It is that time of year again! There will be outdoor festivals taking place all over the world. Countries such as Brazil or Trinidad organize Mardi Gras festivals which are very popular with tourists. Here in the US, you may find Earth Day festivals, jazz festivals, May Day festivals, Shakespeare in the Park, and a plethera of others. In addition to music, dance performances, and craft items for sale, these festivals usually have quite a few food vendors on the premises so that attendees may find snacks, have lunch, or grab an early dinner.

Vegans may find these outdoor events to be a bit challenging. Typical fair or festival food includes hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, or ethnic meat dishes. Though it is difficult to find vegan fare here, it is not impossible. I attended an outdoor festival today in Boston which celebrates the season of Spring. This event included music performances, dance routines, and vendors selling both local and international crafts. I purchased a scarf made in Guatemala made from natural dyes and a locally made, natural almond soap.

When it came time for me to eat lunch, I walked back and forth in the food vendor section as I always do at these outdoor events. My conclusion was the same as usual; there would be only two options for lunch. It would be either a Thai veggie stir fry dish or an Indian dish. I chose the Indian entree which consisted of rice, chickpeas, a vegetable samosa turnover, and a vegetable fritter. I do not recall ever seeing anything vegan, other than Thai or Indian choices at an outdoor festival. For a snack, I selected fried dough topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Ask the vendor if the dough is coated with butter. Usually it is not. It is just made with yeast, vegetable oil, and water. It is safe for vegans.

I have a few tips to offer regarding your meal selection at outdoor festival food stalls. If you would like to order french fries, verify with the vendor whether or not they are fried in the same oil as the chicken they serve. It is best to purchase fried items such as fried dough or french fries from vendors which only sell those items, thus not contaminating the cooking oils with animal juices. Also, if you purchase Thai or Indian food be sure to ask if the items contain butter, cheese, eggs, or other dairy products. I wish there were more plentiful vegan dining options at these outdoor festivals, but alas there is not. We are fortunate to find Indian and Thai dishes, as well as the occasional unhealthy, yet hunger-quenching french fry. At international destinations, you may find some of their local foods to be vegan. For example, Mid-Eastern countries may offer vegan, falafel sandwiches at their festival events.

Smoothies are popular beverages sold at outdoor summer festivals. Sometimes they are made with milk or yogurt. Other versions are made vegan with just tropical fruits and crushed ice. I enjoy these refreshing beverages myself while attending these festivals.

I hope this information gave everyone some good points on which to ponder while seeking a meal at your next outdoor festival event!