Eugene VeganFest draws more than 2,000 to Lane Events Center

More than 2,000 people turned out Sunday at the Lane Events Center for the second annual Eugene VeganFest, a sign that plant-based and sustainability-focused events are drawing a growing local audience in Eugene.

The festival ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 3 and was built around what organizers described as compassionate and sustainable living. The event brought together food and drink, innovative vendors, inspiring speakers, nonprofits, animal sanctuaries and eco-friendly products, turning the Lane County fairgrounds venue into a packed gathering place for people looking for more than a market or tasting event.

Organizers also framed the day as open to a wide cross-section of the community. Children under 12 were admitted free, and the event was described as alcohol-free and drug-free, with a safe-space atmosphere for vegans, veg-curious visitors and skeptical attendees alike. Two presentation rooms focused on the ethical, environmental and health sides of vegan living, tying the festival’s food offerings to larger questions about climate change, animal welfare and nutrition.

That broader pitch appears to be part of the festival’s appeal. The event’s own promotional language linked veganism to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering the risk of chronic degenerative disease and helping reduce the chance of future pandemics. Lane Events Center’s listing said the day offered a chance to learn how to curb climate change, save animals from suffering and help your body thrive, underscoring how the festival blended lifestyle, public health and environmental messaging.

The crowd size also points to quick growth. Eugene Weekly said the 2026 festival featured 60-plus vendors, about 25 more than the year before, along with food, speakers and live music. Organizers said they want to keep expanding the festival in future years, adding to Eugene’s calendar of large community events that mix education, local business and social connection in one place. At the Lane Events Center, the turnout showed that Eugene VeganFest has moved beyond a niche gathering and into a broader community event with room to keep growing.