'V313,' a one-day vegan festival, is planned for Detroit's Eastern Market

A celebration of all things plant-based is planned for Eastern Market.

Dubbed V313: Detroit’s Premier Vegan Celebration, the event will be held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 8 in Eastern Market's Shed 5. Tickets are available at the door or online for $15.

According to a press release, the event — the first of its kind in Detroit — will feature animal-free food, vendors, "music by local plant-powered musicians," games, and even vegan speed dating. (Earnest question — what is there to talk about during speed dating when you both already know you're vegan? We digress.)

More than 50 vendors and exhibitors are on deck to give away specials and samples. Participating restaurants include Detroit Vegan Soul, The Nosh Pit Detroit, The Clean Plate, Crepe Day Twah, Shimmy Shack, and others. There will also be panels, with topics including "Vegans of Color" and "Plant-Powered Women." Throughout the day guest speakers will give presentations, including Milton Mills, M.D., of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and YouTube star Mic the Vegan. As for those "plant-powered musicians"? That would be Rosie and the Fellas and Once United.
"We're excited to bring this first major vegan event to the city of Detroit, whose vegan community is among the most dynamic in the country," organizer John Batdorf says in a statement. "The issues are serious, in terms of adopting a healthier, more sustainable and compassionate lifestyle, but the event will be seriously fun."

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