5 Free Earth Day Events Happening This Weekend

Earth Day is turning 40 this year. What are you going to do to celebrate? If going green is more than a passing trend for you, consider showing your respect for Mother Nature while having a blast by attending one of these 5 weekend Earth Day events in a city near you.

1. 40th Anniversary Earth Day Celebration in Washington D.C. (April 24-25)

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the EPA at the National Mall in DC this weekend. One of the biggest features of this event will be the National Sustainable Design Expo, which will showcase exciting new green technologies and alternative designs from college groups around the nation. There will also be several family-friendly activities taking place, such as basic science experiment demonstrations and the Carbon Wheel of Fortune game, which will teach participants how to reduce their carbon footprint.

2. Berkeley Earth Day in Berkeley, California (April 24)

From noon to 5pm, join Berkeley-ites at the Civic Center Park as they celebrate the environmental movement through cultural performances and activities. Performers will include the Venezuelan Music Project and Reggae Angels. The event will also feature craft and community booths, a demonstration of biodiesel and electric cars, a climbing wall, and farmer’s market.

3. EarthFair at Grand Central Terminal, New York City (April 23-24)

EarthFair is a two-day, outdoor festival featuring art and music that will take place on Vanderbilt Avenue. There will be a large exhibit area featuring interactive displays from environmental groups and green businesses. On stage, there will be musical performances by the Manhattan Samba Band, Judah Tribe, The London Souls, and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, among other bands.

4. Pikes Peak Earth Day 2010, Colorado Springs, Colorado (April 24)

Held at the LEED-certified Cornerstone Art Center at Colorado College, Pikes Peak Earth Day is a popular, community-wide event that hosts workshops, food, art, environmental presentations, and much more. Some hands-on, kid-friendly activities that will be offered throughout the celebration include litter bug crafts, balance eco mobile art, rock art, and face painting. There will also be performances by several local artists, including Rayah, a gypsy belly dancer, John Armstrong, a Native American flute player, and The Lame Wolf Project, a folk/bluegrass band.

5. Miami Goin’ Green, Miami, Florida (April 24)

Miami Goin’ Green will be held at Bayfront Park and feature over 100 exhibitors from around the country. Entrance to this event, which will run from 10am to 6pm, is free. Some unique features of this event include the Miami Science Museum’s Mad Lab, where kids can learn about green concepts by participating in hands-on activities and an electronic recycling center, where you can dispose of old electronic appliances for recycling. If you have any unwanted clothing that’s hip and in good condition, you can trade them for new garbs at Miami Goin’ Green’s Fashion Forward clothing swap.