DOWNTOWN WEEKLY THE SPIRIT OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM VOL 19. NO. 12 OCT 26 - NOV 1, 2023
DTLA SEXY
halloween SUGARPUSS CLOTHING
DTLA FILM FEST CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
DTLA HALLOWEEN GUIDE THE RETURN OF VEGANDALE
THE FREAKY SIDE OF DOWNTOWN WEEKLY
on the cover: sugarpuss clothing
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PHOTO: JEN SUMMERS MODEL: LORENA MEDINA LOCATION: FASHION DISTRICT
THE SUPER FREAKS
DTLA WEEKLY
editor and chief KERI FREEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Keri Freeman JACKSON ROBERTS REBECCA DENNING jamiie herrera abel weiss cathy chu
photography GARY LEONARD shawn smith eric epperson keri Freeman
VIDEO Production @kerieatsdtla design and layout @kerieatsdtla
social media art hunter
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sugarpuss clothing...4 dtla film fest celebrates 15 years ...6 dtla halloween guide..8 japanese food expo...9 vegandale returns...10 DTLA WEEKLY Special thanks to... All rights reserved. DownMAYOR OF LOS ANGELES town Weekly is a news, event, & Council district 14 LIFESTYLE & Hospitality FREE resource. No portion THE CITY OF LA ofcommunity this publication may be reproARTS DISTRICT duced without express written CHINATOWN permission from the publisher. WEEKLY, in support of local CIVIC DISTRICT DTLA residents, businesses, workers and BUNKER HILL visitors of Downtown Los AnEXPO/USC geles, publishes DTLA WEEKLY. HISTORIC CORE Readers are recommended to LITTLE TOKYO make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relaFASHION DISTRICT tion to any ad, article or feature FINANCIAL DISTRICT published herein. DTLA WEEKLY will not be liable to any person SKID ROW for loss or damage incurred or SOUTH PARK suffered as a result of his/her WAREHOUSE DISTRICT accepting, offering to accept or any invitation or advice THEGRAWN following contained in any ad, article or ARTWALK NEWS feature published herein.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES WEEKLY
DTLA NEWS l EVENTS l LIFESTYLE I HOSPITALITY P.O. BOX 86601 - DTLA CA 90086 - WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM 888-732-DTLA (3852) @DTLAWEEKLY
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4 DTLA MAKEOVER: SUGARPUSS CLOTHING BY KERI FREEMAN
VOL 19. NO. 12 OCT 26 - NOV 1, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
Sugarpuss Clothing No Tricks - All Treats in the Fashion District
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ocated at the epicenter of Downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District Photos courtesy of Sugarpuss Clothing is Sugarpuss Clothing, also elevate the sensation of donning each cosplayers who frequent special events a haven for fashion garment. and day-long conventions. Summers emphasizes, “Most of the big costume enthusiasts in search Sugarpuss Clothing draws inspiration companies just make everything for oneof glamour, style, and from the vivacious decades of the time use and to throw away after. We don’t a dash of allure. This 70s, 80s, and just a touch of the 90s. do that!” extraordinary showroom Every piece produced by this dynamic brand propels its wearer into the future Overcoming the inevitable challenges and design studio is with fun, flirty cuts, and clothing that of production in the fashion industry impeccably hugs the contours of the is no small feat, but Summers has renowned for their body. Each garment is a testament to the mastered the art of adaptation. She spectacular array of brand’s commitment to quality, vibrant notes, “Whenever you are making your swimwear, lingerie, fabrics, and innovative design. own garments, there are bound to be production issues. So partnering with the festival looks, and, correct production teams is crucial.” most notably, themed The Sugarpuss Costume division Sugarpuss Clothing has been steadily costumes destined to set has grown exponentially in recent years, with an ardent following among amassing accolades, most recently Halloween on fire. professional cosplayers, convention-goers, gracing the runway at LA Swimweek with
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he captivating journey of Sugarpuss Clothing commenced in 2001, ignited by the visionary designer, Jen Summers. Originating in the vibrant city of San Francisco, the brand eventually found its true home amidst the vibrant streets of Downtown Los Angeles. Jennifer Summers, a distinguished alumna of UC Berkeley, blends the riches of formal education with the authenticity of self-taught fashion expertise. This unique blend has forged her into a veritable fashion maven, known for crafting apparel and costumes that not only enhance the wearer’s look but
and photo shoot aficionados. As Jennifer Summers enthusiastically explains, “Our Sugarpuss Costumes division has grown quite a bit since we first launched online in 2015. We have worked extensively with performers and professional cosplayers, creating a remarkably supportive community.” What sets Sugarpuss apart is its dedication to quality. Unlike many other costume companies that offer single-use outfits, Sugarpuss’ costumes are designed for long-term use. These costumes can be worn, washed, and worn again, making them ideal for
Art Hearts Fashion. Recently, the brand showcased its latest swimwear collections at the New Mart Building in Downtown LA, solidifying its status as a fashion force to be reckoned with. As for the future, Jennifer Summers maintains an air of mystery regarding her forthcoming plans, enticing her audience to stay tuned through their social media channels for thrilling updates. Whether it’s alluring swimwear, retro-inspired apparel, or Halloween costumes that make a bold statement, one thing is certain: Sugarpuss Clothing is the place where DTLA turns to for fabulous, high-quality, and irresistibly sexy fashion designed for repeat wear. @sugarpussclothing
DTLA APPETITE: THE PALM BY KERI FREEMAN
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6 DTLA MOVIE BUFF: DTLA FILM FEST BY KERI FREEMAN
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DTLA Film Festival Celebrates 15 Years of Independent Cinematic Gems
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he DTLA Film Festival is back, and it’s not just a cinematic celebration; it’s a testament to resilience, diversity, and the power of storytelling.
