The event will star Carol Leifer — the LA-based comedian and former writer for Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld who has frequently appeared on Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Real Time with Bill Maher and The Oprah Winfrey Show — speaking about following a vegan lifestyle.

Veg Fest also features a new title sponsor in Whole Foods Market and a new location — Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, in a beautiful setting on the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The park is conveniently located across the street and to the south of the St. Pete Times Forum. Parking is available in the adjacent South Regional Parking Garage, located at 301 Channelside Drive. (See event details further below.)

About 3,000 people attended last year’s inaugural event, and this October’s festival promises to be bigger and better. The new location will include air-conditioned indoor meeting rooms for guest speakers, films, and a kids' puppet show, along with improved outdoor facilities for vendors, performers and attendees.

The event — presented by Florida Voices for Animals in honor of the 29^th annual observance of World Farm Animals Day — will appeal to all who enjoy tasty, healthy foods, whether or not they follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. The food booths drew rave reviews last year, and local vendors are expected to again impress attendees.