On April 22, 1970, more than 30,000 people gathered on Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park for the first Earth Day. The event, organized by University of Pennsylvania students and faculty, was the crescendo after a week of activities to promote environmental activism. The event in Philadelphia was one of about 12,000 nationwide, attracting about 20 million people in the U.S. who voiced concerns about issues such as air pollution and toxic waste. Fifty-five years later, people continue to celebrate Earth Day to advocate for environmental protection.
In the Philadelphia region, residents can help improve the planet by participating in a litter cleanup, planting seeds, or by learning about how to live more sustainably. Here are some Earth Day events to check out in the area:
Philadelphia Bartram’s Garden Spring Fest
Saturday, April 19 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia
Join Bartram’s for its annual Spring Fest. Activities include a hands-on natural dye session, a guided tour of the garden, a seed market and plant sale, and presentations. Register for the free event.
Earth Day Bells Mill Road Clean-Up
Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Forbidden Drive and Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia
Join Friends of the Wissahickon to clean one of the main roads through Wissahickon Valley Park with a litter cleanup. All are welcome to attend, and no experience is needed. The cleanup involves hiking 1 mile. Gloves and tools are provided. Register for the cleanup.
A Broader Green: An Earth Day Service Project
Tuesday, April 22 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
699 N. Broad St, Philadelphia
A Broader Green is a partnership between Temple alumni and the North Broad Renaissance, celebrating Earth Day. The event will raise awareness about the NBR’s maintenance and landscaping program, as well as support efforts to improve quality of life along North Broad Street. Activities include beautifying planting beds along the corridor. Register for the service project.
Drexel’s Civic x EarthFest 2025
Wednesday, April 23 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lancaster Walk, Philadelphia
Drexel University will celebrate Earth Day and environmental sustainability during its annual EarthFest. The theme during this year’s block party-style event is “circularity” — practices that optimize resource use and minimize waste across the entire production and consumption cycle. Register for Civic x EarthFest.
Earth Day at the Please Touch Museum
Saturday, April 26 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia
Individuals and families are invited to learn how they can help protect the planet. Activities include flower planting, rock painting, a musical performance, and storytime and art activities with WHYY. Check out the calendar of events happening all day.
Naturepalooza
Saturday, April 26 | 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia
Celebrate Earth Day with the Schuylkill Center at Naturepalooza. Participants can enjoy a scavenger hunt, nature-based crafts and activities, guided hikes, a musical performance, and an art presentation. Register for Naturepalooza.
New Jersey Earth Day Run
Saturday, April 19 | 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Wiggins Waterfront Trail, Riverside Drive, Camden
The Earth Day Run is a chance to be active while supporting the environment. Participants are encouraged to wear green during the event and to display their love for the planet. A portion of proceeds will support local tree planting. Sign up for the run.
Philadelphia suburbs Earth Day Festival
Sunday, April 20 | 9 a.m – 2 p.m.
Upper Merion Township Park, 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King Of Prussia
Celebrate Earth Day at Upper Merion Township Building Park. Participants will learn how to engage with their environment, advocate for renewables, and combat plastic pollution. Individuals and families can enjoy food trucks, drinks, a petting zoo, and more. The event will feature organic soap and candle vendors, handmade jewelry artisans, electric vehicles, and more. Register for the festival.
Earth Day is officially on April 22. Since 1970, people have celebrated Earth Day on this date, with the global observance drawing participation from over 1 billion people annually. This year, numerous events across the country are designed to promote environmental education and action.
In Springfield, Missouri, residents can also join in the festivities. The Eighth Annual Planet Unity Earth Day Celebration takes place from April 18 to 19 at Unity of Springfield, featuring music, speakers, and a marketplace. On April 22, locals can participate in the James River Basin Partnership's annual cleanup at Lake Springfield.
Meanwhile, Wilmington, North Carolina, is gearing up for its 35th annual Earth Day Festival on April 26 at Long Leaf Park. The festival will include live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities, promoting environmental awareness and community involvement.
As Earth Day approaches, communities across the U.S. are preparing to come together to celebrate and advocate for the planet. Whether through cleanups, educational events, or festivals, the spirit of Earth Day continues to inspire action and awareness, reminding everyone of the importance of protecting the environment.
