Austin Earth Day

This year, the environmentally minded folks in Austin, TX, are getting in the Earth Day spirit with a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the city.

Austin Earth Day Festival

Sponsored by the City of Austin, Texas Green Network and Mueller Where: The Historic Browning Hanger at Mueller, 4550 Mueller Blvd. When: Saturday, April 20, 2013, from noon to 7 p.m. What: Austin’s biggest Earth Day celebration will feature a daylong mix of music, speakers, workshops and fun. Highlights include:
  • Performances by local musicians La Mona Loca, Mingo Fishtrap and Barbara K
  • Featured speakers Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell, activist Christy Pipkin and author Jonathan Bloom
  • Presentations from Interfaith Environmental Network, Climate Buddies, Austin Zero Waste Alliance, the Eastside Compost Pedallers and more
  • A petting zoo, magicians, pony rides and face painting in the Kids Zone
  • Tasty food and drinks from local restaurants and food trucks
Plenty of businesses, nonprofits, and other environmental organizations will have exhibits and activities throughout the day, and the Texas Green Network will be collecting electronics for recycling in the main parking area.

Give 5% to Mother Earth

Sponsored by Green Mountain Energy Where: all over Austin When: Monday, April 22, 2013 — Earth Day What: This Earth Day, businesses all over Austin will be taking part in the Give 5% to Mother Earth Campaign. Participating businesses will donate 5% of their sales on Earth Day to a range of environmental nonprofits that work to improve the Austin area, including:
  • Austin Parks Foundation
  • Clean Water Fund
  • Friends of Barton Springs Pool
  • Hill Country Conservancy
  • Texas Land Conservancy
  • TreeFolks
  • Urban Roots
A list of all participating businesses can be found here.

Mother Earth Day Festival at the Springs

Produced by environmental educator Bill Oliver with sponsorship from the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. When: Friday, May 10, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (with a rain date of May 17) What: The Mother Earth Day Festival celebrates unique and beautiful Barton Creek and the surrounding watershed with activates and games for kids ages 4 to 13. There will be arts and crafts, music and puppet shows that focus on water conservation and local wildlife, and kids can enjoy performances by bilingual storyteller Sue Young and the Ortega Storyteller Choir. The event is free, and school groups are welcome.

Earth Day 2013