This week brings a mix of outdoor events and community gatherings, starting with Toronto’s Vegan Night Market after two weather-related postponements. There’s also a free vegan festival by the lake in Burlington for anyone up for a day trip out of the city.

Back in Toronto, VegTO and Animal Liberation Kitchen are teaming up for a family-friendly afternoon tea on the Big Carrot rooftop, with plant-based treats, children’s activities, and an excuse to get a little dressed up.

It’s a week with plenty of options for eating, browsing, and spending time with the local vegan community.

📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
🕒 6:00–9:30 p.m.
📍 Balmy Beach, 6 Glen Manor Dr
🎟️ Free

After weather postponed the first two dates, the Vegan Night Market hits Balmy Beach for an evening of plant-based food, restaurant pop-ups, artisan makers, and local vendors selling snacks, wellness goods, vintage clothing, and skincare. The event will also include live music, giveaways, community activities, and a complimentary sunset yoga and sound bath. It’s family and pet-friendly.

📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕒 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
📍 Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
🎟️ Free

I don’t normally list events outside of Toronto but this one has gotten so popular I thought you all should know about it. Burlington VegFest returns for its fifth year featuring more than 70 vendors, cooking demonstrations, speakers, live music, cruelty-free products, and kids’ activities. Organised by a local volunteer-led committee, the festival explores the health, environmental, and ethical aspects of vegan living and makes for a day trip from Toronto.

📅 Sunday, August 16, 2026
🕒 1:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 The Big Carrot Danforth Community Market rooftop, 348 Danforth Ave
🎟️ $25 for adults; $20 for children; VegTO members save 15%

VegTO and Animal Liberation Kitchen are hosting a family-friendly rooftop afternoon tea with vegan high-tea bites, including pesto-and-vegan-feta canapés, tofu egg salad on sourdough, and vanilla-walnut shortbread macaroons. There will also be a children’s craft area, with additional ALK baked goods available to purchase and take home.

(Event details are accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publishing. Events are intended to be vegan, but details may change, please confirm directly with the organizer if you have specific concerns.)

Brazil has become the first country in Latin America to ban the production, import, and sale of foie gras and other products made through the force-feeding of animals. The measure was approved unanimously despite reported opposition from French diplomats, who argued that foie gras production is not cruel and hoped to benefit from a new EU–South American trade agreement. Brazil joins India as one of the few countries to prohibit both production and imports, while around 20 other countries have banned production only. Animal Equality welcomed the decision as a major victory after collecting more than 310,000 petition signatures, and is now campaigning for a similar federal ban in the United States. Although California and New York prohibit foie gras production, their laws do not fully prevent imports, and several US cities have banned its sale.

*(more info will come closer to the dates)

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