By: Lindsay Garbacik By: Lindsay Garbacik | April 18, 2022 | Lifestyle, Holiday,
With warmer temperatures and sunnier skies, it’s finally starting to feel like spring in DC. Celebrate the Earth and all she does for us on Earth Day, Friday, April 22. The theme for this year’s holiday is “Invest in our planet,” according to EARTHDAY.org. We’ve rounded up some of DC’s best opportunities to get outside, exercise, learn more about the planet and dine sustainably in honor of Earth Day 2022.
See Also: The Best Parks To Visit In DC
300 Tingey St. SE / Website
Celebrate Earth Day with a 5K race on Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with proceeds benefiting Casey Trees. For every $100 raised, Casey Trees will plant one tree in DC. Refreshments from Yellow Cafe will be served from 9 a.m to 10 a.m., with the race kicking off at 10 a.m. at Pacers Navy Yard. After the race, enjoy a rooftop party at Up Top Acres Farms (55 M St. SE) with tasty selections from Phil’s Finest, Little Sesame and Athletic Brewing Co. Swag for the race includes an Earth Day 5K Nalgene water bottle.
The cost ranges from $5 to $30 depending on age group and the type of ticket purchased.
476 K St. NW Suite D / Website
It’s no secret that bees are dying at an alarming rate. Enjoy the fruits of their labor and donate to their survival at dLeña’s this Earth Day. Try the Viva Abejas menu and enjoy plant-based and bee-centric cuisine, like: honey lavender margarita, avocado panna cotta and a crispy tostada. Proceeds from the special menu will be donated to the Help Save the Bees Foundation. The menu will be served until April 24, so hurry in to try their creations!
Reservations can be made here.
1127 Connecticut Ave. NW / Website
Dust off your suits and silk for a chic evening of climate philanthropy at the stunning Mayflower Hotel on Friday, April 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Industry leaders from tech, conservation, policy, philanthropy, arts and finance fields will gather to discuss and ignite action for climate change at the annual Climate Leadership Gala. Network with important movers and shakers while positioning yourself as a supporter of science and a cleaner future for Earth.
Tickets start at $300 and can be purchased here. There will be valet parking.
2700 F St. NW / Website
Spend the night at The Kennedy Center and explore the riveting and eye-opening Coal + Ice exhibition, along with a host of sustainable activities. Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 22, enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition, a live presentation and creation of a wearable art piece by Cuban costume designer Celia Ledón and listen to a unique soundtrack created for the exhibit by DJ Cuzzin B, starting at 8 p.m.. The event will also host the awarding of the Asia Society Climate Change Poster Design contest prizes. Submissions came from around the world and offer an array of unparalleled world views on climate change.
Tickets can be reserved here.
900 Jefferson Dr. SW / Website
Swing by the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building and enjoy Earth Day activities Friday, April 22 through Sunday, April 24. On Friday, drop in and explore the exhibition from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide for each group. On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a food market, energy-efficient silent disco, biodegradable living art, a solar charging station and a first look at Ford’s new all-electric truck.
Not into leaving the house? No worries! Check out the VR tour of the FUTURES water lab, created in partnership with Oracle, and explore how everyday choices impact the planet’s waterways.
Three days jam packed with sustainable, science-backed and creative exhibits will have you excited about the planet and the innovative ways that the world’s top minds are adapting to an ever-changing world. Browse through the lineup of events here.
The event is free to attend. Pre-registration is required and can be done here.
439 12th St. SE / Website
Join organization [gather] and a group of women committed to loving the planet for an Earth Day pop-up shop on Saturday, April 23 with sustainable activewear brand Outdoor Voices and Greenheart Juice Shop. Guests will get to chat with like-minded women in the community and discuss the planet while cleaning up the streets of Georgetown.
517 H St. NE / Website
Enjoy a menu of upscale dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal and locally grown ingredients. Even the wines and beers are changed out seasonally. For those with food sensitivities, the menu features cuisine options for plant-based, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets.
Reservations can be made here.
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1201 K St. NW / Website
Up your Instagram game while supporting a good cause on Sunday, April 24 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Charismatic Creation X Fairhill Dreams, Inc. sneaker party. Guests are invited to wear their freshest sneakers, get photographed in a 360 degree camera booth, and gather to enjoy craft cocktails and live DJ Ebb King on the rooftop of Wild Days. 20 percent of ticket sales will go toward buying shoes to be donated to deserving members in the community. Enjoy Earth Day by giving back to the community and basking in the sun atop Wild Day’s rooftop garden.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Order online / Website
Plant-based diets are good for you and for the planet, studies show. Give the vegan diet a try (or a taste) and stop in to Sticky Fingers for everything from vegan Boston cream cake, vegan polenta fries, to vegan biscuits and gravy. The shop has a well-labeled menu so it’s also a great spot for those with food allergies.
Pre-orders can be placed here.
3501 New York Ave. NE / Website
Give back to Mother Earth this Earth Day by volunteering at the United States National Arboretum on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Slip into your grubbiest clothes and help to restore the Springhouse Run stream by pulling invasive weeds and vines. Materials will be provided, but bring your own work gloves, water and sun protection. Afterwards, take a stroll around the park and enjoy the spring blooms.
Volunteers must be 16 years old or older. Register for the event here.
Photography by: Roma Kaiuk for Unsplash