Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to celebrate our planet and explore ways to protect it, especially right here in the Sonoran Desert. From hands-on activities and family-friendly festivals to sustainable shopping and everyday green living tips, there are plenty of ways to get involved in Phoenix. Whether you're planting seeds with the kids, riding the light rail to a local event, or learning how to compost, this guide has everything you need to make Earth Day (and every day) a little greener.

Earth Day Events

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reFABRICate Fashion Show

April 18

The reFABRICate Fashion Show will feature designs upcycled from repurposed denim jeans from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The jeans will be redesigned/upcycled by FABRIC members (established and emerging designers & brands) as well as fashion teachers & students. 

Tempe Marketplace

 

Carefree Earth Day Celebration

April 18

Step into spring at the Carefree Earth Day Celebration in the beautiful Desert Gardens, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Enjoy live animal encounters with mini ponies, birds, and rattlesnakes, explore interactive exhibits from local conservation groups, and take part in hands-on activities, crafts, and games for all ages. Don’t miss a special appearance by Smokey Bear and live music from the Jubilate Conservatory of Music.

Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion

 

Earth Day on The Farm: Smoke & Savor Pop-Up

April 22

Celebrate Earth Day at The Farm with Smoke & Savor. Enjoy springtime BBQ, smoked meats, and seasonal flavors at Quiessence from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Farm at South Mountain

 

Earth Day | Rooted in Story

April 22

Join the Heard Museum to slow down, connect, and reflect on our shared responsibility as stewards of the beautiful desert we call home from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Discover fascinating insights about saguaros and the desert ecosystem, learn about the plants and natural materials used to dye wool for weaving, and take time to visit the newly opened Kay WalkingStick / Hudson River School exhibition.

Heard Museum

 

ASU Earth Day Stadium Walk

April 22

Students, staff, alumni, and the community are invited to gather as Arizona State University hosts the free ASU Earth Day Stadium Walk from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join ASU for a three-lap walk around the stadium, symbolizing the environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainability. Guests can also explore a sustainability fair at the Coca-Cola Sun Deck with interactive booths, games, snacks, and giveaways.

Mountain America Stadium

 

Earth Day Ground & Sound

April 22

Celebrate the Earth and honor your body with a 45-minute yoga flow followed by a live harp sound bath. From 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, join a yoga flow led by Michelle Heller Good, accompanied by live harp music from Dre (Siren Gliss). Let your body unwind, release the week’s tension, and flow with the rhythms of nature.

Papago Park 

 

Earth Day at Scottsdale Quarter

April 22

Scottsdale Quarter marks Earth Day with a sustainability-focused installation featuring an oversized shopping bag planter made from upcycled materials and xeriscape plants. Guests can take home complimentary wildflower seeds while supplies last. Plus, throughout April, retailers will highlight eco-conscious initiatives, including denim recycling and upcycled fashion, encouraging thoughtful shopping and everyday environmental responsibility.

Scottsdale Quarter

 

Earth Day Reusable Tote Craft

April 22

Celebrate Earth Day and craft a reusable tote to help reduce single-use plastic waste while having a blast! Create a reusable tote bag that’s perfect for shopping, carrying books, or just showing off your eco-friendly style. Starting at 4:00 p.m., materials to decorate your tote will be provided.

Songbird Coffee & Tea House

 

Earth Day Expo

April 22

Families are invited to celebrate Earth Day at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix with a variety of fun, hands-on activities in the Museum’s Children’s Garden. Join us for a fun and educational way for families to connect with nature and celebrate the planet from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Children's Museum of Phoenix

 

Earth Day Sound Meditation

April 22

Celebrate Earth Day and return to your roots, and reconnect with what grounds you through sound energy. From 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m, this is your space to slow down and come back to your foundation. Through sound, your body can release tension, your mind can quiet, and things can start to feel a little steadier.

Sozo Healing House

 

Make Your Own Plant Pot or Vase Pottery Workshop

April 22 & 26

A pottery workshop for plant and flower lovers alike! Learn pottery basics and sculpt a custom clay planter or vase from clay. 

Valley Coffee Company 

 

Dish Garden Workshop

April 24

Join us in celebrating Earth Day with a creative, hands-on Dish Garden Workshop designed to bring a little more green into your space. In this class, you’ll create your own living dish garden using a curated selection of plants while learning the basics of plant care, balance, and design from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Dish gardens are long-lasting, low-maintenance, and a beautiful way to enjoy nature indoors.

Cactus Flower Florists

 

Earth Day at the Phoenix Zoo

April 25

Everyone has the power to save the planet. Guests are invited to join in for games and activities while learning about conservation and renewable energy from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Phoenix Zoo 

 

Sustainability Fest

April 25

Visitors are invited to discover how to live more sustainably at Arizona Science Center’s Sustainability Fest on April 26. From 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests can explore a variety of environmental topics, including rising sea levels, reducing carbon footprints, composting and recycling, seed germination, and more. The event features hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to connect with community partners and local vendors—all designed to inspire a more sustainable lifestyle through science.

Arizona Science Center 

 

Best Outdoor Places to Explore Nature in Phoenix

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Desert Botanical Garden

Home to over 50,000 plants, including rare and endangered species, the Desert Botanical Garden offers a glimpse into the diverse flora of the Sonoran Desert.

 

South Mountain Park and Preserve

As one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., South Mountain Park provides extensive trails and panoramic views, perfect for hiking and connecting with nature.

 

Papago Park

Known for its unique geological formations and the iconic "Hole in the Rock," Papago Park is a favorite for both casual strolls and photography enthusiasts.

Sustainable Things to Do in Phoenix

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Visit a Farmers Market

Shop local and support Arizona’s agricultural community by visiting farmers markets across the city. The Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market (open Saturdays) is packed with local produce and sustainable goods—and it’s walkable from Roosevelt Row. You can also check out Uptown Farmers Market or Singh Meadows for even more fresh, locally grown options. Shopping local reduces the carbon footprint of your food while keeping dollars in the community.

 

Try a Zero-Waste Lifestyle Shop

Swap single-use plastics for refillable home essentials at Desert Refillery, a sustainable goods store offering everything from soaps to cleaning supplies in reusable containers.

 

Use Public Transit or Go Car-Free

The Valley Metro light rail is clean, affordable, and surprisingly far-reaching—it can take you to places like the Phoenix Art Museum, ASU, and Tempe Town Lake. For shorter trips, book a Waymo, a ride-share, or rent an e-scooter or bike and explore the city at your own pace. Want a glimpse into a car-free future? Visit Culdesac Tempe, a walkable neighborhood built around bikes, public spaces, and community living—no cars required.

 

Support Sustainable Dining

Choose restaurants that source local ingredients, compost, or actively work to reduce food waste. Many Phoenix eateries feature menus with Arizona-grown produce and sustainable practices.