2nd Annual Hudson Valley Vegfest Comes to Poughkeepsie

Date Published: October 17, 2018

Vegan. A word that can often be misunderstood and associated with a fad diet, or an over-the-top way of eating. For many, it’s a lifestyle. A way to live healthfully and fuel their bodies with plant-based products. This year marks the second annual Hudson Valley Vegfest, and we encourage vegans and non-vegans a like to come out and enjoy the fest! Returning the weekend of November 3-4, 2018 at Gold’s Gym in Poughkeepsie, the festival will showcase the absolute best of everything green, vegetable, plant-based, healthy and compassionate in the Hudson Valley. With vegetarianism and veganism on the rise this fest is one that is welcomed back with open arms, as it was one of the first of its kind in the area.

How is it that this fest found a home in the Hudson Valley you ask? Well, the conversation started a few years back when friends Sande Nosonowitz and Rebecca Moore pondered why there wasn’t a large scale vegfest in the area where vegan startups, meetups and organizations could gather to discuss common interests. Fast forward two years, and here they are bringing the idea to life! Both Sande and Rebecca have works for years both independently and at local non-profits centered on vegan advocacy and lifestyle, traveling to other Vegfests far and wide, assisting on vegan and animal rights events and more.

This annual event will highlight game-changing vegan businesses, organizations, world renowned speakers, filmmakers, vegan chefs, authors, musicians and innovators, both local and from around the country. Here in the Hudson Valley, we are surrounded by amazing working farms, tons of local farmers markets, and scenic places for outdoor recreation, making it perfectly positioned to be a leader and center in the new and growing vegan economy.

Whether you are already vegan, or just someone curious to learn more about a vegan lifestyle, come out and experience the fest. It will be an event you won’t forget! It will run all weekend, both November 3^rd and 4^th from 11am to 6pm. Admission is $10 per day, or $15 for a two-day pass. Children under 10 years old are free. The event will be held at Gold’s Gym in Poughkeepsie in the giant, 42,000 square foot domed space known as "The Net", with a separate theater-style room upstairs which will feature our amazing speakers and presentations. To see the complete schedule, click here. The address to the venue is below:

Gold’s Gym Poughkeepsie
258 Titusville Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

For more information regarding directions, visit the event website here.  

There is an extensive and impressive vendor list for this inaugural year, including vendors with both local and national recognition. Some of the featured local companies include Adams Fairacre Farms, More Good Syrups and Mixers, Peaceful Provisions, Mother Earth's Storehouse and more, while larger brands include Califia Farms, Better Bean, Peta and Field Goods. Browse the complete vendor list here! 

Tickets will be available day-of, but if you are interested in purchasing tickets ahead of time, visit the event website here. For further questions, you can email the Hudson Valley Vegfest at hvvegfest@gmail.com.