Sarafyan, Natalia del Riego, and Benny Emmanuel, this thought-provoking film explores themes of immigration and religiosity. “As a festival, we embrace the cultural diversity of the neighborhoods of downtown L.A. and surrounding areas. So, of course, our festival had to recognize Dia de los Muertos and its significance to the Latin communities of L.A. With its themes of immigration and religiosity, even our opening night film, ‘Hail Mary,’ reflects our own way of recognizing Day of the Dead,” said festival co-founder Henry Priest.
The festival’s commitment to diversity goes beyond the films it showcases.
The festival’s lineup consists of 46 short films grouped into 11 short film programs. Each program explores unique themes such as “L.A. Stories,” “Queer It Up!,” “The Female Gaze,” “Funny Threads,” and “Dystopia Now.” The festival remains committed to diversity, showcasing narratives often underrepresented by mainstream Hollywood. Wellington Almeida, the short films curator, emphasizes the festival’s mission to provide a platform for voices from around the world, stating that “great stories can take many different shapes and forms.” This diverse array of stories and voices is a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and bring communities together. With its decision to proceed with its yearly fall dates in accordance with strike
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his year marks the 15th annual edition of the popular festival happening from November 1st to 5th at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live, and it’s brimming with unique elements that make the DTLA Film Fest truly special. The festival’s “key art” for this year is a captivating creation by the celebrated Calavera artist, Agustin Equihua-Ortiz. This intricate artwork is a vibrant tapestry that pays homage to the Day of The Dead celebrations, an integral part of the cultural fabric of Los Angeles.
Photos courtesy of DTLA FILM FEST
Nearly half of the films in this year’s festival are directed by women, and they are prominently featured throughout the event.
guidelines, the recent SAG-WGA strike posed numerous challenges for all film festivals.
Nevertheless, the festival’s team firmly believed in supporting the strike, stating that they “unequivocally support the Opening night of the festival begins From the Opening Night film, “Hail Mary,” SAG-WGA labor actions and, in fact, with “Hail Mary,” a genre-bending to the Centerpiece film, “Summer of all strikes by unions this summer, retelling of the Mary and Joseph story that Violence,” and the Closing Night film, including those by hotel and auto takes audiences on a gripping journey “Women in Fire,” the festival celebrates workers,” as emphasized by festival following an undocumented pregnant the incredible contributions of women in director Greg Ptacek. migrant’s quest to safely cross the U.S. filmmaking. border. Starring Jack Huston, Angela
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DTLA MOVIE BUFF: DTLA FILM FEST BY KERI FREEMAN
s the DTLA Film Festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from all walks of life, the festival also strives to reflect in its programming the unique cultural and ethnic diversity of the neighborhoods of downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding communities. The DTLA Film Fest Line Up Includes: PROGRAM 1 A and B: Entitled “LA Stories,” paint a cinematic portrait of Los Angeles, with films “Civic” and “How to Deal with Fame” which touch on themes of homecoming, womanhood, the artistry of dance and music, and the challenges faced by teachers amidst pressing social issues.
