Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 that focuses on protecting the environment and raising awareness about issues like pollution, conservation, and climate change. It’s a day when people around the world take action – whether that’s planting trees, reducing waste, or participating in community cleanups. Earth Day also serves as a reminder that small, everyday choices can make a big impact on the health of our planet!
UW-MADISON EARTH FEST | APRIL 17-23
Looking for fun, free, family-friendly ways to celebrate Earth Day in Madison this year? From scenic nature hikes to film screenings and hands-on activities, UW–Madison Earth Fest offers something for eco-enthusiasts of all ages. Taking place across campus April 17–23, Earth Fest features more than 50 events – most of them free and open to the public.
Elementary-Age Kids & Younger
Family Nature Program: Love the Earth
Sunday, April 19
1:30–3:30 p.m. | UW Arboretum
Geared for elementary-age kids and younger, this program features a nature walk and activities designed to help children explore the world around them. Adults required; wear sturdy shoes!
All Ages
Engineering EXPO Community Day
Saturday, April 18
9 a.m.–2 p.m. | College of Engineering
Explore the world of engineering through a free STEM outreach event interacting with student organizations, lab tours, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, keynote speakers in the field, and members from industry at Engineering EXPO.
Spring Fest
Sunday, April 19
2–7 p.m. | Eagle Heights Community Garden
Celebrate the start of growing season with an afternoon filled with outdoor fun, hosted by the People’s Farm. Enjoy live music, crafts, a bird walk, free food, yard games, and more!
Evening Bird Hike
Sunday, April 19
6–7 p.m. | Eagle Heights Community Garden
As part of Spring Fest, the Audubon Society, UW–Madison, will host a night hike at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve in celebration of spring migration. Join us for an hour-long hike around the Biocore Prairie and Eagle Heights Community Garden. Binoculars will be provided!
Elementary Age and Up
Hemp Lab Open House
Friday, April 17
12–4 p.m. | Nancy Nicolas Hall, Room 2275
Learn how hemp goes from plant to packaging and other materials! Get up close with raw hemp — and even take home your own sample.
Make Your Own DIY Bee House
Sunday, April 19
12–1:30 p.m. | Humphrey Jorns Courtyard at Leopold Residence Hall
Using found and recycling materials, build mini bee houses to take home.
Tiny Terracotta Studio
Thursday, April 23
12–3 p.m. | Memorial Union Terrace
Decoupage and decorate your own mini terracotta container, then fill with a free seed starter kit!
For High Schoolers
Earth Fest Forum: Finding Your Place in Environmental Action
Tuesday, April 22
4–7 p.m. | Discovery Building
Register (free)
Budding environmental activists have an exciting opportunity to hear from Isaias Hernandez — better known online as @queerbrownvegan — an environmental educator and storyteller who was featured alongside Billie Eilish in Vogue. Doors open at 4 p.m. with art, screen printing, and refreshments, and Hernandez will speak at 5:15 p.m.
Earth Signals
Monday, April 20
7–9:30 p.m. | Collins Recital Hall, Hamel Music Center
Come experience Wisconsin weather through music. We’ll discuss the science behind the weather, listen to weather translated to sound, and hear the world premiere of a new composition inspired by Wisconsin’s weather from composer Christopher Cobley.
Climate Change Theatre Action
Thursday, April 23
5:30–6:30 p.m. | Science Hall
Enjoy an evening of immersive theatrical performance in one of UW–Madison’s most iconic buildings UW theater and dance students will perform a series of short plays throughout Science Hall, culminating in a panel with UW–Madison scientists on climate change and performance.
