This year, 2023, marks the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day.

Read on for a list of major events, followed by some ways to celebrate Earth Day at home, and then a day by day list of all Earth Day events on Charlotte on the Cheap’s calendar.

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Earth Day in Charlotte

Charlotte Earth day Celebration at First Ward Park

Charlotte Earth Day is a free celebration at First Ward Park with live performances, hands-on activities, and much more. April 15, 2023.

Earth Day with Kids in Nature Day in Matthews

Earth Day with Kids in Nature Day takes place April 15, 2023, at Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Road in Matthews.

This day of free family fun in the park is presented by HAWK (Habitat and Wildlife Keepers), the Town of Matthews and NCWF’s Great Outdoors University.

Earth Jam 2023 in Cornelius

Earth Jam 2023 takes place April 15 at Robbins Park in Cornelius. This free event features live music, crafts, nature walks, local beer and wine, and more.

NoDa Arbor Day takes place April 16 at Divine Barrel Brewing, 3701 N Davidson Street, Charlotte. The free, family-friendly festival includes free seedlings, free Tree Hugger Books, two showings of The Lorax, sustainable vendors and organizations, games, live music and food trucks.

Earth Day Festival at Sardis Presbyterian Church

Sardis Presbyterian Church, at 6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, is hosting an Earth Day Festival on April 22, 2023. This free festival includes live music, kids' activities, food, crafts games, nature education and more.

Davidson Earth Day Festival

The Town of Davidson is hosting the Davidson Earth Day Festival on April 22, 2023, on the Town Green. The free event includes hands-on science, games, activities, music, free native seedlings, education and more.

Earth Day Weekend Celebration at Anne Springs Close Greenway

Anne Springs Close Greenway's Earth Day celebration is the biggest in the Charlotte area, with tons of hikes, demos, workshops, kids' activities, and more, all weekend, from April 21 to 23, 2023. Anne Springs Close Greenway is in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Kings Mountain: Earth Day at the Gateway Trail

Celebrate Earth Day at the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail on April 22, 2023. The celebration includes a butterfly release, petting zoo, crafts, gem mining, dinosaurs and more.

Salisbury Earth Day Jam

Salisbury's Earth Jam takes place April 22, 2023, at the Bell Towner Green in Salisbury. It includes music and arts, as well as Earth Day.

TreeFest with TreesCharlotte

TreesCharlotte is bringing TreeFest to NoDa Brewing, 150 W 32nd Street, Charlotte, on April 29. There will be free seedlings, tree-friendly crafts, live music and food trucks. Free event.

More Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Explore more ways to celebrate Earth Day on your own, or jump down to the day by day list of Earth Day events.

Visit a Garden

Check out one of these 7 amazing Charlotte area botanical gardens! Most are free to visit.

Wildflower Walks

Go on one of these easy wildflower walks. It’s the perfect time!

More Hikes

Want more ideas of where to walk? Here are more than 50 walks and hikes in and near Charlotte.

50 Ways to Earth Day

A couple years ago, Discovery Place put together a list of 50 activities that families can do to make a meaningful difference for our planet. See them all here.

City Nature Challenge

Every year, the City Nature Challenge has people taking pictures of wild plants and animals, to help document biodiversity around the globe. Take and share pictures from April 29th to May 2nd, and share through the iNaturalist app. Learn more about participating.

Start a Garden

Learn about some garden centers in the Charlotte area and get some tips for getting started with a garden.

Grow Some Memories–Earth Day Mini Garden

Help kids make mini-gardens out of recycled plastic bags, fabric scraps and ribbons. Fill each DIY satchel with a half cup of soil and wildflower seeds. Kids can then scatter their garden-to-go in the backyard or a soil-filled container, water frequently, and watch flowers bloom through the summer.
Instructions

Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder

Teach the kids about recycling by reusing toilet paper rolls for a fun craft. All it takes is a little peanut butter, bird seed, a couple of sticks from the yard and some string.
Instructions