The first Earth Day, held in New York on April 22, 1970, drew more than 100,000 people to Union Square, the largest gathering in the United States. Mayor John V. Lindsay went out of his way to show off the city's commitment to the cause, including closing Fifth Avenue for his march and picnic.
Despite skepticism, Earth Day sparked major legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the creation of the EPA, turned on New York City's environmental consciousness, and strengthened the green momentum in the fight against climate change. maintained. Feeling the need to get involved? We've rounded up some ways to celebrate this weekend, including local options.
car free earth day — Broadway from 17th Street to 46th Street
This Saturday, April 20th, DOT will kick off the 2024 Open Streets season with Car Free Earth Day, closing Broadway from Times Square to Union Square from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Citi Bike is offering 30 minutes of free rides on the classic His Citi Bike by using promo code CARFREE 24 in the Day Pass tab of the Citi Bike app.
Hell's Kitchen Free Store Pop-up Event — 645 10th Avenue (bw W45/46th St)
Give, receive, and share at this free pop-up event with Hell's Kitchen Free Store. Do you have any usable items that you no longer use? Additional reusable water bottles? Books? children's toy? Bring it to share with your neighbors. Please note that clothing and other fabrics, as well as large furniture, are not allowed in the Free Store. This event will be held on his Saturday, April 20th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations will be accepted from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Broadway celebrates Earth Day concert — Times Square (Broadway bw W45/46th St)
The Times Square Alliance and Broadway Green Alliance are partnering again to present the third annual Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert on Saturday, April 20th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This star-studded concert features live performances from top Broadway talent and young performers from around the region.
earth day art lab — Pier 57 (17th Street West of 12th Street)
The event, hosted by Here on Earth, will be held on Saturday, April 20 and will include a climate storytime and scavenger hunt, an immersive nature sound piece, a Hudson River Park Discovery Tank and interactive STEM activities. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cleaning up Ritter Legion's Earth Day costume – Southwest corner of W49th St & 10th Ave.
Join us at noon on Sunday, April 21st at Hell's Kitchen Park for the 4th Annual Earth Day Costume Cleanup and Afterparty. Interact with your neighbors and remove trash from the streets. All tools and supplies will be provided.
earth day collage — Chelsea Recreation Center (430 W25th St bw 9/10th Ave)
A day of environmental art exploration will take place in New York City parks on Monday, April 22nd from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Celebrate Earth Day by creating an earth collage from upcycled mixed materials. This is a fun way to get kids involved.
