Warmer weather and flower blossoms are welcoming spring time in Des Moines. And what better way to celebrate the great outdoors than Earth Day! Earth Day is officially Tuesday, April 22, but keep scrolling to see how you can celebrate all weekend long.
Written by Giovanna Zavell, DSMG Contributor
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Earth Day Trash Bash
- April 19-26
- Multiple cities across the metro
Every day is Earth Day and this year, the annual Trash Bash is taking place the whole week of Earth Day. There are many opportunities for groups or individuals to get out and help clean up their communities. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while doing something good for the earth. The week begins with a kick-off event at Confluence Brewing and Gray’s Lake Park. Register for a trash bash event near you! There are even social media awards!
Saturday, April 19
FREE Admission Day at The Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
- Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- 909 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines, 50309
Celebrate the connection between water and plants at the Botanical Gardens this Earth Day weekend. Along with free admission, there will be a number of family-friendly activities and community partners on site.
Earth Day Shop Hop-Highland Park
- Saturday, April 19
- Highland Park Neighborhood
It’s back for the third year! Celebrate earth day by visiting your favorite small businesses in Highland park. Grab a passport at any shop, receive a stamp at each participating business and return your completed passport by 4p.m. on Saturday to be entered to win a selection goodies from your favorite Highland Park small businesses. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bag.
Sunday, April 20
Crème’s Earth Day Pop Up
- Sunday, April 20, 2-6 p.m.
- 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
Crème is closing down the street in front of it’s bakery for this enormous Earth Day pop-up with Siricasso, Golden Eye Curations, Bud & Marys, and Kind Kulture. Expect your favorite treats from the bakery as well as vintage clothing, hemp-infused drinks, and giveaways.
Tuesday, April 22: Earth Day!
The Varsity Theater Earth Day Screening
Photo Courtesy of Varsity Theater
- Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m.
- The Varsity Theater, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, Iowa
Celebrate Earth Day with a community screening of “The Jungle” a new documentary exposing the industry fueling Iowa’s water crisis: factory farms. This event is partnered with Food & Water Watch, an organization fighting for sustainable food, clean water, and a livable climate for all of us. Get your tickets today!
Saturday, April 26
- Saturday, April 26, 12-3p.m.
- Colby Park, 6900 School St, Windsor Heights, 50324
Start your morning with a stream clean up then grab the whole family and head to Colby Park to learn about and appreciate nature. There will be crafts and an opportunity to meet a real live raptor.
Sunday, April 27
Earth Day at The Brenton Arboretum
- Sunday, April 21, 12-3p.m.
- Brenton Arboretum, 25141 260th St, Dallas Center, 50063
Enjoy 141 acres of trees and greens while taking part in a number of family friendly activities. There are lots of craft activities to take part in, learn about animals, face painting and Baan Vaan Ice Cream for purchase to enjoy. Erin Huiatt with Des Moines Parent will also be there with 100 Things to Do Before you Die In Des Moines Bingo.
Do something for the Earth all year…
NEW: Local Full Service Compost Collection
Sweet Tooth Farm is bringing a full service compost collection to Des Moines! In an effort to help reduce waste, this multi-tiered service gives you everything you need to start collecting your table scraps. Subscriptions begin May 1, but if you sign up before Earth Day, you will receive 10% off your purchase at The Collective, all you have to do is show your receipt when you’re in the shop!
