We are headed to Syracuse. Yes, Syracuse, NY. We helped with the festival last year and this year we are leading the charge to ensure Syracuse Vegfest happens. It's on September 27 so if you are close to Syracuse or want to travel to join us, make your plans now. You can see the live map and vendor list by clicking here.

FARM USA is a collaborative partner once again for this event. We will partner with FARM next year on DC Vegfest, Fairfax Vegfest, and Bethesda Vegfest.

Thank you & more...

Thank you to everyone that joined us in Durham, NC for Triangle Vegfest this past weekend. It was hot. It was humid. You showed up. You sold out our vendors and you donated. It was one of the best events this year. Don't forget about our fundraising dinner on October 11. You can see the details and link to get tickets below.

I love when people come up to me and tell me they read this newsletter. It truly warms my heart. It happened at the festival this past weekend. I do my best to infuse my personality, the festivals and events, and things I feel are important in our movement into one space, typically on a weekly basis.

I drive to Syracuse on Wednesday. I'm bringing Frannie (my pup) with me. She's the best travel companion. What's even better is the temperature is going to drop. We will finally feel fall like weather just in time for my long drive. I plan on stopping in Frederick, MD (it's half way) to spend the night. I did a search for vegan food in the area and found a hummus place, but if you know of a place I need to get food from, please write back and let me know.

Let's highlight Syracuse for a moment.

Sadly, Stronghearts closed over the summer. It was a vegan staple and I am so thankful I was able to eat there last year and have them at the festival. I'm looking forward to going back to Nice Biscuit. I'm also looking forward to the upstate version of a black and white cookie, the half moon cookie. It's like a black and white cookie, but the frosting is fluffier. I'm also looking forward to visiting The Sweet Praxis again. Syracuse is not lacking in delicious food. This is just a sampling of what to explore.

As we come to a close of the 2026 season, the 2027 calendar is shaping up. I might not go to as many cities, but the festivals that will take place are going to be incredible. I'll be up in the MD/DC/VA area for three festivals in 2027. I'll keep updating the dates as everything gets confirmed.

Busy is how I like to be and right now I live and breathe vegan events. Let me know where I will see you to close out 2026 and please find me at the festivals to say hello. I enjoy meeting everyone in person.

Have a great week. I'll send the next one from NY!

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Important Stuff Right Here

Syracuse is a week from Sunday then we have a fundraiser on October 11 in Morrisville, NC with speakers and a full vegan buffet at Sip N Spices then we head to Asheville on October 25. Sip N Spice Fundraising Dinner (click to get tickets)

Vendors, get registered for the fall festivals so you don't miss out!

I created a poll that I am asking for serious feedback. Why do you attend the festivals? What gets you out the door on the event day? What are you looking forward to the most? What is missing that would tip the scales? We especially want to hear from you if you are not vegan yet. How do we get more people in the door that are not vegan?

We are looking for Brand Ambassadors. Fill out this form and we will be in touch soon!

We created a Fourthwall shop. You can click this link to see what designs we have up. There's t-shirts, hoodies, and long sleeve shirts in many colors to choose from. If you love pickleball, I have some designs for you to sport while playing. Every purchase supports the nonprofit. Thanks for checking it out.

Whimsy Wares has been updated with all new plate and bowl designs. These adorably themed designs would be super fun to eat off of or out of or just to have on a decorative shelf in your house. Remember, all of the designs can be customized with a name. Check out the website and let us know what you think or even better, we hope you love them so much that you place an order. All funds go towards the nonprofit.

Serve up some joy at your next meal with the most energetic member of our Whimsical Society: The Pickleball Pup! Perched proudly on a leafy oak branch, this cheerful, floppy-eared golden pup is ready for court side action, sporting a dapper black academic cap while holding a beautifully detailed pickleball paddle in its mouth. Perfectly capturing a love for the game and a classic, scholarly style, this piece brings an instant smile to the table.

The plates and bowls are unbreakable! They are also free from any chemicals!

You can also design your own plate. Go have fun designing. If you need help, reach out.

Weekly News Items

If you're a vendor and are interested in joining us at any of other events, please click here. We have moved all the events to Marketspread. Volunteers can fill out this form. I will send reminders. The links below will be updated as the events open. We have a vendor page on our website that has been updated as well.

Syracuse Vegfest - Sept 27, 2026 - Syracuse, NY (indoors)

Sip N Spice Fundraising Dinner - Oct 11, 2026 - Morrisville, NC (open)

Asheville Fall - Oct 25, 2026 - Asheville, NC (outdoors/open)

Georgia Vegfest - November 7, 2026 - Cobb County Civic Center - GA (indoors/open)

Durham Winter Event - February 28, 2027 - Durham Armory (indoors)

The DC Vegfest - April 4, 2027 - Nats Park - DC (opening by Oct)

Asheville Veganfest Spring - June 6, 2027 - Pack Square Park (opens in Jan)

Triangle Vegfest - Sept 12, 2027 - Durham, NC (outdoors/open)

Bethesda Vegfest - Fall 2027 - Bethesda, MD (outdoors)

Asheville Veganfest Fall - October 24, 2027 - Pack Square Park (opens in May)

Fairfax Vegfest - TBD - Herndon, VA - NW Federal Credit Union (outdoors)

The Refuge is our September Sponsor of the Month

Our love for Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge never waivers. Once again, they are the Presenting Sponsor of Triangle Vegfest and have been since we started in 2014. Their annual gala is coming up on November 15. You can get tickets by clicking here. They are also hosting a a Three Little Pigs 5K trail run on October 10. You can register for the run by clicking here.

Every time you support this incredible sanctuary you are helping them care for over 100 farmed animals and their campaign to save pigs to add them to the mix of animals that call The Refuge home.

You can also see the documentary created by Alison Argo, Forever Home. They are hosting a streaming party, 9/26 - 10/3, and 25% of the funds will be donated back to The Refuge. The film is about Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge and features Lenore and Paul. It's a lovely film. You can get your ticket by clicking here. On October 3 you can join in on a live chat with Alison, Paul, and Lenore.

Let's Get Cooking with our Recipe of the Week: Soft Batch Sugar Cookies

This week's recipe is courtesy of VegNews and Dustin Harder.

Oh my gosh, I love this type of cookie. The cookie is soft and the frosting is sweet and creamy. It's near impossible to eat just one. On top of that there's sprinkles. Make this recipe and you'll be happy. Get the recipe here. 

Are you going to make this? Let us know what you think and tag us on your socials with a picture of the finished product! #vegfestexposrecipes