More than 60 plant-based foods, health and sustainability vendors will descend on downtown Tulsa on May 4  as the inaugural Tulsa VegFest.

The family-friendly festival is free and will take place at Guthrie Green in the Tulsa Arts District, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. It will feature national and local speakers, a  food court of nearly 20 local vendors and at least 40 other exhibitors from around the region.

“The plant-based options at Tulsa’s restaurants are often the most creative, enticing dishes our city has to offer. The flavors in plant-based dishes are amazing,” said Melissa Furman, co-founder of Tulsa VegFest and  Plant-Based Green Country. “At Tulsa VegFest, we want to celebrate Tulsa’s array of veg-friendly foods and illustrate just how easy and enjoyable it really is to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle right here in Green Country.”

Tulsa VegFest claims that some studies have shown that plant-based and meatless diets — also called veganism and vegetarianism — are associated with lower rates of chronic illness, cancer and obesity, and can meet all nutrition and protein requirements.

“Whether you’re plant-based or not, you will be exposed to a new way of thinking about food and see what our city has to offer,” said Krisann Polito-Moller, event co-founder and vice president of Plant-Based Green Country. “We’ll have something for everyone and you might be surprised just how great a plant-based lifestyle really is.”

The food court will feature a local farmers’ market by event sponsor Local Farm OK, and will include middle-eastern, ramen, Mexican, Indian, salad, soup and sandwich, vegan takes on classic fare, desserts, fresh juice and more.