Celebrate Earth Day with Local Planet-Friendly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County
Find events all weekend long celebrating this year’s Earth Day theme of “Planet vs. Plastics.” Scroll down to learn about Earth Day at Cuscowilla, the Spring Plant Sale at the Florida Museum, Tree Fest at Swamp Head Brewery and more.
Examine Creative Depictions of Florida’s Most Valuable Resource at the Shaped by Water Juried Art Exhibit
Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, May 5 | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
North Central Florida artists display original works with the theme “Shaped by Water.” Browse a collection of over 35 works inspired by water, spanning 2D, 3D and video. Admission to the Cade Museum is free during The Water State Festival on Saturday, April 20.
Meet Mermaids and Celebrate Florida’s Waters at The Water State Festival
April 20 | Depot Park
874 SE 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The water-themed festival features mermaids, arts and crafts vendors, outdoor experiences and equipment on display from adventure outfitters and live entertainment. View water-themed art at The State of Water Juried Art Exhibition, located inside the Cade Museum. Admission is free.
Confront Global Environmental Issues at the Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival
Saturday, April 20 – Monday, April 22 | Cypress and Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
In celebration of Earth Day weekend, the Cinema Verde Film Festival features over 75 films, conversations with film directors and a showcase of sustainable businesses. Single-day tickets or weekend passes are available online.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Attract Pollinators to Your Landscape at the Florida Museum’s Spring Plant Sale
Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Join the museum on Earth Day weekend and browse an abundant selection of pollinator-friendly plants and species native to Florida. View a list of available species online.
Hop Around Lake Alice and Learn About Plants at the Growing Together Spring Festival
Friday, April 19, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Multiple Locations at the University of Florida
Explore four hands-on teaching spaces connected to plant science. Get an up closed view of the Field and Fork Farm and Gardens, Horticultural Sciences Teaching Farm, UF Native Plant Nursery and Wilmot Botanical Gardens. Find a map at each site and win prizes by completing the scavenger hunt.
Festival sites are connected by tram, so hop on and explore each one. After the festival, stick around the UF Bat Houses to see hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at sunset.
Learn How to Grow and Prepare Heritage Crops with Florida eritage Foods at the Sustainability Festival
Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Alachua County Farmers Market
5900 NW 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32653
Sample food from local chefs, learn new recipes and find culinary inspiration with Florida heritage crops. Enjoy music, children’s activities and a variety of local vendors.
Raise a Glass to Earth Day with Swamp Head Brewery at Tree Fest
Saturday, April 27, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m | Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, Tree Fest is the annual festival raising funds to plant trees. For every beer purchase, four trees will be planted. For each Tree Fest t-shirt sold, 20 trees get planted. Enjoy food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities.
Celebrate Local Springs, Rivers and the Aquifer at the Santa Fe Springs Celebration
Saturday, April 27, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Poe Spring Park
28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs 32643
Learn about the springs and local waters with over 50 educational exhibits and a film showcase. Browse craft vendors, food trucks and get beverages from First Magnitude Brewing Company (for ages 21+). Enjoy live music by Wax Wings, Uncle Mosie, and Harber Wynn on the main stage. Admission is free.
Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