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PROGRAM 2: Entitled “MIDNIGHT SESSIONS,” welcome a thrilling blend of cult films, horror, and NSFW dark comedy that explores the eerie world of midnight anxiety with films including “Mia & The Skeletons’ Night From Hell” and “What A Trip!” PROGRAM 3: Entitled QUEER IT UP! is a vibrant showcase of LGBTQ+ narratives filled with humor, wit, and love, even amid the complexities of war and identity conflicts, with films like “It’s A Date,” “That Dark Day,” and “How Not To Date While Trans.” The event continues over the course of four days with: PROGRAM 4: Entitled DYSTOPIA NOW, with films that blur the boundaries between humanity and nature, identities merge with artificial realities, and isolated souls find solace amidst haunting shadows of injustice. More programs to follow include films focused on mental health and self-discovery, horror, social conflicts, black culture, and comedy.
There are also SPECIAL SHORTS PROGRAMS found within DTLA Film Festival’s LATIN/LATINX FILM SERIES, which include titles, “Razón de Ser: Luis C. Garza,” “Vida,” and “Asi Es La Vida.” There’s even a category for western shorts, all featuring new and seasoned filmmakers who’ve created powerful new works that span across comedy, drama, and documentary. The latest edition to the film fest, “The Problem With People,” is the new comedy starring Paul Reiser and Colm Meaney. (Reiser also co-wrote the screenplay and produced the film) and told CBS The Talk today, he was delighted to be featured in this year’s 15 anniversary film festival. The DTLA Film Festival promises to be a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the art of storytelling, uniting moviegoers everywhere. @dtlafilmfest
PHOTO COURTESY: Cooper Design Center
8 GET2DTLA: DTLA HALLOWEEN GUIDE
VOL 19. NO. 12 OCT 26 - NOV 1, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
H is for Horror here's a list of things to do in downtown
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ive into the darkness this Halloween with DJs, drinks and costumes, and unearth a downtown Los Angeles filled with ghoulish delights. Here’s a list of things to do this Halloween Weekend in DTLA. Wicked Weekday Fun on Thursday, October 26th Oct 26 – LA CASA DE LA DYSTOPIA – HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA: A thrilling Halloween experience at The Reserve Nightclub. Under the city streets a basement dance floor of Reggaeton and Latin House beats awaits. Costumes required. 21+ only. Hosted by Dystopia LA, The Reserve is located on the Spring Street Strip, in the Historic Core, Downtown’s most concentrated nightlife scene for naughty ghouls and ghosts. 650 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.thereservela.com
The Freaks Come Out on Friday Night, October 27th Oct 27 – BOLLYWOOD DEMONS: Bollywood Halloween Party: Ladies get in free at this year’s Bollywood Halloween party at Elevate Lounge. Hosted by Radio5 Events this rooftop invites all to Dance the night away to the sounds of Dubai’s top spin doctor, DJ Sukhi. Elevate Lounge is located in the Finance District at 811 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017. www.clubelevate.com
Spooky Coctails Found in Almost Every Bar in DTLA
Oct 27 – TRAPETON HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY: Fall into a trap with a mix of Trap Bangers with Reggaeton music at this 18 and over fright fest held at The Globe Theatre. Hosted by Supreme Hollywood, Trapeton is the city’s largest reggaeton event. Costumes encouraged but not mandatory. The Globe Theatre is located at 740 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.globetheater-la.com
Spooky AF on Saturday, October 28th Oct 28 – DANSE DE MaCABRA: What’s more delicous than a plate of raw brains? A Rooftop Halloween Party at Hotel Hoxton. Fortune-telling, music, and a costume contest fill up the night along with an open bar and lite bites from famed Chef Stephany Izard. Cabra Los Angeles is located at 1060 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015. www.thehoxton.com
OCT 28 – LEVEL 8’s “8 Deadly Sins” Halloween Spectacular! Dive into a night where dark fantasies come alive, each table a tantalizing journey into one of the seven deadly sins… with an electrifying 8th that DTLA won’t see coming and a PREMIUM OPEN BAR! Voted most anticipated party of the season, this isn’t just a party—it’s an experience! Will DTLA confront its innermost desires and come out the other side? www.level8dtla.com Oct 28 – AFRO HALLOWEEN: Here’s an electrifying way to bring Halloween back to life: Afro Halloween presents a fusion of African and Caribbean culture with a spooky twist. Offering FREE Jollof until 11pm for those in costume and West African rice dishes to savor. Hosted by Big Moon Vibes, this Expo/USC event revives DTLA with Afro beats, Reggae, and more, with live performances by Carnival dancers. Located at Space – 111 W 17th Street, Los Angeles.
