The best Earth Day events in NYC
Some the best NYC events in April celebrate Earth Day. NYC isn’t the greenest city, but New York sure knows how to give Mother Nature a proper party and some much-needed recognition. The best Earth Day events in NYC including volunteering to clean up parks in NYC or beaches to ensure they stay litter-free. There’s also a free Earth Day festival in Union Square and a $1 clothing sale at a well-known thrift store. Get ready to do some tree hugging and check out fun things to do outside.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Earth Day in NYC
Best Earth Day events in NYC
Spring Fest at Camp Arlo
Arlo Soho is raising the bar to help you lead your best hygge life with its outdoor tent space known as Camp Arlo. In honor of Earth Day, the hotel is hosting a free organic festival and fundraiser all weekend. There will be live acoustic music and DJ sets all day, eco-friendly shopping opportunities, urban farming talks as well as free meditation classes and cryofacials (first come, first serve).
Earth Day $1 Sale
Do you thrift? Well, you probably should on April 21 at Buffalo Exchange. What’s better than buying some cool throwbacks at popular chain? Answer: When they’re $1 apiece! In honor of Earth Day, the brand is basically giving away a large selection of clothing, accessories and jewels for a buck each. All the proceeds will be donated to charity. Various locations in the city.
NYC DOT's Car-free Streets Day
Do you despise cars? Sick of them gumming up New York’s streets and polluting the air? Well, for one day only, you'll have the chance to gallivant around a mile-long stretch of Broadway without having to look both ways. From 9am to 3pm on Earth Day (Saturday, April 21), the city is making Broadway between 47th and 26th Streets completely car-free. During the event, a series of activations and performances will occupy five different intersections along the route. Throughout the entire stretch, city agencies and nonprofit groups will host a series of environmental programs that promote activism and provide education on things like climate change and sustainability.
Earth Day 5K Walk and Green Tour
Skip the line at Trader Joe’s and learn how to whip up an organic meal from your own, er, terrace during this “5K” walking tour. You’ll be trekking to green sites all over NYC (that’s where the 5K comes in), such as a living green wall and a Broadway theater that's going green. Natural Gourmet Institute provides a delicious, nutrient-packed lunch to fuel your excursion. Participants will receive exact locations after registration.
Earth Day at Prospect Park
Head to Prospect Park’s historic boathouse to become one with nature at the park's annual Earth Day celebration. Visitors can meet birds of prey at the raptor demonstration or take a catch-and-release fishing lesson where naturalists teach skills like how to tie a fishing knot, attach bait and cast the line. Bait, tackle and fishing license are provided. All you need to bring is a little patience, which shouldn't be hard considering you'll be relaxing with a beautiful view of Prospect Park Lake.
Earth Day at Union Square
Helping the environment doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be a celebration! At Earth Day Initiative’s awesome block party in Union Square, you can learn about environmental campaigns while trying eco-friendly products and listening to local bands. Do your part by bringing any used clothing and electronics for the Department of Sanitation to repurpose. And if you’re feeling peckish, snack on samples of healthy sustainable grub from loads of vendors.
Check out more spring events
The best things to do in spring in NYC
Get your jorts out, go outside and live your best life as the city warms up and gets busy this season
