Santa Monica is set to host the world’s first vegan Oktoberfest this weekend, with more than 3,000 thirsty guests expected to celebrate in a cruelty-free environment.
“We want Vegan Oktoberfest to combine the fun and appeal of a widely beloved event – Oktoberfest – with the compassion of animal lovers,” said organizer David Edward Burke.
“Too many events fall into only one of two categories; either they don’t appeal to vegetarians or vegans at all because animal products are such a big part of the event, or they appeal only to vegans and vegetarians because they event is so narrowly focused on the animal friendly aspect,” he added.
Vegan Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4 and promises to recreate the feel of a genuine German beer hall featuring live Oompah bands, Bavarian maidens, and of course, refreshing and delicious vegan craft beer poured to perfection by dozens of great breweries.
“We wanted to create an event that combines the best of both worlds,” Burke said. “Vegan Oktoberfest will give vegans and vegetarians their first opportunity to enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest celebration while showing our other guests that they can still enjoy all the elements of Oktoberfest; great food, great beer, and great people, without any animals being harmed.”
Participating food vendors include many of Los Angeles most acclaimed vegan restaurants. Sage Organic Bistro will prepare potato pancakes, cauliflower hot wings, and German-style soft pretzels. Southern Fried Vegan will offer Fried Chickun and Mac N’ Cheeze, and Urban Pie will showcase sausage and potato pizzas.
While the food and beer will be vegan, the rest of the event is truly an authentic Oktoberfest celebration, according to the organizers.
Keeping with the Bavarian theme, entertainment will include a live traditional music, stein holding contests, chicken dancing, yodeling contests and more.
Attendees are also being encouraged to don traditional German attire, with most of the event staff also clad in Bavarian beer maiden outfits and lederhosen.
“The event will change the way that people view Oktoberfest and veganism,” said organizer Jill Ryther. “I can’t wait to show people how good cruelty-free can be.”
“Vegan Oktoberfest will be a festive, authentic, and social atmosphere that makes the bar scene seem dull by comparison,” added Burke. “There’s no reason an event can’t be both outrageously fun and animal friendly.”
Vegan Oktoberfest is being organized by Red Pill Productions, a company founded by the organizers, who are also animal rights attorneys. A portion of the proceeds will go to Expand Animal Rights Now (EARN), a non-profit dedicated to using the legal system to help animals.
“Our goal is to expand animal rights in the courtroom, educate students about how to stand up for animals in classrooms, and raise awareness about the exploitation of animals through community outreach,” EARN states on their website.
EARN’s attorneys act as pro-bono or contingency based legal counsel representing individuals who wish to file lawsuits that will protect or expand the rights of animals. EARN also educates members of the community about current animal protection laws while working to strengthen and improve the laws. They also go into school classrooms to speak about how adopting a plant-based diet can improve people’s health and promote the humane treatment of animals.
Saturday’s event will accommodate up to 3,200 guests and will take place beach front at 2600 Barnard Way, Santa Monica.
Tickets are $45 for general admission, which includes entry, a beer stein and unlimited beer. Non-drinking and VIP options are also available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.veganoktoberfest.com.
