A free two-day vegetarian food and wellness festival is coming to Danada South Park, just a five-minute drive from downtown Wheaton, on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9.

Veggie Fest Chicago runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days at 2701 Navistar Drive, Lisle. Admission and parking are free. Organizers say the event draws more than 40,000 visitors over the weekend, according to the festival's listing on Wheaton Patch.

The park sits at the Wheaton-Lisle border and is managed by the Wheaton Park District.

What to expect

The festival features more than 75 vendors and exhibitors, an international vegetarian and vegan food court, live cooking demonstrations, yoga and meditation sessions, and live music from Chicago-area bands. A dedicated Children's Activity Tent offers games, crafts, performances, and educational activities for all ages.

Veggie Fest Chicago is organized by the Science of Spirituality International Meditation Center.

Speakers announced so far

Organizers have begun announcing their 2026 speaker lineup on social media. Dr. Rimjhim Duggal-Stephens, a physician and registered holistic nutritionist, will lead a session on how nutrition, hormones, and daily habits affect energy levels. Dr. Kenny Duggal will speak about GLP-1 weight-loss medications and the role of muscle preservation in long-term health.

The full speaker schedule has not been posted. Organizers are directing attendees to VeggieFestChicago.org for updates as more names are confirmed.

How to attend

No tickets or registration are required. The festival is open to all, with free parking available on site at Danada South Park. The venue is accessible from Naperville Road and Butterfield Road, with the Lisle address placing it directly adjacent to Wheaton's southern border.

For the full schedule, volunteer opportunities, and exhibitor information, visit VeggieFestChicago.org.