Earth Day is opportunity for education, reflection, celebration

Participate in these Earth Day 2017 events

Earth Day, established in 1970, is celebrated on April 22. The date is an opportunity for education, reflection and celebration.

Some use the day to muse on environmental issues; others take time to enjoy nature. 

This Earth Day (and the days leading up to the holiday), participate in film screenings, outdoor festivals and more activities. Use the guide below to make plans.

Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival

Over Earth Day weekend, catch an environmental-themed film at the Prince Theater. The lineup includes James Cameron's "Avatar," "Before the Flood" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, a documentary on the impact of mining in northeastern Pennsylvania ("King in the Mountain") and many more thought-provoking picks.

Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 23
$5-$11 per person
Prince Theater
1412 Chestnut St.


History Hunt, Family Hike and Journal Making

Laurel Hill Cemetery will host a special event on Earth Day. Designed for families with children age 7 or older, the event features a scavenger hunt through the grounds.

Participants will create personalized journals filled with clues, riddles and maps to follow, before heading outside on the guided tour.

With so much to keep kids busy, it won't even feel like a hike.

Saturday, April 22
1-3 p.m. | $5 per person
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave.


Earth Day Party

Head to City Tap House University City for a party on Earth Day. The two outdoor terraces will be open to people and pets.

There will be live music, games and an opportunity to donate to Tree Philly, a Philadelphia Parks & Recreation program dedicated to making Philadelphia the City of Arborly Love, and Clean Water Action, a nonprofit organization working for clean, safe and affordable water.

Proceeds from every Yards pint sold will go to the organizations.

Saturday, April 22
5-9 p.m. | Pay-as-you-go
City Tap House University City
3925 Walnut St.


Art is Life Festival

Roxborough will host a street festival on Earth Day. There will be three main stages showcasing culinary, performing and visual arts as well as dozens of pop-up shops.

The festival is a celebration of art in everyday life, so attendees may want to think about how nature inspires creativity.

Saturday, April 22
Noon to 6 p.m. | Pay-as-you-go
6111 Ridge Ave.


Pop-Up Happy Hour for The GREEN Program

After Philadelphia's March for Science on Earth Day, there will be a pop-up happy hour for The GREEN Program at La Peg. Marchers and non-marchers are invited to have a drink and talk science.

There will be a special bar menu for attendees.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The GREEN Program's STEM & Sustainability Education scholarship fund, which helps diverse and underserved students access global learning experiences.

Saturday, April 22
La Peg
140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.


Point Breeze Day of Service

Travis Mansion Foundation will host a day of service in Point Breeze on April 22.

Volunteers are invited to help clean up parks and playgrounds in the neighborhood. Besides helping the environment, the event also honors a local hero.

Saturday, April 22
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free
Chew Recreation Center
1834 Ellsworth St.


Flower Power Happy Hour

Chestnut Hill is celebrating 20 years as "Philadelphia's Garden District" with a special happy hour event. On April 20, the 21-plus crowd can indulge in floral cocktails and dishes.

Flowers have a lot to offer in terms of taste and beauty.

Attendees will also get a sneak peek of the new Chestnut Hill beer garden, opening later this spring.

Thursday, April 20
6-8 p.m. | Pay-as-you-go
16 E. Highland Ave., Chestnut Hill


"Seasons" Screening

The Bryn Mawr Film Institute will screen the French film "Seasons" a few days before Earth Day. The documentary takes place in the lush forests of Europe and shows footage of animals in the wild.

Wednesday, April 19
7 p.m. | $6.50-$12.50 per person
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
824 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA


SRT Spree Party

Once again, Sly Fox Brewing Co. and the Schuylkill River Heritage Area have teamed up for the SRT Spree.

The event celebrates two things: the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) as a valuable recreational resource and the release of Sly Fox's seasonal SRT Ale.

All are encouraged to use the trail to get to the Earth Day party.

Saturday, April 22
St. Michael's Park in Mont Clare, PA

Philadelphia Science Festival

The Philadelphia Science Festival will begin on April 21. Science in the Park Day gets families outdoors, while Be a Scientist Day offers opportunities to study environmental science. Many of the events are free to attend.

Friday, April 21 through Saturday, April 29
Various locations


World Tai Chi Day

Join Master Jingshan Tang and his students from the Oriental Fitness Institute in celebration of World Tai Chi Day and Earth Day. 

The event is part of Dilworth Park's Spring Training series, which invites Philadelphians to participate in free fitness events at the park.

There will be multiple tai chi workouts through the day, so find a time to get outside on Earth Day.

Saturday, April 22
Free
Dilworth Park
1 S. 15th St.