Earth Day happens annually on April 22, and the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place to celebrate, with an abundance of community cleanups, parades, and sustainability events. These events are often free and family-friendly. Plus, be sure to head to your favorite state park—Earth Day is a Discover Pass free day!
BELLINGHAM
Since 2022, Sunnyland Neighborhood has hosted an Earth Day celebration that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. This year’s event will be held in Sunnyland Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 18. The free event includes a plant and seed swap, a native plant giveaway for Sunnyland residents, a raffle with prizes from Sunnyland businesses, face-painting for kids, and nature-based learning activities for all ages. sunnylandneighborhood.com
ANACORTES
The Anacortes Earth Day celebration spans two days each year, with this year’s event taking place on April 24 and 25. The festivities begin Friday evening with the Luminary Light Parade on Commercial Avenue at 8 p.m. Come see beautiful paper lanterns crafted to look like birds, sea creatures, mammals, stars, and flowers. Saturday features hands-on learning at booths set up by environmental nonprofits as well as a sustainable fashion show. anacortesearthday.com
ORCAS ISLAND
Earth Day Orcas dedicates the entire month of April to celebrating the beautiful nature of the San Juan Islands. Free programming throughout the month includes environmental workshops, lectures, film screenings, and storytelling. The month culminates in one final celebration with an Earth Day parade and fair over the course of the weekend. Check their website for an up-to-date calendar of events. earthdayorcas.org
From the April Events Agenda:
EARTH DAY AT EDGEWATER PARK
April 26
Join Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation and the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group at Edgewater Park for a lively Earth Day celebration. With a habitat restoration volunteer project, interactive educational booths, a mindfulness workshop led by Lindsay Huettman, Wild Scale’s live reptile show, friendly competitions with themed prizes, and so much more, this free, all-ages day promises fun for the whole family. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Edgewater Park, 600 Behrens Millett Rd., Mount Vernon, 360.336.6215, mountvernonwa.gov
Anacortes Earth Day | Photograph by E.J. Harris Photography
