Like a fungus spore on a rotting forest log, Berkeley’s annual vegan food fest has greatly mushroomed this year. Previously a one-day event, it’s now a week-long affair in early September with live music, eating contests, merch and global grub.

The 2025 Bizerkeley Food Fest Week — in previous years just the Bizerkeley Food Festival — kicked off Sept. 1 with a screening of the food-industry documentary “They’re Trying to Kill Us.” It culminates with the main food festival on Sept. 7 at the North Berkeley BART Station, featuring more than 80 vendors (some offering free samples) and a vegan fashion show.

General admission is free and there are line-skipping express tickets and VIP experiences for $20-$75. Billing itself as the largest vegan food fest in Northern California, the Bizerkeley Food Festival was started in 2021 by entrepreneur Erika Hazel, nicknamed “The Bizerkeley Vegan.”

There’s lots on tap, from pie-eating competitions to beer-and-wine lounges to a vegan mac-n-cheese taste-off. On Sept. 7, there will be performances from acts like alt-rock band Uromastyx and hip-hop artist StunnaMan02, the mind behind 2024’s single, “Eat a Salad.” Here is the daily schedule of events taking place across town; check the website for additional details on addresses and times.

A dish from a previous Bizerkeley Food Festival. (Visionary Media Collective) 

Sept. 3: “Stop Light Party Social Mixer,” an evening of networking, speed dating and plant-based fun in Oakland.

Sept. 4.: A vegan mac-n-cheese recipe and tasting competition in Berkeley.

Sept. 5: A fireside-chat panel with plant-based chefs and food innovators in Berkeley.

Sept. 6: VIP wristband pick-up party in Berkeley.

Sept. 7 – Main Festival Day with vendors, music and events like a “Bad-Ass Vegan Run Club” and an “Eco Sports Pickleball Tournament.”

Details: Main festival takes place noon-6 p.m. Sept. 7 at the North Berkeley BART Station, 1759 Acton St., Berkeley; for tickets and the week’s schedule visit bizerkeleyfoodfest.com