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Oct 28 – HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY at SIP LITTLE TOKYO: Boba infused drinks for any mad scientists will be available at this Little Tokyo hideaway inside of Weller Court. Along with Hip Hop, Top 40, and R&B music, a full bar, and a full night of dancing. Change into someone who Level 8 - Photo courtesy of Moxy Hotel loves to boogie this Halloween weekend in Downtown. SIP Oct 28 – CLEOPATRA: HALLOWEEN Little Tokyo is located at 123 Astronaut PARTY: Happening Saturday, October Ellison S Onizuka St. #301, Los 28, 2023, at The Globe Theater this preAngeles, CA 90012. www.siplittletokyo. Halloween dance party on the Broadway com Corridor, plans to fully Immerse its guests within an ancient world of enchantment. Oct 28 – LOS ANGELES ZOMBIE Hosted by Ed Wynn Presents, with CRAWL: Who will escape and who will hauntingly good music, DJs, and an eerie get bitten at this Halloween bar crawl ambiance, if you’re too scared to voyage in Downtown Los Angeles? With free into this party alone, you can always welcome shots, discount coupons, free bring your Mummy. The Globe Theatre is nightclub passes and an official map located at 740 S Broadway, Los Angeles, of Haunted Downtown Los Angeles. CA 90014. www.globetheater-la.com This event presented by Nasstive Entertainment fills with over 300+ Oct 28 – BLENDS: A HALLOWEEN guests who roam the streets gnawing PARTY FOR ARTISTS AND their way into participating dive bars, CREATIVES: Unleash your inner artist at breweries and nightclubs. Arts District Brewing Company. Mix fellow www.lazombiecrawl.com artists, music, and Halloween with barely and hops and howl at the moon at one of Hanging Around This Downtown’s most legendary breweries. Arts District Brewing Company is located Hallow’s Eve? at 828 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013. www.ArtsDistrictBrewing.com Oct 31 – HEAV3N GOES TO H3LL: Halloween Night haunts the Globe at this Oct 28 – ‘SEE YOU THERE’ – HIP HOP gargantuan Halloween party featuring + R&B HALLOWEEN PARTY: Drown in over 30+ artists, DJs, live performers, a sea of pastels and neon at High Tide burlesque, drag shows and more. This this Halloween located off the shores event brought to downtown by Lulo is 18 where Little Tokyo and Arts District meet. and over and is held in the historic The Presented by See You There, costumes are Globe Theatre located at 740 S Broadway, encouraged but not mandatory. The ghost Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.globetheatership departs at 9pm. High Tide is located la.com at 605 E 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. www.hightidedtla.com Oct 31 – DTLA HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL FOR KIDS: Celebrating 16 years of Oct 28 – ANGELS & DEMONS delightful Downtown youth, this annual HALLOWEEN PARTY: It’s a battle festival is held at Grand Hope Park from between good and evil at this ghoulish 5pm to 8pm on Halloween Night. This party with Dj sounds by Mike Fusion and treat for the kiddies includes a trick-orDJ Coolwhip. Hosted by VIP Nightlife, this treat trail, magic shows, costume contest event promises an end times angels and a spooky good time for the entire family. demons theme, with top models and adult The event, presented by Downtown Center movie stars. Elevate Lounge is located at Business Improvement District and FIDM, 811 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017. takes place at Grand Hope Park at the www.takamisushi.com/elevate-club ASU California Center-Grand, located at 919 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015. www.DowntownLA.com
Sep 15 – Oct 31 – ESCAPE ROOM’s BLACK DRAGON: A Fully Immersive Escape Room where guests find themselves trapped within the dark alleys of 1960s Hong Kong’s notorious Kowloon Walled City where they attempt to stop the Black Dragon triad gang from taking control inside this epic collection of vintage props and puzzles. This escape room is extremely difficult to figure out, so don’t be surprised if the inn keepers drop a hint or two so guests don’t get lost inside for all eternity. Escape Room LA is located at 120 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.escaperoomla.com
The Aftermath NOV 2 – THE HOUSE OF RED VELVET’S SALON DER HERZEN: Here’s a creepy art lover’s fantasy with frightening cocktails, art, and lavishly dark, live performances. Held at Apotheke, hard spirits, wine and beers are highly recommended as cocktails here are notoriously more delicious than they are potent, located at 7353 White Haven Ln, Los Angeles, CA 90045. www.thehouseofredvelvet.com
10 DTLA APPETITE: JAPANESE FOOD EXPO BY JACKSON ROBERTS
VOL 19. NO. 12 OCT 26 - NOV 1, 2023 WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM
Japanese Food Expo 2023: A Golden Ticket to Japan Without Having to Cross the Pacific
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he muchanticipated Japanese Food Expo 2023 is set to return on October 28th, and this year, it promises to be an even more remarkable culinary journey than last year.
