workshop held at the D.C. Smith Greenhouses during the 2024 event. Photo by Laila Smith,
Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
Looking for fun, free, family friendly ways to celebrate Earth Day in Madison this year? From nature hikes to film screenings to hands-on demos, UW–Madison Earth Fest has an event for environmentalists of all ages. Held across campus from April 17 to 23, Earth Fest boasts 50-plus events, most of which are free and open to the public.
Entering its third year, Earth Fest’s mission is to educate, inspire, and motivate attendees to celebrate and safeguard the one resource and place we all share: our world. Central to this year’s collection of events is the theme of motivation — finding your place in environmental action, no matter the scale (or your size).
Whether your kids are learning to crawl or drive, celebrate Earth Day together with these nine family friendly Earth Fest events to celebrate Earth Day in Madison.
For the Littlest Environmentalists
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.
For more information and to view the full schedule, visit earthfest.wisc.edu. Interested in bringing a school or youth group to an Earth Fest event? Contact our team at earthfest@nelson.wisc.edu.