Did you know the internationally celebrated day, Earth Day, got its start right here in Wisconsin?
There's so much to do to celebrate our favorite holiday. Rentable e-bikes. Park clean-ups. Hiking Gov. Nelson State Park. (Fun fact: Gaylord Nelson is the founder of Earth Day.) One thing's for sure, in the environmentally conscious city of Madison, Earth Day and sustainability mean a lot.
Explore these outdoor urban adventures and events to jump start your celebrations.
Earth Fest at UW-Madison
You've heard of Earth Day, but have you heard of Earth Fest? Celebrate Earth Day for a whole week and learn something new during UW-Madison's Earth Fest. Between April 21 and April 29, a variety of environmentally focused events will be offered around campus. Come together with the Badger community to learn and feel inspired and motivated.
Pro tip: Check out the list of events and RSVP ahead of time to ensure your spot.
Participate in the Earth Day Challenge with Madison Parks
Organized by Madison Parks, the annual Earth Day Challenge is a community-wide celebration filled with volunteer opportunities. This event requires advanced registration and is for anyone 10+ years old. It will be held Saturday, April 26 at various parks in Madison from 10 a.m. to noon. Click here for more information!
Pro Tip: You don't have to be a Madison resident to volunteer. Voluntourism is on the rise.
Celebrate Earth Day at Cave of the Mounds
Cave After Dark is presenting a one-of-a-kind spring and Earth Day celebration at the beautiful Cave of the Mounds. Venture inside of the caves and take in the beauty of the cave's limestone chambers with live music, drinks, apps and more on Saturday, April 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Pro Tip: Check out the above ground walking and hiking trails that surround the caves for even more of nature's beauty.
Ditch the vehicle for the weekend
Take advantage of Madison being one of the most bikeable cities in the world. Rent an e-bike from a BCycle station near you to explore the city. Choose one of Madison's multiple bike paths or trails to venture through.
Pro Tip: Sign up for Madison By Bike to win prizes and earn discounts while biking your way around the city.
Shop Locally & Sustainably
It's easy to shop with sustainability in mind. Whether it's clothing or daily essentials, our more than 100 thrift shops, antique stores and locally sourced markets make it easy to embrace our community's sustainable mindset on your next shopping trip.
Pro Tip: Next time you need a refill on home and cosmetic products, stop by Green Life Trading Co. Just bring a reusable container (or buy one onsite) and fill up on everything you need, waste free!
Choose your favorite Earth Day events around Madison
Want more ways to celebrate? Check out our events calendar for an up-to-date list of eco-friendly events happening all year long!
