UW–Madison Earth Fest Brings 50+ Free Events to Campus, Invites Public to ‘Find Your Place’ in Climate Action
UW–Madison Earth Fest, a weeklong celebration of environment and sustainability organized by the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Office of Sustainability, returns April 17–23 with nearly 50 events across campus — most free and open to the public.
From hands-on research experiences and family-friendly nature programs to live performances and community discussions, Earth Fest offers something for everyone — and invites the broader Madison community to engage with one of the most urgent issues of our time in accessible, meaningful ways.
In only its third year, the nationally recognized event has united thousands from campus, surrounding communities, and across the country in celebration of the one resource and place we all share: our world.
“Earth Fest is a community event for a reason” said Paul Robbins, dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. “UW–Madison is a ‘Whole Earth School,’ after all, from sustainable agriculture in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to sustainable materials research in College of Engineering. “Dane County and the State of Wisconsin are ‘Earth County’ in an ‘Earth State;’ community commitments to lake restoration, habitat restoration, renewable energy, and climate resilience are unmatched. Earth Fest celebrates all of this and prods us to go further. I love this event.”
At the Center, a Discussion on Climate Action
Centering this year’s celebration is the Earth Fest Forum: Finding Your Place in Environmental Action, taking place on Tuesday, April 21, from 4–7 p.m.
The event features keynote speaker Isaias Hernandez — a widely recognized environmental educator and digital content creator known online as the Queer Brown Vegan — who will speak about sustainable self-care during climate action. Hernandez will then join a panel discussion with a group of UW–Madison undergraduates who have carved their own niches in environmental work.
The Earth Fest Forum is free to attend, but registration is recommended as limited seats are available.
Campus as a Living Lab, Open to All
Additional events throughout the week include:
- Hands-on experiences like the Hemp Lab’s open house, the Engineering EXPO, and Plants for the Apocalypse IV
- Family-friendly programming, including the UW Arboretum’s Family Nature Program and an evening bird hike
- Deep dives into timely issues, from rising electricity costs to water systems
- DIY events like making a bee house or tiny terracotta planters
- Live performances ranging from a string quartet and flute concerto to immersive theater
“The University of Wisconsin–Madison has a long history of convening people to problem-solve and innovate, and Earth-Fest is a signature event of that legacy,” said Missy Nergard, UW–Madison director of institutional sustainability. “This week is about creating a welcoming, hands-on way for people to connect with and learn from each other. We invite everyone to come out to join an event, meet a neighbor, bring your insights and experiences, and celebrate our shared world.”
Bringing Earth Day Home to Madison
Five decades ago, Wisconsin U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson organized the first Earth Day teach-in, drawing participation from approximately 20 million Americans across the nation. UW–Madison Earth Fest brings Nelson’s legacy home, cementing Wisconsin’s legacy as a champion for our world — and empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.
Events will be held at locations across the UW–Madison campus, including the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and the UW Arboretum.