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apan, with its rich culinary heritage and diverse food offerings, has been enchanting food enthusiasts worldwide. This expo is a golden ticket to experience the best of Japanese cuisine without having to cross the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese Food Expo is a celebration of all things Japanese, offering a delightful showcase of your favorite Japanese foods, drinks, and interactive workshops. For dedicated foodies with a discerning palate or just those curious about Japanese gastronomy, this event has something to satisfy every taste bud. One of the key highlights of the Japanese Food Expo 2023 is the presence of selected representatives from various Japanese prefectures. These esteemed individuals will share their culinary expertise, showcasing Japanese gourmet dishes made with traditional techniques and unparalleled artistry. It’s a rare opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Japan without having to embark on a long-haul journey. The Japanese Food Expo 2023 is divided into two time slots to accommodate as many visitors as possible. Slot #1 runs from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, while Slot #2 takes place from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Abundance of Sushi at Japanese Food Expo There is a one-hour break between these slots to allow vendors to replenish their offerings, ensuring that each visitor gets a fresh and delightful experience.
For those unfamiliar with Japanese rice balls, the Onigiri and Omusubi Sandwich Class offers you the chance to explore these traditional delicacies.
Children must be accompanied by a legal guardian to enter the event, and attendees must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages, so please enjoy them responsibly. Tickets are selling quickly, so make sure to secure your preferred time slot before they run out.
This special class is where ticket holders immerse themselves in the art of crafting delightful treats.
The Japanese Food Expo 2023 has a tantalizing lineup of ceremonies and performances. One of the highlights is the Live Blue Fin Tuna Cutting, an extraordinary show featuring Chef Andy Matsuda’s masterful art of slicing the famous bluefin tuna. This is a rare spectacle that’s typically reserved for those in Japan, and witnessing it is an unforgettable experience.
The event will also feature a captivating Taiko Performance, showcasing the deep, resonant sound of Taiko drums that are a staple in traditional Japanese festivals and ceremonies. Japanese Food Expo 2023 promises an unforgettable an opportunity to savor the essence of Japan. Japanese Food Expo culture. takes place October 28th, 2023, at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City! @japanesefoodexpo
DTLA VEGAN: VEGANDALE RETURNS BY JACKSON ROBERTS
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Everything You Need to Know About Vegandale coming to LA Historic State Park
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alling All Vegans: Vegandale is coming Saturday, October 28th to LA Historic State Park; it’s an all-vegan experience that brings together visual art, music, delectable food, and a variety of vegan spirits.
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ounded in 2015 as a passion project by Hellenic Vincent De Paul, Vegandale’s mission is to shatter vegan stereotypes and showcase a world where animal exploitation is a thing of the past. Now in its eighth season, Vegandale annually tours major North American cities, hinting at an exciting promise of global expansion on the horizon. The Food: From cinnamon buns with various toppings to spicy fried chick’n, mac and cheese bites, buffalo cauliflower, fries, and word burgers – attendees won’t be disappointed. There’s something for everyone, including vegan ice cream, cookies, and even alkaline vegan fried mushroom tacos.
Ticket holders can find everything from Korean pear tonic to jasmine tea milk and strawberry matcha. The Art: Vegandale will be unveiling an all new collection of their renowned original art installations that guarantee perfect photo opps and an unforgettable experience. The Music: The crowd at Vegandale find themselves rocking out to various acts, complete with live djs, dance performances and stage light show.
Photos courtesy of Vegandale
The Location: Los Angeles State Historic Park (LASHP) is the venue for this fantastic event. Spanning 32 acres, this California State The Merch: Park is nestled in For those looking to up their vegan fashion the heart of Los game, Vegandale offers an abundance of Angeles and offers vegan-themed cotton-based clothing and breathtaking views accessories, including t-shirts, hoodies, of the downtown area. With a history of headbands, tote bags, and enamel pins. hosting creative public events, it’s the You can also stock up on stickers to show perfect location for Vegandale. off your vegan pride. Rules and Information: The Drinks: 100% Vegan: Everything sold on-site, Quenching thirst all day and night with including food, drinks, and merchandise, fresh fruit drinks, specialty iced coffee, is 100% vegan. So you can indulge limeades, lemonades, and an array of craft without any concerns. house-made lemonades and iced teas.
Entertainment: Vegandale won’t just tantalize your taste buds; there will also be a live DJ and MC hosting games and giveaways on stage throughout the entire day. For meat eaters, Vegandale offers an opportunity to explore how a vegan world looks not much different than the conventional one we live in. @vegandale