Every year on April 22, Earth Day is marked by an estimated one billion people in 192 countries. Whether tree plantings, educational events, or fundraisers, participants work to do their part in keeping our world green and clean. So get ready to clean up your act and celebrate Earth Day in Asheville.
Lend a hand
Earth Day Volunteer Clean-up | Saturday, April 19 | 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Asheville YMCA | Free | Pitch in to help with outdoor projects — visit the front desk this week to sign up.
Buncombe County Parks and Rec Earth Day Cleanup | Tuesday, April 22 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lake Julian Park, Arden | Free, RSVP | Give back to your local park by signing up to pick up litter + debris or help with landscaping and planting — volunteers must be 16 and older.
MountainTrue Earth Day River Cleanup | Tuesday, April 22 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Location TBA | Free, RSVP | Help the French Broad Riverkeeper pick up trash and debris along Asheville’s riparian areas — wear closed-toe shoes, long pants + shirts, and waders if you have them.
Bonus: MountainTrue is also hosting a weekend cleanup and plastic audit if you can’t make it on Tuesday.
2025 Explore Asheville Travel & Hospitality Earth Day Cleanup | Tuesday, April 22 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Various Locations | Free, RSVP | Hosted by Explore Asheville, Asheville GreenWorks, RiverLink, and MountainTrue the cleanup will take place throughout the city — check in at your venue for supplies, clean your neighborhood for an hour, then head back for some socializing.
Eco education
Hendo Earth Fest | Saturday, April 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | South Main Street, Hendersonville | Free | Local and regional environmental allies will host hands-on activities and demonstrations to educate and inspire.
Earth Day Screening of “Plastic People” | Tuesday, April 22 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | After watching the film about the world’s reliance on plastic, craft seed bombs using the seeds of native, pollinator-friendly plants.
Birds of Asheville | Tuesday, April 22 | 6-8 p.m. | East Asheville Public Library | Free | The Blue Ridge Audubon Society will share pictures and songs of more than two dozen regional birds.
Party for a cause
Earth Day Comedy | Thursday, April 17 | 7-9 p.m. | DSSOLVR | $19 | Commemorate Mother Nature by attending the outdoor show — plus, you’ll get a free packet of flower seeds to bring some color back to WNC.
RAD Brewing Earth Day Market | Saturday, April 19 | 12-5 p.m. | RAD Brewing Co. | Free | Shop upcycled and sustainable goods from local makers and let the kiddos craft pollinator seed bombs.
The Whale Earth Day Market | Saturday, April 19 | 1-4 p.m. | The Whale West Asheville | Free | The beer bar is working with Food Connection to host sustainable vendors, live music, and crafts that encourage the three R’s.
Extend the celebration
Earth Day is just the beginning — surrounding the holiday is National Parks Week, a chance to discover programs, explore the great outdoors, and celebrate everything parks. The week kicks off on Saturday, April 19 with waived entrance fees and continues through Sunday, April 27 with a variety of special events.
Closer to home, find more opportunities to go green all year long, like following recipes from WNC Food Waste Solutions, participating in Asheville GreenWorks’ Reforest Asheville Initiative, or helping Bountiful Cities clean up our local gardens and edible park. Or if you’re simply looking to enjoy your natural surroundings, hike on a local trail, or plan a birding adventure.
