The first Earth Day was conceived by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin as an environmental teach-in. On April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million people participated in rallies and protests.

With grass roots activism increasing over the years, Earth Day has since gone global. And for many organizers now, it feels more important than ever to call attention to environmental issues.

“One wants to be hopeful today about a brighter future,” said Tia Nelson, the senator’s daughter and the managing director of the Outrider Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group. “I take such inspiration and comfort knowing my father had so many setbacks and defeats. After all, Earth Day was more successful than his wildest dreams.”

Whether you’re a committed activist, or looking for new ways to get involved and celebrate Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary, there is an Earth Day event for you, including cleanups, rallies and yes, teach-ins. Here are three big-ticket events perhaps worth traveling for, while other events nationwide can be found on the EarthDay.org website. Some events are being cancelled because of coronavirus, so make sure to check the status before you go.