Mark your calendars for an entire week of showstopping culinary support, all leading up to a spectacularly scrumptious, and much-awaited, grand return! This year the Bizerkeley Food Festival returns for its fifth iteration on Sunday, Sept. 7, and from noon-6pm the North Berkeley BART Station will be illuminated with a buzzing block party all to celebrate creatively delectable plant-based creations.
Slated to feature over 100 diverse vendors, live musical performances, family-friendly games, a fashion show, and more, this is truly a community extravaganza that thoughtfully has something for everyone. The host for this can’t-miss week is The Bizerkeley Vegan herself, Erika Hazel, who proudly oversees the organizing, outreach, curation, and engagement of local businesses to help provide the Bay Area with awareness towards all of their available premier plant-based eateries.
“We go bigger every year, but this year’s festival is one that I have dreamed of putting on for the community,” gleams Erika, “I truly believe this will be the most fun, flavorful and impactful Bizerkeley Food Festival yet.” After kicking off this event in 2021, the support and attendance has only continued to flourish, and this year proceeds will go towards benefiting California Pit Bull Rescue.
“California Pit Bull Rescue is very close to my heart and has been part of the festival since 2023,” Erika elucidates. “I’m especially proud that this year’s event will support their life-saving mission in an even bigger way.” California Pit Bull Rescue (CPR), a Berkeley-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues and rehomes pit bull-type dogs while advocating for awareness and compassion for the breed.
The actual food to anticipate ranges from savory to sweet and includes Cocobreeze Caribbean Restaurant, El Compa Vegano, Jollof Kitchen, Srey Vegan, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade, RioGood, to name a few. The 100+ vendors truly acts as a bustling representative microcosm of the Bay Area, underscoring its beautiful international diversity while also platforming the wide multiculturalism of vegan cuisine itself.
For 21+ libations, be prepared to wash it all down with several cocktail and wine vendors such as Tessier Winery, and the Traveling Bird House’s refreshing Mimosa Bar, all found at the Bizerkeley Beer and Wine Garden on Acton Street. There will also be plenty of local artists and artisans to shop with delight, including Nubian Chic Designs, New Leaf Nursery, Aneswe Essence, and Vegan Power Co.
Entertainment is just as inclusive as the nourishment, featuring sharp choreography from the Ko Makou Ohana Aloha hula school and live sets from Keidra and DJ Ajani. It all begins with a weeklong plethora of festivities on Monday, September 1st. See the schedule below to build up your excitement and even get to know your local community deeper:
● Monday, Sept. 1 – Labor Day Kick-Off event at Sports Basement Presidio
● Tuesday, Sept. 2 – “Find Your Food Fest BFF” Mixer
● Wednesday, Sept. 3 – Cooking Class with a Top Tier Chef
● Thursday, Sept. 4 – Mac & Cheese Tasting Competition at Sports Basement Berkeley
● Friday, Sept. 5 – Fireside Chat with Pioneers in the Plant-Based Food World
● Saturday, Sept. 6 – Pre-Order & VIP Wristband Pick-Up Party
● Sunday, Sept. 7 – Main Event & Inaugural Pickleball Tournament
While General Admission is free for all, you can reserve a $20 Express Entry with early pre-order pick up and a special welcome gift, or a $75 VIP Pass that includes a headliner meet-and-greet, entry into the VIP lounge, giveaways, free entry into the weekly events, and more. You can see all available tickets here.
Festival Details
● Location: North Berkeley BART Station (1759 Acton St, Berkeley, CA)
● Space: 90,000 sq ft of all-outdoors, ADA accessible, and family-friendly fun
● Transit: Steps from the BART station entrance, AC Transit, and free neighborhood parking (first come, first served)
● Reminders: ADA service animals only; bring chairs, blankets, and reusable bottles to stay cool and comfy For more information, visit bizerkeleyfoodfest.com.
