7 essential Earth Day events in Sacramento and beyond

Earth Day is April 22, and that means it’s time to give your mother some love — Mother Earth, that is! Earth Day is one of the largest environmental action days in the world, with millions of participants promoting issues such as conservation and sustainability. In Sacramento and Northern California, there are plenty of community festivals to celebrate everything your home planet has to offer.

Sacramento Earth Day

April 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Southside Park

Photo courtesy Environmental Council of Sacramento

The largest Earth Day event in Sacramento is all about green living and protecting our natural resources. It’s a family-friendly celebration, with a play area, educational games, live music and local art. Learn how to reduce your ecological footprint, get involved with area environmental groups, check out the newest electric vehicles, and shop for local handmade crafts. Or, just relax and indulge in a vegan cheesesteak, dairy-free gelato or artisan kombucha. There’s even free valet parking for your bicycle.

Auburn Earth Day Festival

April 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Armed Forces Pavilion and Community Garden

Photo courtesy Forgotten Soldier Program

Art lovers unite! Earth Day in Auburn means celebrating the arts, and this family-friendly festival brings together local artists and makers to show off their creations. The theme this year is “Celebration of the Monarchs,” so expect to see butterfly-themed artwork and a monarch butterfly exhibit. Enjoy live music, grab a bite from a local food truck and sip a craft beer from Knee Deep Brewing. Tickets are $10 (kids are free) with proceeds benefitting the Forgotten Soldiers Program, which supports veterans and their families.

Earth Day at Sierra College

April 25, 9:30 a.m. ­– 3:30 p.m.

Sierra College, Rocklin

You don’t have to be a student to celebrate Earth Day at Sierra College! The festival in Rocklin will highlight our natural resources and focus on the six “Rs” — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Return, Refuse, Rethink. Live music and local food rounds out the festivities, making it both fun and educational for the entire community. Admission is free, but parking on campus is $3.

Placerville Earth Day Celebration

April 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Placerville Library

If live music is your jam, then the Earth Day Celebration in Placerville is for you. Local bands, earth-friendly arts & crafts, and children’s activities means there’s something for everyone. Pick up some organic street tacos or bring a picnic and relax on the grass. Browse the vendor booths and check out handmade goods including olive oil, goat milk soap and jewelry.

Some Kind of Earth Day Festival

April 27, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Auburn School Park Preserve

Come listen to local hip hop and watch youth musicians perform at this free, family-friendly celebration in Auburn. With a focus on sustainability awareness, hands-on workshops will show you all you need to know about topics such as composting and gardening. Plus, you can learn how to DJ, take a beginner parkour class or watch artists paint murals onsite.

Tahoe Truckee Earth Day

April 20, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Village at Squaw Valley

Photo courtesy Tahoe Truckee Earth Day

Learn to preserve and protect our natural resources at this zero-waste, carbon-neutral event. The kids will love the hands-on science experiments and “global footprint calculator” to gauge their knowledge of conservation. Live bands will perform rock and blues and a “trashion” show put on by high schoolers showcases couture made from candy wrappers, potato chip bags and other non-recyclable items. Admission is free.

South Lake Tahoe Earth Day

April 27, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Bijou Community Park

Photo courtesy South Tahoe Earth Day

Heading up to the mountains? Celebrate Mother Earth in South Lake Tahoe! Educational booths will showcase ways to counteract global warming through recycling, composting, alternative energy, water conservation and sustainability. The festivities include live music, dancing, local food and vendors, and arts and crafts for the kiddos. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, a good reminder of why conservation is so important.