Grab your fun-loving crew and prepare to high-five your taste buds at the Oceanside Vegan Food Festival, lighting up the heart of downtown Oceanside on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11:00am to 6:00pm! Just a quick, breezy 15-minute ride up the coast from Encinitas, this mouthwatering event calls Civic Center Plaza (300 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054) its home. All are invited—all you need is an appetite for fun, flavor, and a little sun.
More Than 100 Vendors and a World of Flavors
Eating plant-based food has never looked (or tasted) this good. At Oceanside Vegan Food Festival, you’ll wander through a wonderland with 100+ vendors showing off every vegan bite you’ve craved—plus a few you haven’t even dreamed of yet. Pizza, BBQ, tacos, burgers, sushi, donuts, nachos, dumplings, loaded fries, gyros, tamales, wings, noodles, cookies, curries… Is anyone else drooling yet?
If you have plant-based cravings, you’ll find the answer here—whether it’s a waffle stacked sky-high with vegan “chicken” or ice cream that’ll make dairy forget it ever existed. This shindig draws the best vegan talent from San Diego, Orange County, and LA, so you know your plate (and your Instagram) are in for an epic day.
Live DJs, Games, and Smiles for Miles
Chow down to vibrant beats as the live DJ sends good vibes all day long. In between bites, let loose with games—there’s always someone ready to play! Scavenge the market for unique local crafts or snap up artisan goods (perfect for that “whoa, you found this where?” moment when you give it as a gift). This event is purposely crafted to be family-friendly and absolutely dog-approved—bring your kids, bring your four-legged foodie, just don’t leave your appetite at home.
A Festival With Heart
It’s a community get-together that goes beyond food. Meet and greet the adorable adoptable pups at the A Way Home For Dogs booth—you might just find your new BFF (Best Furry Friend)! The festival highlights animal rescue, fosters, sustainable products, and causes that give back, so every bite and every laugh helps make the world a bit kinder.
Sea Shepherd will be there sharing their ocean conservation mission, and you can catch up with passionate changemakers as you sample and shop.
Free Parking, Maximum Chill
Ditch the hunt for a spot—free parking can be found at the parking garage on Ditmar St and Civic Center Dr, with plenty of street parking close by. Oceanside is just north of Encinitas, so there’s no excuse not to roll in for a breezy day by the sea.
Who Needs Tickets? Entry Is Free!
Yep, you read that right—admission is totally free. Swing by, stroll around, and enjoy the freedom to splurge on whatever snacks and sips strike your fancy.
Sun, Sips, and Serious Snacking
The Oceanside Vegan Food Festival is one of those rare events where kids, parents, pals, and pets can all do their thing. One minute you’re scarfing down loaded nachos, the next you’re grooving, the next you’re making friends in the sunshine. Savor kombucha, nab a specialty coffee, or toast your plant-powered adventure with a new favorite mocktail. Vendors rotate and bring something fresh every year, so come curious—and come hungry.
How Do You Get There?
Pop Civic Center Plaza into your GPS and head just up the coast from Encinitas. You’ll be among fellow food-lovers in less than 20 minutes. Don’t forget your sun hat!
Why You’ll Want to Stick Around All Day
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One-of-a-kind vegan eats from over 100 chefs, bakers, and food magicians
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Great music and people-watching
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Locally-made gift treasures, crafts, and art
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Friendly pups and family fun
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Vendors dedicated to sustainability
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Adoptable animals and community booths
See You at the Plant Party
Round up your plant-curious friends—or even that one skeptic who “just wants to check it out”—and get ready for a day of bites, beats, and zero meat. Whether you go for the donut towers, the ultra-savory noodles, or the sun and sea breeze, there’s no way you’ll leave disappointed or hungry.
The Oceanside Vegan Food Festival is calling—and the only thing missing is you.
Sources: allevents.in, visitoceanside.org
Header Image Source: allevents.in
