Want to see the green side of the Golden State? All month long, Earth Day celebrations showcase the beauty and diversity of the California landscape, with activities that run the gamut from coastal cleanups and wildflower walks to upcycled fashion shows. Whether you’re planning to navigate mountain roads or hit the SoCal shores, here are 12 eco events to check out across the state.
April 18: Earth Day Napa
Celebrate Earth Day by arriving at the Oxbow Commons festival on two wheels—your green mode of transport will be rewarded with a free bike valet. Then gear up for an afternoon filled with educational crafts and games, face painting, food and beer offerings, and live music. Then on April 25, you can join a volunteer crew for the Earth Day Napa Community Cleanup project at sites throughout the city.
April 18: Earth Day at the Bay
Families can gather for a fun-filled Earth Day at the largest remaining estuary in Southern California. The free community event features food trucks, arts and crafts, live music, and an educational scavenger hunt at Upper Newport Bay’s Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center.
April 18: SLO Earth Fest
A kids’ zone, food trucks, local art, and a green car show are highlights at this free Central Coast environmental fair in SLO’s Meadow Park. In addition to the live music, kid's activities, food, and dozens of vendor and environmental organization booths, the EV Showcase will give visitors the chance to look at some of the latest e-vehicles. Come with some spending money—the Sustainable Makers Market will have lots of treasures from local craftspeople for sale, and Firestone Walker Brewing Co. pours will be on tap at the beer garden. (Though this event is free, registration is required.)
April 18–26: National Park Week
California has more national parks than any other state, and on April 22 visitors can access all of these bucket-list destinations. (Ed. note: Unlike previous years, entrance fees will not be waived.) There’s no better way to celevrate National Park Week than spending a starry night in Death Valley, catching wildflower blooms in Joshua Tree, or seeing sequoias in Yosemite. Don’t miss special events and activities hosted at individual parks during the nine-day celebration.
April 21: Earth Day Festival
In the urban oasis of Yerba Buena Gardens, this free, day-long, family-friendly Bay Area festival offers live performances at the stage on the Great Lawn, as well as activities ranging from tree planting, chalk art, ice art (at the Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center), carousel rides, and more. (An online reservation is requested.)
April 25: Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival
Breathe in the mountain air while enjoying live music, a student “trashion” show, a climate change exhibit, and booths with hands-on activities and giveaways. Held at The Village at Palisades Tahoe resort, this festival is one of the largest Earth Day celebrations in the region, where sustainable travel is a year-round focus. Other ideas include learning about the history and culture of the Washoe Tribe, volunteering in the community, utilizing a free shuttle, and shopping local.
April 25: Earth Day Festival at Courthouse Square
Have fun and do your part to protect the planet at this free, zero-waste event in downtown Santa Rosa. Bring the whole family for kids’ crafts, food from local vendors, multicultural entertainment such as taiko drummers and Irish step dancers, a honeybee workshop, composting demo, and a beer garden.
April 25: Aquarium of the Pacific Earth Day Teen Climate Fest
The next generation is leading the charge at the waterfront Aquarium of the Pacific’s Earth Day celebration, presented by its teen climate council. Expect displays, activities, and presentations that aim to educate, including sustainable art that will highlight the importance of preserving our world. (General admission to the park is required.)
April 25: Creek to Bay Cleanup
Proving that one day can make a difference, the Creek to Bay Cleanup removed almost 60,000 of pounds of litter last year across San Diego County. It’s one of the largest single-day environmental action events held in San Diego and it returns this Earth Day with volunteer opportunities at dozens of inland and coastal sites. Register in advance for a site near your hotel, then grab a bucket to rid the landscape of dangerous debris ranging from cigarette butts to plastic waste.
April 25–26: Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
As one of the largest public Earth Day events on the West Coast, this annual festival features an impressive slate of more than 200 exhibitors, an eco-marketplace, and a car show with the latest electric vehicles and e-bikes. The common them is exploring pathways to clean vehicles, solar energy, resilient food systems and reduction of single-use plastic. Make a pit stop at the plant-forward food court and beer garden before posting up for two days of music and family-friendly entertainment.
All month: California State Parks Foundation Climate Action Workdays
Ready to roll up your sleeves? You can help protect the Golden State from the impacts of climate change during one of the many Earth Day volunteer opportunities taking place up and down the coast. From trash cleanup challenges in Old Town San Diego to vegetation restoration in China Camp State Park near San Rafael, visitors can find distinct experiences unique to each region’s landscape and needs.
All month: Celebrate Earth Day in Truckee
As one of the most sustainability-minded destinations in the state, Truckee-Tahoe does not disappoint visitors looking to engage in the spirit of Earth Day. Learn just what a sustainable Truckee gift card is and where you can get one, and explore sustainable Truckee programs and sponsorships.