Planet Bethesda Festival Offers Something for Everyone with Multicultural Foods, Kid’s Corner, Live Animal Ambassadors, Pet Adoptions and Mad Science Show
Posted on May 19, 2023
Contacts: Lisa DeCrescente, lisa@farmusa.com
Nicole Berger, n.berger@sustainableeartheating.org
(Bethesda, MD – May 9, 2023) In less than a month, the Planet Bethesda festival returns to Elm Street Park on June 4, 2023, building on the success of the inaugural event in 2022. The food and music festival celebrates World Environment Day and the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. A variety of vendors and local restaurants will offer innovative and multicultural plant-based cuisine. The festival will be held in conjunction with a National Alternative Dairy Month celebration and include a return of the popular plant-based pie eating contest, Bier Garten, Canine Courtyard, live entertainment, and free children’s activities.
Main Stage Speakers Announced
The main stage lineup will feature a roster of sustainable living change makers and experts, including United States Congressman Jamie Raskin who supports a plant-based diet, and Seth Goldman, co-founder of Eat the Change®. Additional speakers include Dr. Faraz Harsini, biomedical scientist, and Founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), and Gwyn Whittaker, Executive Producer of the documentary Game Changers. DJ Soul will share his electrifying beats and inspirational story with the audience. (Full list of speakers available)
“We built this event to have something for everyone,” said Lisa DeCrescente, Farm Animal Rights Special Projects Director. “It’s a life-affirming celebration of the planet with unique foods, children’s entertainment, giveaways and music, but it’s also an opportunity to learn and explore how we all can give back to the planet.”
“I’m excited to attend the Planet Bethesda Festival and meet people who are passionate about living a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle,” said Gene Bauer, an event speaker and Farm Sanctuary Founder. “I’m excited to share the innovative work our organization is doing across diverse movements to build a kinder, healthier, and more just food system.”
Planet Bethesda will also have music from Jeff Majors, an American inspirational jazz musician, an interactive Kid’s Korner with free activities, a Mad Science show, a Canine Courtyard, a Bier Garten, and live Animal Ambassadors compliments of Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary, adoptable puppies from Lucky Dog Canine Rescue and giveaways.
“Forager Project is excited to be a part of Planet Bethesda this year,” says Stephen Williamson, Forager Project co-founder and CEO. “We look forward to joining the Bethesda community in celebrating all that plant-based eating has to offer and are excited for attendees to interact and sample our Probiotic Cashewmilk Yogurt Smoothies at the festival.”
The event is hosted by FARM Animal Rights Movement in association with Sustainable Earth Eating (SEE), and the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).
The event will be on June 4, 2023 from 12:00-6:00pm and is free to the public. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Elm Street Park is a two-minute walk from the Bethesda Metro Station. Dog attendance is encouraged.
Vendors include: Red Bandana Bakery, True Foods Kitchen, Dog Haus, Bethesda Curry Kitchen, Zoe’s Vegan Delights, In The Raw with Soul, Zao Ramen Stamina, Clayboys, Jarabes, Guardado’s, Zoe’s Delights, Berries & Bowls, and more.
“We are thrilled to host the Canine Corner at Planet Bethesda this year,” said Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Founder and CEO Mirah Horowitz. “Our adoptable pups will be there to meet new friends and spread the word about how important adoption is to helping animals in need.”
For more information visit www.PlanetBethesda.com.
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About FARM
Founded in 1976, Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) is a national nonprofit organization advocating for animal rights, veganism and sustainability.
About Sustainable Earth Eating
Sustainable Earth Eating is a nonprofit organization that engages in outreach, advocacy, and educational initiatives to provide accurate information on the outsized contribution of animal agriculture to climate change.
About PCRM
The Physicians Committee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research.