What To Do On Earth Day in NYC

Add this and other places to your personal travel plan. We will then help you with further suitable suggestions: free of charge and straightaway!

Add to myNY added
More details about myNY

A tribute to nature and our wonderful planet Earth – this is celebrated in New York on April 22nd. Where? Everywhere with a whole host of events in parks, beaches and everything our favorite outdoor town has to offer. Earth Day is used here in New York to be conscious of the impact each of us has on nature. 

Therefore, there are many ways to get involved and to discuss the topic of “ecological footprint”. One of the most popular events is held at the Union Square Park, where local bands play at a block party. There are delicious, environmentally-friendly snacks and stands from environmental organizations that present many interesting campaigns.

When Is Earth Day 2024

Earth Day 2024 takes place on Monday, April 22nd, 2024. The official theme for this year’s Earth Day is Invest In Our Planet. Since first being held on April 22nd, 1970, it has been held on April 22 each year.

The Connection between New York and Earth Day

Earth Day is an event honored each year in support of protecting our natural environment. On average, nearly 1 billion people take place in Earth Day-related actions each year.

But did you know New York has been involved with Earth Day since the very beginning?

As a way to raise awareness about the threats facing our planet, nearly 100,000 people participated in events throughout New York City, including a demonstration on 5th Avenue on the very first Earth Day in 1970.

NYC Earth Day has a long and storied tradition, and we are happy to share that its history is alive well. Read on to see how you can participate in Earth Day in NYC activities and keep this amazing and necessary movement alive.

The Best Earth Day Events In NYC

  1. 01

    Earth Day Initiative at Hudson Yards

    Mall in Hudson Yards
    The_Shops_Hudson_Yards_190318151331003
    Add to myNY added

    What is the event about? “Earth Day Initiative and Volkswagen, will showcase sustainable solutions and expert and activist voices that will help shape our path toward climate action. The three-day event will feature environmental nonprofits, sustainable businesses, and interactive installations like zero-waste weaving and solar panels that go right in your window to power your small devices at home!”

    Read more here.

  2. 02

    Earth Day 2023 Festival

    Other Events in Gramercy
    Add to myNY added

    Taking place April 16th, 2023, the Earth Day 2023 Festival + Virtual Stage takes place at Union Square.

    This large event features booths with dozens of climate and environmental organizations, a broadcast featuring activists, experts, entertainers, and more.

  3. 03

    Car Free Earth Day

    Other Events in Long Island City
    Add to myNY added

    New York City’s annual car-free event is being held this year on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 from 11am to 5pm. As a way to get everyone involved in Earth Day NYC, this event takes place over all 5 boroughs. 

    In connecting over 100 Open Streets, 22 plazas, and over 1,000 miles of the NYC Bike Network, New Yorkers and NYC tourists alike are invited to engage in the city in a unique and beautiful way.

  4. 04

    Visit the NYC Community Parks And Gardens

    Park in Midtown Manhattan
    Our Highlight
    Cental_Park_Vogelperspektive
    Add to myNY added

    What better way is there to celebrate the Earth than by getting out in nature? The NYC Parks have plenty of opportunities to do just that all week long. These family-friendly activities include birding, tree planting, Earth Day storytime, a planting workshop, children and climate workshops, spring foraging, and more.

    Earth Day NYC events include parks in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens, so you can be sure to celebrate wherever you’re headed.

    For the full list of Earth Day NYC activities in the community parks and gardens of New York, visit the official NYC Parks website here.

  5. 05

    The Harlem Earth Day Festival

    Other Events in Harlem & Washington Heights
    Add to myNY added

    Raising awareness for the environment is also about finding ecological solutions. That’s what the Harlem Earth Day Festival is all about.

    With an aim to invest in the earth, eat well, and shop local, visitors to the festival can connect with local artists making one of a kind eco-friendly items, enjoy various vegan options, and enjoy live local music and international DJs.

  6. 06

    Get Your Hands In The Dirt In Queens

    Other Events in Queens
    231013095932002_Queens_Fram_Museum
    Add to myNY added

    Earth Day is also about giving back to the Earth. New Yorkers and visitors to the city have a chance to do just that at Queens Farm in Queens, NY. 

    As one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State (farming started in 1697), it has historic farmland that volunteers can help to preserve. These volunteer activities include sifting compost, spring clean-up in the Children’s Garden, mulching, weeding, and more. 

    There are other family-friendly activities, too, including apiary talks with the farm’s resident beekeeper, a compost giveback, Adopt-a-Worm composting tips, tractor-drawn hayrides, a self-guided scavenger hunt, and free giveaways. The Earth Day NYC event is free for all ages – with an encouraged $8 donation.

    For more information on Queens Farm, including registering for their Bee-A-Pollinator: Earth Day Service Day, follow this link to visit their official site.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

Did you like this article?