By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. — For more than a decade, Red & Green VegFest Albuquerque has brought together New Mexicans curious about plant-based living, animal advocacy and healthier ways of living.
Organized by Sprouting Compassion, the festival returns for its 11th year with the theme “Get Your Groove On, Eat Plants, Love Animals!” and a day of food, education and community.
We caught up with Sprouting Compassion Executive Director Nancy Arenas to talk about VegFest’s evolution and what keeps her coming back year after year. Red & Green VegFest Albuquerque brings together chefs, dietitians, educators, advocates and community members for presentations, cooking demonstrations, local vendors, vegan education, family-friendly activities and more. The 2026 festival is hosted at the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque (3701 Carlisle Blvd NE) on Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. More information is available through Red & Green VegFest’s website.
1. Red & Green VegFest has grown so much since it began. What has been the most rewarding part of watching the festival evolve over the years?
The most rewarding part has honestly been watching people discover the festival in their own sweet, curious way. Red & Green VegFest has grown since it began, and every year I see more and more individuals stepping into the space because they’re on a path learning about veganism, exploring how it connects to climate, animals and their own health.
And the best part is that they don’t just learn, they have fun. They laugh, taste new foods, meet new people and suddenly the idea of compassionate living feels exciting instead of intimidating. Watching that spark happen, seeing someone light up because something clicked for them, has been incredibly heartwarming.
It’s a joy to witness the festival evolve into a place where curiosity turns into connection, and connection turns into action. That’s what fills me up every time.
2. This year’s theme is “Get Your Groove On — Eat Plants, Love Animals!” What do you hope first-time attendees take away from the festival?
I hope first‑time attendees drift out of Red & Green VegFest feeling like they’ve just stepped out of a little pocket of peace, joy, and possibility. This year’s theme “Get Your Groove On — Eat Plants, Love Animals!” is all about tapping into that gentle, hippie heartbeat that reminds us we’re part of something bigger, kinder and beautifully interconnected.
What I really hope is that folks walk away with inspiration and hope.
Hope that a more compassionate world is possible.
Inspiration to explore plant‑based living in a way that feels fun, freeing and totally doable.
I want them to feel the festival’s vibe; the colors, the laughter, the food and realize that learning about animals, climate, and health doesn’t have to be heavy. It can be joyful. It can be communal. It can feel like dancing barefoot in the grass with people who care about the same things you do.
If VegFest plants even one tiny seed of curiosity or compassion in someone’s heart, that’s the magic. That’s the groove.
3. Organizing a community event like VegFest takes a lot of work behind the scenes. What keeps you motivated to continue doing it year after year?
What keeps me going, honestly, is this deep, heart‑tugging feeling that I’m here to help to lift people up, to stand with the animals, and to do my part for this beautiful world we all share. There’s so much misinformation out there, so much noise, and not nearly enough voices speaking up for our health, our planet, or the beings who can’t speak for themselves. Sometimes it feels wild that something so important can be overlooked, but that’s exactly why I stay motivated.
I keep moving because somebody has to step up and do it; to offer clarity, compassion, and truth in a world that’s often confused and overwhelmed. I’m inspired every time someone opens their heart a little wider, every time they learn something new, every time they realize they can make a difference. That spark is what fuels me.
Helping people, protecting animals, and caring for the Earth isn’t just a mission, it’s a calling. And knowing that even one person might walk away with more hope, more understanding, or more love makes every effort worth it.
If you go…
Red and Green VegFest
- Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque (3701 Carlisle Blvd NE)