× Expand courtesy of earthday365

In its 30th year, the St. Louis Earth Day Festival, organized by earthday365, is one of the most green (and free) ways to celebrate Earth Day in the city. Learn about how to be more environmentally responsible while enjoying performances, live music, and food provided by local restaurants. Jen Myerscough, executive director of earthday365, gives insider tips and tells us more about the festival.

Myerscough notes that every year has something new to offer guests, though there will be a few exciting additions this year to celebrate the fest's 30th anniversary. “Urban Chestnut is brewing a special beer to commemorate. We have some extra things happening at the festival, but every year we do something different and new,” she says. “I think the thing about the 30th anniversary is that it's a point of pride for the city, and for the people who live here, that our city has been on the forefront of addressing environmental issues.”

Date, time, and location

April 22 is the official Earth Day, but the St. Louis Earth Day Festival will be held the weekend after, on April 27 and 28. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, join in the festivities at Forest Park on the Muny grounds. St. Louis Earth Day Festival is free, but donations are always appreciated. Donation boxes will be located near the entrances.

Music and performances

With two stages for entertainment, more than 220 exhibitors, and live performances on multiple stages, it's not a question of “What is there to do?” but rather “Where to begin?”

Along with the many activities, including free yoga and tree planting, there will be a section of the area where visitors can slow down to relax, meditate, and reflect. The Peace Garden is the place to go for the ceremonies, meditations, and performances meant to reconnect guests with themselves and nature.

At the Earth Day Stage, also known as the Earth Day Cafe, catch performances by artists like Tonina, Silvi, Arshad Goods, Devon Cahill, HEAL Center for the Arts, and Sorry, Scout. There's a new performer every hour, each bringing their own style from jazz to rock and indie.

The Community Stage will host performances from IGNITE Theater Company, Gateway Science Academy Choir, Pazazz Performers, and more. There will also be bird demonstrations with World Bird Sanctuary.

× Expand courtesy of earthday365 World Bird Sanctuary

Food and drink

More than 20 food and drink vendors, including Mission Taco, Salt + Smoke, and The Croquetterie, will be serving food. "Everyone is going to have a vegetarian and/or vegan option at their booth. Everyone will have something, so there's a lot of options," Myerscough says. "You can find something no matter what your diet is at just about any of them." Beverages will include cocktails, beers, kombucha, and juices.

Every food vendor is GDA (Green Dining Alliance) certified, which means that they are a restaurant that works hard to operate their business sustainably and responsibly.

Where to park

In order to help avoid the headache of trying to find parking in Forest Park on a festival day, earthday365 will provide remote parking at St. Louis Community College–Forest Park, where shuttle buses will take guests to and from the festival. With three buses, the wait should be less than 15 minutes between shuttle pick-ups.

Take the challenge

Myerscough encourages visitors to take the Earth Day Challenge. "That is to use alternate transportation or carpool, to bring their own bag and water bottle, [because you will not be able to buy a plastic water bottle at the festival], and then to try a plant-based meal if you if you don't already eat vegetarian. Anybody who does that can come up to the booth and self-report and get a prize."

"The whole premise for our organization, for our programs, and even for the festival: to meet people where they are. We just want to help people learn wherever they're coming from," says Myerscough of the festival and earthday365.