* Please note – due to the weather, this event has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 29th. *
Climate change. Environmental justice. Renewable energy. Water. Transportation. Parks. Air quality. Endangered species. Recycling.
There are so many different environmental issues that at times, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin… and how to actually make a difference. That’s where the Earth Day ATX festival comes into play.
The theme for this year’s festival is “Reclaiming Power,” which means that all of the event programming will focus around taking action and getting involved.
The festival itself is massive, with dozens of exhibitors and thousands of expected attendees. That’s why we decided to make things a little easier on you and create “Your Guide To Earth Day ATX 2018.”
The Basics
First things first, this year’s festival will be held on Sunday, April 29th from noon to 7pm at Huston-Tillotson University. The event is family-friendly, as well as free and open to the public. (They just ask that you leave your pets at home).
Additional information about the best ways to get the festival can be found at the bottom on this guide.
To help you navigate the festival, Earth Day ATX has put together an app, which you can download here.
A map of the festival is also available below.
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…. Our roundup of some of the biggest and best events and activities of the festival.
Activities and Programming
Changemaker’s Cafe
Learn how to get involved and make a difference in your community in this space, hosted by the Austin EcoNetwork.
Activities will include:
- Claim Your Power: Getting Involved In Local Activism – An activist meet-and-greet that allows you to connect with some of our city’s leading environmental and social justice activists
- Civics 101: A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government – Take the first steps to getting involved in local government with this speedy, fun, and interactive crash course.
- It’s Your Future: Getting Connected With Local Environmental Leaders – An environmental mentorship fair, perfect for college students looking for career advice or community members looking for a career change.
- Voter registration booth
- Book fair
- Write Your City Council Member – get tips on the best ways to contact your local elected officials
- Coffee With Local Elected Officials
A full schedule of events and list of activities in the Changemaker’s Cafe is available here.
Community Justice Hub
Chas Moore will be the MC of the Community Justice Hub.
Hear from some of Austin’s most esteemed environmental justice advocates and learn more about Austin’s long and ongoing history of racism and segregation.
Guest speakers will include:
- Chase Moore – Co-Founder and Executive Director of Austin Justice Coalition
- Robin Schneider- Executive Director of Texas Campaign for Environment and TCE Fund
- Carmen Llanes Pulido – Executive Director of Go Austin! ¡Vamos Austin! (or GAVA) and Vice Chair of the city’s Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission
- Marisa Perales – Chair of the City of Austin’s Environmental Commission
- Lauren Ice – Staff Attorney with the Save Our Springs Alliance
Activities will include:
- Mapping Austin’s environmental racism
- Authentic Relating Games
A full schedule of events and guest speakers for the Community Justice Hub are available here.
Local Power Stage
Daniel Llanes will be one of the performers on the Local Power Stage.
One of the festival’s main live music hubs, MC’d by Courtney Santana, a vocalist and an advocate for survivors of domestic violence.
A full list and schedule of performers is available here.
Eco Discovery Zone
One of the festival’s primary kid-friendly spaces, complete with science experiments and hands-on activities.
Activities include:
- Solar-Powered Cars – in a 60 minute lesson, kids will learn about solar energy, assemble the cars, and then test them outside
- Live Butterfly Walkthrough And Interactive Feeding – walk through a mesh tent enclosure, complete with monarch and painted lady butterflies
- Texas Museum of Science and Technology Discovery Dome – a mobile planetarium, complete with astronomy experts
- Live Action Beehive
- Virtual Reality Headsets
A full list of Eco Discovery Zone activities is available here.
Outdoor Kids Zone
Another great place to bring the kids!
Activities include:
- Bilingual Zero Waste Activities – learn how to reduce waste in both English and Spanish
- The Dumpster Project – climb into a 36-square-foot home, made out of of dumpster
- AIA Box City – children can join the architects of AIA Austin in creating a miniature version of downtown Austin
A full list of activities in the Outdoor Kids Zone is available here.
Outdoor Activity Area
Outdoor fun for all ages!
Activities include:
- Slacklining
- Springfree Trampoline
A full list of activities in the Outdoor Activity Area are available here.
Movement and Wellness Zone
The perfect place to get your fitness on during the festival.
Activities include:
- Introduction To Acro Yoga
- Zumba
- Group Fitness Classes From Camp Gladiator
Sustainable Living Showcase
Activities and tips for leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle
Activities include:
- Make Your Own Kombucha
- Easy Steps To Creating a Zero Waste Households
- Energy Efficiency Tips For Your Home
National Parks Experience
Park rangers from all 16 of Texas’ National Parks will be on hand to provide exciting demonstrations and answer questions about their parks. You can even earn a special Earth Day Jr. Ranger badge!
Modern Vehicle Zone
Explore electric and hybrid vehicles of all shapes and sizes in the Modern Vehicle Zone.
World of Biking
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about biking in the city!
Activities include:
- Bike Release – children can enter to win a free refurbished bicycle
- Bicycle Adventure Course
- Electric Bike Demos
- Z-Bikez Electric Moped Giveaway
You can look through the full schedule and list of activities in the World of Biking here.
Tons Of Educational Booths
As always, this year’s Earth Day ATX is chock full of educational and interactive booths from some of Austin’s most eco-friendly nonprofits and businesses.
You can look through the entire list of exhibitors here.
Pre-Ticketed Events
Earth Day ATX has several special guest speakers and film screenings that will be taking place throughout the festival. Admittance is free, but Earth Day ATX suggests that you reserve your tickets ahead of time for the following events:
- Policy Power: Insights On Influence In Local Decision Making
- Climate, Energy, And National Security
- Family Video Showcase With PBS And YouTube Star Joe Hanson
- Fossil Fuels And Communities: Screening And Panel
Getting There
This year’s Earth Day ATX festival will be held on the campus of Huston-Tillotson University in east Austin. Wondering what’s the best way to get there? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this list of tips:
- Ride your bike – the event will plenty of bike racks and bike parking. Austin B-cycle will have a pop-up station at Earth Day ATX and is offering free passes on Earth Day. Just use the code 42118 at any kiosk on April 29th
- Take the train – Capital Metro is increasing the frequency of the MetroRail line on Sunday. Just get off at the Plaza Saltillo station and you can easily walk to the festival.
- Ride the bus – bus routes 4, 21, 22, and 320 stop within walking distance of the campus.
- Rideshare – ridehailing apps will have a designated drop off area on 11 Street in front of campus
- Accessibility – disabled parking is available in the VIP parking lot. To access this parking, come north on Chalmers form 7th street. Take a right into the parking lot before you reach 11th St.
