at peter@nwveg.org, and we will get you a yard sign.
• Veg friendly businesses can help by displaying a VegFest Poster: Contact Jasmine1@nwveg.org
• Hand out postcards to local businesses or to attendees at a fair or farmers market: Contact Jasmine1@nwveg.org
• If you see a post about VegFest, please repost it to all your friend groups
• Have a favorite speaker you are excited to see at VegFest? Please share with your friends
• Invite a group of friends or co-workers to attend together! You can even get a 15% discount when you buy 10 tickets at a time.

Enjoy our supportive and friendly community exploring plant-based lifestyles.

Click here to join or renew. ~ Click here to donate.

We appreciate your support!