The @veganoutreach @veganchefchallenge is coming to Santa Cruz this April!!
🌱 Santa Cruz Vegan Chef Challenge — April 2026
The Vegan Chef Challenge is coming to Santa Cruz this April! This fun, friendly month-long event invites local restaurants to showcase delicious vegan dishes while diners explore new favorites across the community.
🍽️ What is the Vegan Chef Challenge?
Throughout April 2026, participating restaurants create 1–3 special vegan dishes to feature on their menu.
These dishes are promoted all month by Vegan Outreach, local volunteers, and community partners, encouraging diners to visit, try new food, and vote for their favorites.
Demand for vegan options continues to grow in Santa Cruz, driven by interests in health, environment, animal welfare, and exploring new foods. But this event is for everyone — not just vegans. It attracts food-curious diners, groups with mixed diets, and people excited to explore the local dining scene.
🏆 For restaurants
All participating restaurants receive:
• Promotion across community platforms and media outreach
• Individual social media spotlights
• Inclusion in the official event guide
• Certificates and prizes for winning dishes
• A fun, low-risk way to test new menu items
April is also Earth Month, making it a great opportunity to highlight sustainability-minded menu options while attracting new diners.
👉 Learn more:
veganchefchallenge.org/santacruz
👉 Restaurant sign-up form:
https://pci.jotform.com/form/253085786037162
If you’d like more info or want an invite folder, feel free to message this page or comment below!
🧑🍳 For diners
Mark your calendar for April and get ready to explore new dishes, support local restaurants, and vote for your favorites. More details and participating locations will be announced soon! Please comment any restaurants you’d like us to invite and feel free to refer them to our page to sign up.
Tag all of your favorite restaurants in the comments and we will invite them to participate!
Also check out other Contests in Watsonville, Food & Drink events in Watsonville.
