Since 1970, Earth Day has been held on April 22 as an annual celebration of the planet. As the holiday intends to encourage people to demonstrate support for environmental protection, there is no better way to get involved than in our local communities. The Hudson Valley is an important piece of New York State history and ecology that deserves all the celebration and recognition at these Earth Day events and festivals.
Earth Day Weekend
Westchester Children’s Museum, Rye
April 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
At the Westchester Children’s Museum, this weekend is about celebrating the planet with a STEAM twist. Bring the kids to enjoy making solar race cars, wind turbine gizmos, blackout poetry, recycled sculptures, and more. Along the way, they’ll learn about animal patterns, natural energy sources, and eco-friendly materials.
Green Ossining’s 14th Annual Earth Day Festival
Louis Engel Waterfront Park, Ossining
April 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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To celebrate the 54th annual Earth Day, Green Ossining invites locals to spend the day by the Hudson River celebrating Mother Earth and learning about how to reduce our environmental impacts. At the event, enjoy food, hands-on activities, and eco-demonstrations.
Earth Day Celebration
Trailside Museums & Zoo, Bear Mountain
April 20, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Visit the zoo at Bear Mountain ahead of Earth Day to make treats for the black bears. Stick around to see the bears come out of their night dens to gobble up the treats at 11 a.m. and enjoy nature-related displays and activities. The rain date for this celebration is April 21.
Earth Day Celebration 2024
Hudson Highlands Nature Center, Cornwall
April 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Head to the Hudson Highlands Nature Center’s Outdoor Discovery Center for interactive Earth Day activities and games with nature educators that are fun for the whole family. Also, meet live animals, enjoy live music, connect with local nature organizations, and visit the Earth Day market to browse Hudson Valley vendors and sustainable goods.
Earth Day at June Farms
June Farms, West Sand Lake
April 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This frog-themed Earth Day celebration in Rensselaer County includes country music by Big Frog 104FM, food for sale by Crafted, and drinks and cocktails at The Pony Bar. During the event, the farm will also debut its new meditating frog statue by artist Jack Shaefer. Leashed dogs are welcome to join in on the fun.
Earth Day at the Wineries
Shawangunk Wine Trail, Ulster & Orange Counties
April 20 & 21, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Join the Shawangunk Wine Trail for its second annual Earth Day celebration. Choose a day and route to take and embark on a self-guided tour of the wineries in the Orange and Ulster County regions. Each ticket includes a souvenir wine glass and a tasting flight at each location on your route, and the first 200 ticketholders will receive a free white spruce pine tree sapling to plant to do their part for our planet.
Earth Day Festival 2024
Bedford Hills Train Station, Bedford
April 21, 12–3 p.m.
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Bedford 2030 will host this Earth Day event for community organizations and earth-friendly businesses to join together with activities and advice to join the Climate Action Now movement. The festival will showcase easy and impactful ways to be more sustainable in our personal lives, and there will be live music, family fun, and tips and resources for a healthier yard and community.
Here on Earth
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
April 21, 3 p.m.
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Enjoy Earth Day with a weekend of chamber music and a collaboration between an iconoclastic pianist and a celebrated quartet. The evening’s program includes music that transcends time and space to celebrate the beauties of the natural world and explore our always-changing relationship with the planet that is our home.
Sustainable Futures Climate Summit 2024
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie
April 22, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This student-led climate summit hosted by Ulster BOCES and Vassar College is a forward-thinking educational event that promotes sustainability, environmental consciousness, and empowering students and teachers to find innovative solutions to pressing issues. The event will include a combination of presentations, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive activities to foster a learning environment.
Earth Day Celebration 2024
Senasqua Park, Croton-on-Hudson
April 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson hosts its annual Earth Day event for a day filled with entertainment, education, and a shared commitment to our planet. Enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and eco-focused vendors like Croton Sustainability Committee, Feed The Birds, Save A Tree, Hudson River Clearwater, and much more.
Related: Here’s What to Catch at Saratoga Performing Arts Center This Summer
