Earth Day is coming up on Saturday, April 22. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate nature, support the environment and adopt some new eco-friendly habits while gathering with friends and family. Here are several ways to give the planet a hug this year.
Earth Day Celebration: Recycled Sculpture
April 15 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Turn yesterday’s paper towel roll into a unique piece of art at Art House 7 in Arlington. Children and parents will receive everything they need to turn trash into treasure, including an assortment of gently used materials and glue guns. Workshop participants are also welcome to bring in additional supplies. // 5537 Langston Blvd., Arlington. $25 per family. Parents must attend with children; not a drop-off event.
Clarendon Cleanup
April 20 | 4-7 p.m.
Clarendon is getting a head start on its monthly Summer Cleanups with this early evening litter pickup. Borrow a grabbing tool from the patio of Bar Ivy and help tidy the neighborhood by picking up trash. When you’re done (or if you need a break), reward yourself with a beverage from the restaurant, whose happy hour runs till 6 p.m. // Bar Ivy, 3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free.
EarthFest 2023
April 21 | 1-4 p.m.
What more can you be doing to protect Mother Earth? Find out at this free community event offering helpful tips on energy efficiency, recycling, composting and other sustainable choices. Participants can also attend wellness workshops, make recycled-art projects and craft a planter to take home. // Arlington Mill, 909 S. Dinwiddie Drive. Free.
Natural Wines Tasting
April 21 | 8 p.m.
In honor of Earth Day, Ballston eatery and art space Whino is hosting a natural wines tasting featuring 2-ounce pours of “ecologically and socially conscious” international wines. Presenters will discuss some of the ways the wine industry is improving and minimizing its environmental impact. // Whino, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 2110, Arlington. $40.
McLean Earth Day-Act Locally
April 22 | 9 a.m.-Noon
Show the planet some love while doing a bit of spring cleaning. Swing by this drive-through event at the McLean Community Center to recycle and/or safely dispose of those unwanted materials that have been cluttering up your house and garage. Accepted items include paper for shredding, e-waste (e.g. CDs, modems, computer monitors), old paint, used clothing, used bicycles and compost. While there, you can pick up a free tree sapling or pollinator seed packet to take home. // McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., Falls Church. Free.
Arms Stretched Towards the Clouds: An Earth Day Poetry Workshop
April 22 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Honor two great causes—National Poetry Month and Earth Day—at this weekend poetry workshop sponsored by Arlington Cultural Affairs. Poet Kori Johnson will guide participants in writing nature-inspired works of their own. Attendees are invited to bring a piece or object from home to serve as their muse. Geared for ages 8 and up. // Arlington Cultural Affairs, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington. Free.
EcoAction Arlington Earth Day Cleanup
April 23 | 9-10:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Pull on your galoshes, grab a water bottle and gloves, and head over to Jennie Dean Park to help with trash removal in the park and along Four Mile Run. Sunscreen and insect spray are recommended. EcoAction Arlington will provide trash bags, hand sanitizer and additional work gloves. // Jennie Dean Park, 3630 S. 27th St., Arlington. Free.Â
Earth Day Every Day Festival on Langston Boulevard
April 23 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enjoy kids’ activities, an art market and the latest Arlington Art Truck activation, plus performances by the Munit Mesfin Trio, jazz outfit Veronneau and other local musicians at this all-day festival at the Lee Heights Shops. Arrowine and Cheese, Old Dominion Pizza, Cafe Colline and other eateries will be on hand with food and drink, and you’ll find booths offering expert advice on topics such as pollinator gardens, stormwater management, recycling, home energy improvements and more. // Lee Heights Shops, 4500-4550 Langston Boulevard, Arlington. Free admission.
Rosslyn Eco Market
April 28 | 3-6 p.m. & April 29 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Environmental stewardship doesn’t end after Earth Day. Keep the conversation going and shop this pop-up market the following weekend for an array of upcycled and sustainable wares. Free plants will be provided to guests with a receipt for $5 or more from a Rosslyn eatery. // Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington. Free.
Want even more options? Visit this page for a full list of Earth Day 2023 events in Arlington.Â