Where to participate in Earth Month across San Diego
Throughout April, there are ways to support a healthier planet by attending hands-on workshops, lectures and festivals.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have selected, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
Earth Month is in full swing across San Diego, with festivals, workshops, volunteer opportunities and community gatherings inviting residents to celebrate — and protect — the planet. From hands-on environmental education to dance parties and large-scale festivals in local parks, this year’s lineup blends climate action with creativity, connection and joy.
Here’s a look at some of the events happening around the county.
Know an event we missed? Email lauren@daylightsandiego.org.
April 18
Earth Day at Campo: The Campo Environmental Protection Agency and Manzanita Environmental Protection Agency are hosting an Earth Day celebration with community resources and activities focused on environmental stewardship. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Campo Tribal Hall, 36190 Church Road, Campo, CA 91906
South Bay Earth Day: Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego are hosting a free Earth Day celebration with more than 50 green vendors, live entertainment, a fix-it clinic, tie-dye workshop, food trucks and activities for kids. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Chula Vista Bayfront Park, 980 Marina Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910
La Mesa Clothing Swap: I Love A Clean San Diego is hosting a free clothing and accessories swap as part of the city of La Mesa’s Earth Day celebration. Attendees can bring a bag of gently used items or simply browse and take what they need — no donation required. The event is designed to reduce textile waste while helping community members refresh their wardrobes in a sustainable, low-cost way. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Mesa Community Garden at MacArthur Park, La Mesa, CA 91942
La Mesa Earth Day Fair: The city of La Mesa is hosting a free Earth Day fair focused on sustainability with eco-friendly vendors, a kids zone, food trucks, activities and educational resources for all ages. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942
Tree Planting at Live Oak County Park: San Diego County Parks and Recreation is hosting a family-friendly tree planting event where participants can learn proper planting techniques and help add new trees to the park. 10 a.m. - noon, Live Oak County Park, 2746 Reche Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Community Garden Party & Plant Sale: The San Diego River Park Foundation is celebrating Earth Day with a morning of garden-themed activities, including a native plant sale, hands-on crafts, educational talks and a “build your own garden” workshop. The free, family-friendly event also features refreshments and opportunities to connect with local growers and pollinator experts. 8 a.m. - noon, Grant Park, 2310 Camino Del Rio N., San Diego, CA
Arbor Day Celebration: Vista and West Coast Arborists are hosting an Arbor Day celebration featuring a proclamation, tree planting demonstration and a free sapling giveaway while supplies last. Attendees can also learn about urban forestry and get resources for planting trees at home. 9 - 10 a.m., Bocce Ball Courts at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084
Rainwater harvesting workshop: Learn how to capture and reuse rainwater at this hands-on workshop hosted by San Diego County’s Waterscape Rebate Program. Participants will walk through how rain barrels work, how to install them and how they can help lower water use at home — plus eligible attendees can receive a free rain barrel while supplies last. Register online. 10 a.m. - noon, Spring Valley Community Church, 3310 Bancroft Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Earth Day Festival: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is hosting a free, family-friendly celebration with vendor booths, a plant sale, garden advice, raffle prizes and activities focused on sustainability and community connection. Food will be available for purchase. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084
Azalea Park Beautification: Volunteers are invited to help paint, plant trees and take part in a community clean-up at Azalea Park. The effort is part of a broader push to revitalize neighborhood green spaces and create safer, more welcoming environments for residents. All materials will be provided. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Azalea Park, 2596 Violet St., San Diego, CA 92105
Park Drop-In: TransFamily Support Services is inviting youth and families to an Earth Day-themed park gathering with art, outdoor activities and discussion focused on environmental care and community connection. Middle and high school-aged teens, families and friends are welcome. Bring blankets and chairs; snacks and refreshments will be available. RSVP online. 10 a.m. - noon, Location provided upon RSVP
Open Gardens, Plant Sale & Kitchenistas Market: Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center is hosting its monthly open garden day with house tours, a plant sale led by high school interns and a market featuring prepared foods and artisan goods. Coffee and pastries will be available starting at 9 a.m., and tours begin every 30 minutes starting at 10:15 a.m. No registration required. 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center, 2525 N Ave., National City, CA 91950
Earth Day Extravaganza at Chollas Creek: The Urban Collaborative Project and Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek are hosting a youth-led Earth Day celebration focused on community stewardship. The event will include tree planting, litter cleanup, invasive plant removal, rock painting, an art showcase, community resource booths and live music. Free coffee will be available, and activities are open to all ages. RSVP online. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Chollas Creekside Park, Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
April 19
San Dieguito’s Spring Festival: San Diego County Parks and Recreation is hosting a free, zero-waste family festival with eco crafts, live animals, nature education and a bounce house. Parking is $5. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014
April 21
The Future of Landscape Water Use: The Vista Chamber of Commerce is hosting an informational lunch and learn on California’s transition away from ornamental lawns under Assembly Bill 1572, covering new regulations, compliance timelines and strategies for water-efficient landscaping. Noon - 1 p.m., The Film Hub, 170 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista, CA 92084
Spring Fest: San Diego Miramar College is hosting a Spring Fest in honor of Earth Day with Kona Ice and a game truck. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Compass Point, 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126
April 22
UC San Diego 2026 Earth Day Festival: University of California San Diego is hosting its annual Earth Day Festival featuring environmental activities, climate talks, guided yoga, a clothing swap and giveaways. The first 1,000 attendees will receive free vegan meals. Volunteers can sign up online. Noon - 4 p.m., Sun God Lawn, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, San Diego, CA 9216
April 23
Burke Lectureship with Bill McKibben: UC San Diego is hosting a public lecture with author and environmentalist Bill McKibben on climate, faith and civic responsibility. 6 - 8 p.m., The Jeannie Hall at UC San Diego, 9615 Scholars Drive N., La Jolla, CA 92093
April 24
Climate Dance Party: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is hosting a climate-themed dance party celebrating ocean science and climate solutions with author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Guests can explore the aquarium after hours, connect with local climate organizations and dance to DJs for Climate Action. The first 300 attendees will receive a copy of Johnson’s book, “What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures.” Tickets range from $15.95 to $39.95 depending on age and affiliation. 6 - 9 p.m., Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
April 25
San Diego EarthFest: Viridian Productions is hosting a free Earth Day celebration in Balboa Park featuring more than 100 sustainable food, craft and service vendors, along with environmental and conservation groups. The event includes live music, speakers, panel discussions, yoga and wellness classes, and activities for kids. The family- and dog-friendly event is zero-waste, with a portion of proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Presidents Lawn, Balboa Park, Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Oceanside Earth Day: Green Oceanside is hosting a family-friendly Earth Day celebration alongside Día del Niño, featuring games, eco-friendly activities, sustainable giveaways and a neighborhood cleanup. Attendees can also visit an onsite water trailer for refreshments served in reusable cups. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Joe Balderrama Park, 709 San Diego St., Oceanside, CA 92058
Community Park Cleanup: Diamond BID and the Institute for Public Strategies are hosting a community cleanup around Lincoln Park, inviting residents to help beautify the neighborhood and connect with neighbors. Gloves, bags and refreshments will be provided. Register online. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 110 S. Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Marine Science Day: Explore the ocean up close at SDSU’s family-friendly Marine Science Day. The event features touch tanks, scuba demonstrations, research talks, arts and crafts, food trucks and local vendors — along with opportunities to learn directly from scientists and students. Admission is free and open to all ages. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., SDSU Coastal and Marine Institute, 4165 Spruance Rd., San Diego, CA 92101
