Earth Fest events are open to the public unless otherwise stated. Most events are free; some may require a nominal fee or registration. View the event details for more information.
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More Fun at Earth Fest HQ
Come visit us at Earth Fest Headquarters, located in the Chazen Museum of Art lobby! From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during Earth Fest, stop by for giveaways, games, and pop-up events including:
- Earth Fest’s Little Free Library: Take an environmental book, share an environmental book
- Community Art: Contribute to our Earth Fest 2025 banner and help us create yard signs
Earth Fest will be held April 17-23, 2026. This schedule will be updated as additional events are announced.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Climate Games Day
Uncover sustainable solutions while enjoying friendly competition! Hosted by the Wisconsin Energy Institute and Energy Analysis and Policy Program.
Dreams of the Abandoned Daughter
Join us for the Madison premiere of this dance-film that explores the climate crisis, blending social impacts of climate change with Korean myth. Presented by Asian American Studies, Chazen Museum of Art, Dance Department, and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies; with support from the Center for Culture, History, and the Environment, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Division of the Arts, and University Lectures.
Melodies of Earth: A Flutist’s Rendition on Climate Change
Performed by Abhinay Reddy, this program is inspired by the persisting events of climate change, presenting a journey on nature’s crisis. Hosted by the Office of Sustainability.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Engineering EXPO Community Day
Explore the world of engineering through a free STEM outreach event. Hosted by Engineering EXPO.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Family Nature Program: Love the Earth
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum.
Spring Fest
Join The People’s Farm for an afternoon filled with outdoor fun to help us celebrate the beginning of our growing season! Hosted by The People’s Farm.
Make Your Own DIY Bee House
This event highlights the benefits of home gardening for both personal health and local biodiversity. Hosted by GreenHouse Learning Community.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Field Notes on Climate: Virtual Premiere and Q&A
This series explores impacts of our changing climate and shares solutions-oriented stories from across our state. Hosted by PBS Wisconsin Education
Global Learning, Green Traveling: Sustainable Study Abroad
Attendees will learn how travel impacts local communities and the environment, and how small changes can significantly reduce global footprints. Hosted by International Academic Programs.
Ecotherapy Wellness Group: Self Representation Nature Journaling
Learn and practice ecotherapy techniques that will help you feel more connected to your mind, body, and environment, all while reaping the benefits of the natural world. Hosted by University Health Services.
Tiny Gardens Everywhere: The Past, Present and Future of the Self-Provisioning City with Kate Brown
Gardeners in cities and suburbs are reclaiming lost commons, transforming vacant lots into vibrant plots, turning waste into compost, and recreating what was once the most productive agriculture in recorded human history while simultaneously nurturing health, hope, and community. Hosted by the Nelson Institute Center for Culture, History, and Environment; Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems; Center for the Humanities; Community and Environmental Sociology; Department of Geography; Department of History; Food Studies Network; IRIS-NRC; Kemper Knapp Bequest Fund; and University Lectures Committee.
Earth Signals
Come experience Wisconsin weather through music. Hosted by the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Mead Witter School of Music.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Medication Take-Back Event
You can dispose of most prescription and over-the-counter medications (like vitamins, cold medicine, and Tylenol) at a medication take-back event. Hosted by University Health Services.
FP&M Sustainability Walking Tour
Join our peers on the Sustainability team as they lead us on a walking tour highlighting projects that are a collaboration between students, FP&M, and other UW departments to reduce the environmental impact and improve the campus experience. Hosted by the Office of Sustainability.
Earth Fest Forum
The Earth Fest Forum will feature a keynote presentation by Isaias Hernandez, an exhibit hall with art, T-shirt printing, and more.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Earth Day Lunch
Experience a diverse menu highlighting food sustainability at each station, including ingredients from our very own Dining Campus Farm. Hosted by University Housing: Dining and Culinary Services.
Upcycled T-Shirt Yarn Mini Holders
Come make a holder from upcycled T-shirts that can be used for pens, plants, keys, coins, or just about anything. Hosted by UHS Mental Health Services.
Water@UW-Madison 2026 Spring Symposium: Blue Futures
As emerging technologies, scientific innovation, and evolving policy landscapes transform the way we live and work, this event explores their influence on water systems. Hosted by Water@UW-Madison.
Plants for the Apocalypse IV
What plants would you want around for the end of the world as we know it? Join us to learn more about how plants are our partners in life and death. Hosted by Allen Centennial Garden and the School of Pharmacy.
Earth Day Trivia
Compete for a variety of prizes and enjoy happy hour deals while celebrating the legacy of Earth Day and participating in a friendly competition!
Adopt a Plant
Paint a pot, choose a succulent or plant, and take a little life home with you. Hosted by Badger Supports and Environmental Science Club.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Sustainability Research Networking Event
This year’s event will feature facilitated roundtable conversations highlighting several areas where new cross-campus working groups are helping organize collaboration, including PFAS, data centers, food is medicine, and critical minerals and materials. Hosted by the Sustainability Research Hub.
Tiny Terracotta Studio
To celebrate Earth Fest, you’ll decoupage and decorate your own mini terracotta container. Grab a free seed starter kit and leave with a little green of your own. Hosted by Wheelhouse Studios.
Medication Take-Back Event
You can dispose of most prescription and over-the-counter medications (like vitamins, cold medicine, and Tylenol) at a medication take-back event. Hosted by University Health Services.
Climate Change Theatre Action
Theatre and dance students will join for an evening of immersive theatrical performance taking over UW–Madison’s Science Hall! Hosted by UW–Madison Theatre and Drama and UW–Madison Dance.
All views expressed by the speakers are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views and opinions of the Nelson Institute, Office of Sustainability, or UW–Madison.