The Pittsburgh Vegan Expo & Festival has expanded this year to double as both a food and arts event, adding a second day of activities, as well.

The festival, scheduled for July 8-9, was established in the 1990s by owner and CEO Amy “Amethyst” Cottrill, who has spent all these years building up something she believes the region needs.

“This year, I’m really looking forward to the new art aspect of the festival, as I love to support artists of all sorts,” she said. “I’m excited to help artists and small businesses thrive and grow after such along shutdown held us all back from doing what we love. Our events always include art, but this year’s summer festival will feature many more artists than usual.”

The food at the festival always represents a variety of international cuisine. This year’s offerings include Mexican, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean and American fare, along with vegan seafood and deli meats, fresh juice and smoothie bowls, bubble tea, desserts, gourmet chocolates, vegan beer and wine, and more.

“I’m very excited to have vendors coming in from Florida, Virginia and other places, in addition to many local vendors. We’ll even have a vegan soft serve ice cream truck (Sundae) from Erie,” Cottrill said.

Day One of the festival is the main event at the Monroeville Convention Center, held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and featuring more than 130 vendors, food trucks, caricature and henna artists, metaphysical booths, authors, wellness services and kids’ activities provided by Monroeville Public Library. The first 100 guests get a free swag bag full of goodies, with the reusable bags provided by Island Dreams with Rae Craven.

The event will feature a harp concert by Stephanie Miller of Music For Life of Pittsburgh, yoga class with Kate Mackin, a performance by Silk Elephant Thai Dancers, belly dancing by Noor Ali, a hip hop dance class with BaM Choreography, and a Poppin’ dance class with PyurTek of Get Down Gang.

Tickets are $5 in advance at pittsburghvegan.com or $6 at the door. A portion of proceeds will benefit Humane Action Pittsburgh and the rescue dogs of Among the Wildflowers Sanctuary. Kids 17 and under get in free.

Day Two is a smaller, more intimate party from noon to 4 p.m. at Lolev Beer, 5247 Butler St., Lawrenceville. A couple of food trucks will be stationed outside and about 10 vendors inside.

The event will be entertainment-focused, with DJ TJ Harris playing music for a dance party featuring house, hip hop and funk music. Four-time North American beatbox champion Villain will perform and teach the audience how to perform in that style. There will be another Poppin’ dance performance by PyurTek of Get Down Gang and a break dance performance by BGirl SupaRare of Get Down Kids.

Tickets are $15 in advance online or $20 at the door, benefiting the performing artists. Kids 17 and under get in free with a parent or guardian.

Cottrill’s Pittsburgh Vegan has monthly events in addition to larger festivals in July, September (VOktoberfest), and October (Halloween festival) around the Greater Pittsburgh area.

She said the summer festival is “for everyone, not just vegans. It’s a really fun party, and you all are invited.”

Maria Sosso is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.