Celebrate a Healthy Summer at Great Smoky Mountain Veg Fest 2025
Join us at the Great Smoky Mountain Veg Fest 2025, an event that promises a blend of health, compassion, and sustainability, all set against the backdrop of a regenerative summer experience. Hosted by Friends with the Forest, this inaugural family-friendly festival aims to unite the Bryson City community in a celebration of summer and rejuvenation. The event is not just about enjoyment; all proceeds will go towards launching a 501c3 non-profit sanctuary and nature center, making it a gathering with a purpose.
Event Details and Highlights

• Date and Time: The festival will take place on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Great Smoky Mountain Event Park in Bryson City.
• Admission: A suggested donation of $5 per person is encouraged to support the mission of Friends with the Forest in establishing a sanctuary/nature center.
• Activities: The festival offers a plethora of attractions, including Earth-friendly vendors, plant-based food & beverages, live music & entertainment, workshops & presentations, food demonstrations, art exhibitions, yoga & meditation sessions, kids’ activities, games, and even animal rescues.

Guidance for Attendees
To ensure a seamless experience for all visitors, we recommend parking in town and carpooling to the event. This helps optimize space and accessibility for everyone attending this vibrant celebration of community, nature, and compassion.
Goals of the Great Smoky Mountain Veg Fest 2025

• Foster social connections and new friendships within the community.
• Promote cruelty-free and mindful lifestyle choices.
• Support local businesses, artists, animal rescues, and non-profit organizations.
• Raise awareness about sustainable practices that benefit the environment and all its inhabitants.
• Promote a culture of compassion, love, and kindness to elevate consciousness in Bryson City.
• Educate attendees on self-sufficiency, healthy living, and conscious consumerism.
• Offer a diverse range of activities for the community to relax, learn, and enjoy.
• Highlight available services and resources within the community.
• Generate funds for local animal rescues and non-profit projects, including the Friends with the Forest sanctuary and nature center.

About Friends with the Forest
At Friends with the Forest Bryson City, our mission is to cultivate a healthy, compassionate, and regenerative community through events and programs that emphasize the interconnectedness of people, animals, and nature. Our dedicated team is committed to expanding community consciousness by showcasing how our choices impact our world. By shifting focus towards solutions, we aim to harmonize with the Earth and create a sustainable future for all.
Our initiatives include a small animal sanctuary, an education center for events and workshops, upcycled art exhibits, and self-guided botanical trails. Future plans involve introducing a food truck to offer healthy, eco-friendly, and affordable plant-based meals to the community. These efforts not only support the sanctuary but also contribute to our educational endeavors and community engagement.
Join us at the Great Smoky Mountain Veg Fest 2025 for a day filled with joy, learning, and connection — all while supporting a cause that aims to create a better, more sustainable future for Bryson City and beyond.