Hudson Valley Vegfest, a major expo focused on vegan living, will be held September 23 and 24 at Gold’s Gym in Poughkeepsie. The gym’s 42,000 square feet of indoor space will be devoted to vegan food and cooking demos, clothing, fitness presentations by award-winning vegan athletes, speakers, music and film.

Innovative companies, chefs, authors, animal sanctuaries and activists from across the country will showcase their compassionate and sustainable products, share their lifesaving work, offer samples of their food (including ethical chocolate), speak about critical issues and educate visitors about the vegan lifestyle.

Among the additions to this year’s presentation lineup are Naliaka Wakhisi doing a cooking demonstration, and a screening of the 2017 film What the Health by A.U.M. Films, the company that created the groundbreaking Cowspiracy. The latest vendor additions include the vegan food company Freakin’ Vegan, renowned chocolatier Lagusta’s Luscious, and Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary. The list is being updated daily on the festival website, HVVegfest.org.

As the vegan lifestyle vastly reduces one’s carbon footprint, Hudson Valley Vegfest is a zero-waste event designed to “walk the walk” about environmentalism and sustainability. Vegfest is partnering with Zero to Go, an education-based waste management company focused on composting and recycling. At various staffed stations set up around the venue, attendees will be able to learn about composting, recycling and environmentally sound waste management as every bit of waste generated is properly sorted.

For more info, visit HVVegfest.org.