Every week in the Bay Area is obviously kale salad week (not to mention bacon beignet week, carne asada week and fried chicken week). But over in Oakland, vegetable love is kicking into high gear with Veg Week, a weeklong celebration of all that is green and good in this world (okay, maybe not all). Starting today and lasting through the weekend, the event is designed to raise awareness about vegetarian eating and encourage veggie choices through workshops, cooking classes, and of course, pop-ups and food trucks.

After last week's Burger Week, we're inclined to embrace a little veggie goodness in our week, and the event makes it easy by partnering with local restaurants to serve special vegetarian dishes in honor of Veg Week. Tonight, you might consider working through your weekend BBQ hangover by celebrating Meatless Monday at a variety of Oakland restaurants. Other events for the veggie-inclined include a Forks Over Knives film screening, cooking classes (we're partial to the one that promises "making delicious falafel, hummus, tzatziki and roasted vegetables for a delicious Mediterranean inspired feast"), and a grand finale celebration at the Lake Merritt Sailboat House on Sunday.

Check out all the Veg Week events here, or consider holding your very own vegetable-centric meal tonight. According to several reputable media outlets, it is Earth Day after all.