15 vegan essentials you need for the festive season

Festival season is upon us, and whether you’re heading to Coachella, Burning Man, Lollapalooza, Bonnero, or one of the plethora of other weekend-long music events across the US, there’s one key to having a good time: be prepared. From wearing some super cute (and comfy) vegan leather booties to wearing and sharing all the eco-friendly glitter, we’ve rounded up 14 must-haves this festive season.

Vegan options at the festival

Festivals are no longer just about music. In fact, bonafide food festival has passed by many people. Take Coachella for example. The beloved music festival has a strong food scene with nearly 40 vendors, not including beverage vendors.

Since Nick Adler took over as Coachella’s culinary director, the multi-weekend event has quickly become a destination for food enthusiasts. A vegetarian and co-founder of Monty’s Good Burgers, Adler ensured Coachella had an abundance of equally exciting vegan options. Local Los Angeles eateries such as Cina Vegan, Lettuce Feast, ManitingPlant, Ramen Hood, Monty’s Good Burgers and Craig’s are regulars at the Vegan Festival, as well as popular US spots such as Slutty Vegan. Last year, the festival even featured a multi-course, plant-based dinner event prepared by vegan chefs and siblings Ayinde and Makini Howell.

Beyond music festivals, exciting new vegan food festivals are popping up across the country. Back for the first time after COVID-19 forced the festival on a two-year hiatus, Vegan Soulfest in Baltimore, MD took place last summer and was a three-day celebration of black businesses, changemakers and living in partnership with vegans. In 2022 the festivities were held concurrently from August 19 to August 21 at West Covington Park in Baltimore. Keep an eye out for their return this year

When visiting Los Angeles, a trip to the weekly Vegan Street Fair in North Hollywood is a must. Every Sunday, a rotating roster of vegetarian vendors gather at the free-entry event, making everything from authentic street-style Chinese dumplings to Peruvian fusion banana leaf tamales. Plus, you can find clothing, cosmetics, candles and more at the family-friendly outdoor market.

Vegan essentials for the festive season

But before you head out the door to a fest, check out our list below to keep you chic, cool, durable, and ready for whatever comes your way.

@glotatts/Instagram

1 Biodegradable glitter

Glitter, glitter, more glitter! Music festival attendees practically leave a trail of glitter behind them, but did you know that normal glitter can take up to 500 years to biodegrade and often ends up in the ocean? Well, no worries! Bio Glo comes to the rescue with 100-percent biodegradable and cruelty-free glitter so you can shine!

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2 Brin Bag’s Honey Bee Bum Bag

Trust us: You’ll regret carrying that backpack or bulky purse when you’re swarmed by dancing people. Minimal, hands-free bags are the way to go, and this handcrafted vegan leather waist or shoulder sling bag is so chic that it also serves as a fashionable addition to your look. Tie it around your waist or use it as a cross body bag to store your essentials for the day.

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@rave_nailz/Instagram

3 Rave Nailz Press-On Nails

Make sure you carry your fun festival style to your nails with these super easy-to-apply, cruelty-free, press-on nails. The nails are super-durable and can last up to 3 weeks, which is essential for a weekend of running and dancing at a music festival. Go for dreamy purple nails with printed clouds or opt for fierce, hardcore-themed vamp nails for a darker look.

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4 Vegan Ivory Python Boots by Mia Shoes

It can be tempting to opt for a strappy pair of sandals or gorgeous heels to complete your festival look, but many of these festivals are dusty, hot and dry, and open-toed shoes + crowds = no thanks. Instead, rock these trendy vegan leather booties that come with an anatomically contoured footbed. Your feet will thank you!

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5 We are Fluid Glitter Eyeliner

If you are mapping out the perfect festival look, makeup must play a role. This incredibly pigmented glitter liner comes in a rainbow of colors (emerald green, electric blue, retro orange, baby pink, and more) and lasts all day. No amount of dancing will remove this dazzling look!

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6 Etica Sustainable Denim

A pair of Etica’s eco-friendly, naturally dyed denim shorts will be super comfortable, chic and durable to roam in the desert heat. Fair labor practices, reduced energy consumption and chemical use, and ethically sourced materials and textiles make us huge fans of this eco-chic brand.

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bone marrow

7 Hadobody Pink Shacket

Stay warm as the sun sets while waiting for the headliners to hit the stage in a soft, plush, cotton-fleece sack. This edition of Hadobody lists affirmations inside (if ever there was a festival!) that will ensure you have a beautiful, intentional weekend of community and music at whatever festival you choose to attend.

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Dr Mertens

8 Metallic Vegan Leather Boots by Dr. Martens

If western-style boots aren’t your thing, reach for these tough-as-nails, but still feminine pink metallic leather boots from the iconic shoe company. The embossed exterior adds a touch of chic fashion, and once broken in, these boots will be comfortable for dancing the day (and night) away.

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9Olicar Hydrating Hand Sanitizer

It’s no secret that bathroom conditions at large events are less than desirable. And when you’re surrounded by lots of people, and eating fatty foods throughout the day, you’ll want to keep your hands as clean as possible. We love the eco-friendly Olika with this refillable, non-toxic sanitizing spray that’s made from simple ingredients, clips into your bag, and offers 24-hour hydration via hyaluronic acid, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on. on your skin

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10 Hurraw’s Sun Lip Balm

Even your lips need protection from the sun’s harsh UVA and UVB rays (yes, lips can get sunburned!) This mineral-based, protective balm has a fresh tangerine-chamomile scent and goes on super smooth and clean so you can wear it to your lip color. Can be worn up or down. Plus, superfood oils keep your pout moisturized and hydrated for hours.

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11 Vegan Wide Brim Hats by Hatsmith

Make a statement while keeping your face shaded from the sun with this wide-brimmed, 100-percent polyester hat. Its gorgeous, handcrafted bristles will keep your head from sweating and add an extra layer of protection that you’ll be thankful for when the heat climbs above 90 degrees.

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Flirty pineapple

12Vegan Leather Scrunchies

Keep your hair out of your eyes, but pick it up in a retro (yet updated) style with these faux leather scrunchies. The black vegan leather version lends itself to the cut-off jeans and Dr. Martens look, while the dusty pink pair looks perfect with a breezy sundress and cowboy boots.

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13 Larkley Mineral Powder Face Sunscreen

If your makeup is already applied and set to perfection, there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot your SPF. This vegan and cruelty-free, no-grease, no-mess and no-white-cast, brush-on sunscreen saves the day and is super travel-friendly if you’re car camping at the festival. And better? It’s durable, with the option to refill your container instead of buying a new one.

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14 Weekender bag by Banda Bag

Pack your weekend of fun in style! Stuff your festival outfits (plus all these essentials) inside this beautiful, roomy, hand-crafted, vegan leather bag and you’ll be ready to head out the door! Its sturdy nature, garg embroidery and dual-strap situation make it a must-have for us.

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15 Uni shower sheet

After a day in desert dust or sweaty crowds, these cruelty-free, portable shower sheets that clean and eliminate funky odors are a lifesaver. Fresh rose and cucumber extracts are hydrating for thirsty skin, while you wipe away blemishes from the day.

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