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
RoundTrip Spring Roll Challenge
The RoundTrip Spring Roll Challenge is celebrating sustainable choices for everyday trips this Earth Month! Log your trips by bike, bus, carpool, walking & rolling from April 1-30 for chances to win weekly and grand prize drawings. Hosted by the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Hemp Lab Open House
Learn how hemp gets processed from plant to raw material for textiles, packaging and paper! Take home your own samples. Hosted by the Hemp Lab.
Microplastics in Aquatic Environments
Two speakers will explore microplastics in aquatic environments. Hosted by the Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
Willy Street Walking Tour
Join us to explore the bustling Williamson Street, known as Willy Street, on the east side of Madison, and learn about the history, culture, and important community impacts located on Willy Street. Hosted by the Morgridge Center for Public Service.
Earth Field Day
This event will showcase sustainable organizations and endeavors on campus, along with opportunities for students to learn about and experience the different facets of sustainability and Earth Fest celebrations! Hosted by ASM Sustainability.
Nurturing in Nature: Friday Flight - Birding with the Latine Cultural Center
Learn about local birds and potentially win a Latine Cultural Center parrot. Hosted by the Latine Cultural Center and BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin.
Exploring Prairie Plants Through Tea
Learn about species like bee balm, anise hyssop, and echinacea, their traditional uses and role in prairie ecosystems, while sampling a refreshing herbal iced tea spritz and learning simple herbal tea preparation basics. Hosted by Friends of Schumacher Farm Park.
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
The Wisdom of Water from the Andes to the Great Lakes: Water Connecting Cultures and Time Across the Americas
Throughout the Americas, cultures developed deep knowledge of water because survival depended on it. Join scholars, Indigenous leaders, and engineers as we explore the wisdom of water. Hosted by the Nelson Institute Center for Culture, History, and the Environment (CHE) and Mundo Esperanza.
Engineering EXPO Community Day
Explore the world of engineering through a free STEM outreach event. Hosted by Engineering EXPO.
Green Offices Go Outside
Offices that have completed Green Office Certification are welcome to volunteer at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve for a cleanup day. Hosted by the Office of Sustainability.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
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.
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.
Evening Bird Hike
As part of The People’s Farm Spring Fest, the Audubon Society, UW-Madison will host an evening hike at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve in celebration of spring migration.
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.
BioBlitz by the Lake - Get Ready for the 2026 Great Lakes BioBlitz!
Join WiSG education staff and see what’s blooming, flying, hopping, or maybe just growing around the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Hosted by Wisconsin Sea Grant.
Center for Ecology and the Environment Symposium
This two-day event will feature two keynote addresses by Dr. Aimée Classen from the University of Michigan, who will be sharing her fascinating research on global change and ecosystem ecology. Hosted by the Center for Ecology and the Environment.
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.
Extension Earth Fest Showcase
The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is hosting a program in celebration of Earth Fest highlighting Extension’s natural resources research, outreach, and education and how our shared efforts with communities are strengthening the well‑being of the people and places rooted in Wisconsin’s natural resources.
ReWear It Clothing and Textiles Swap
Clothing and textiles swap in collaboration with campus fashion clubs. Hosted by ReWear It Wisco, The Issue, and The Vault.
Green Fund Walking Tour
Come see campus sustainability projects brought to life by students through the Green Fund! Hosted by the Office of Sustainability Green Fund.
Succulents and Snacks
Get your hands dirty potting your own succulent while sampling some of the tastiest treats our planet naturally provides. Hosted by Hillel, UW-Madison Chapter.
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.
Climate, People and the Environment Program (CPEP) Seminar
Join the Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research CPEP Seminar Series for flash talks on climate research happening at UW–Madison. Hosted by the Center for Climatic Research (CCR).
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
Native Plant Garden Spring Work Party
Get hands-on experience with native plant care, connect with others, and learn about the Green Fund. Hosted by the Office of Sustainability Green Fund, Society for Ecological Restoration UW, and SEEDS.
Chalk the Block
This year’s theme is Bucky’s National Park Adventure! This event provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and celebrate the planet’s special places in honor of Earth Day. Hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board.
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.
Hug A Tree
Come to the University Book Store and (literally) hug a tree. For each hug the University Book Store will donate $1 to the Wisconsin Society for Conservation Biology. Hosted by University Book Store in collaboration with Wisconsin Society for Conservation Biology.
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!
'Earth's Greatest Enemy' Movie Screening
Earth’s Greatest Enemy is a documentary combining investigative journalism, striking visuals, and stories from impacted communities to reveal the hidden costs of a global military empire and its planetary consequences. Hosted by ASM Sustainability and World BEYOND War.
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.
Earth Day Public Skate
Join us for a special Earth Day themed public skate! Open for recreational, beginner, and advanced skaters to enjoy time on the ice. Hosted by UW-Madison RecWell.
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.
Conversations on Campus Sustainability Goals: Progress and Paths Forward
Join the Office of Sustainability for a session about UW–Madison’s sustainability goals and the work happening across campus. Hosted by the Office of Sustainability
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.
Weston Roundtable Lecture: Electricity is the New Eggs
PowerLines Founder and Executive Director Charles Hua will talk about why utility bills are rising and what stakeholders can do to address this issue. Hosted by the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment and UniverCity Alliance.
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.
Sustainable Wellbeing: A Student Roundtable on Community and Student Health
The event will feature a no-cost dinner and presentations from student leaders, showcasing their sustainability work and how you can get involved. Hosted by the Office of Sustainability.
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.