Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, inspire kids to care for the planet, and enjoy time together as a family. And there are many Earth Day events in Charlottesville to include in your celebration. From attending eco-festivals to planting your first family garden, we’ve rounded up our favorites.
Earth Day this year is Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Whether you’re looking for hands-on projects at home or events around town, we’ve gathered some great ideas to help your family make the most of Earth Day in Charlottesville.
At a Glance
- Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Earth Day events in Charlottesville can be found the weekends before and after.
- Local Earth Day festivals are happening at Bellair Farm, the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, and Hillside School.
- View the Lyrid meteor shower and spring constellations with Greene County Parks & Recreation.
- Library programs include film screenings, STEM learning, and recycled papermaking.
- Try Earth Day activities at home with the family like planting wildflowers, starting a compost bin, or going on a nature walk.
Local Earth Day Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia 2026
Charlottesville Earth Day events and celebrations are fun for all ages! Enjoy the fresh air, celebrate with your community, and learn a thing or two with the whole family.
Earth Day at Bellair Farm
Join the Bellair Farm community to celebrate Earth Day. Planet-friendly activities including a road clean-up, plant walk/farm tour, garden supply and seed swap, clothing swap, “reusables” collection station, farm-to-table food, and more. Food trucks will be present and the farm store will be open!
Location: 5290 Bellair Farm, Charlottesville, VA
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Spring Festival at Botanical Garden of the Piedmont
Celebrate the season with an outdoor Spring Festival! Activities and events for families include interactive demonstrations, kids’ activities, live music, and local food vendors. Environmental organizations from the community with be present to talk about stewardship and volunteer opportunities.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, McIntire Park
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day with the Art Guild of Greene
Visit the Greene County Historical Society to celebrate the earth through creative expression. Enjoy hands-on art activities inspired by nature and connect with local artists.
Location: 360 Main St., Stanardsville, VA
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Earth Day Fair & Raffle at Hillside School
Stop by the Earth Day Fair for activities that the whole family will love! You’ll find face painting, paper making, treats, drinks, and more. Anyone can enter the raffle to prizes from a variety of local businesses and organizations.
Location: 600 McIntire Rd. Charlottesville, VA
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Greene Dark Skies Lyrid Meteor Shower Viewing
Enjoy an evening under the stars hosted by Greene County Parks & Recreation. See the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower, learn to identify spring constellations, and discover more about the impacts of light pollution. Registration required; participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, flashlight, and personal telescope or binoculars.
Location: 512 Jeri Allen Way, Ruckersville, VA
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
L.E.A.P. Into Spring
Parents and kids ages 8-12 can enjoy hands-on STEM learning with the Local Energy Alliance Program. Discover ways to protect the planet by saving energy at home.
Location: Gordon Ave. Library, Charlottesville, VA
Date: Monday, April 20, 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
“The Little Things That Run the World” Film Screening
Enjoy a special Earth Day movie all about bugs that’s perfect for the whole family! Learn about the importance of flying insects from scientists, farmers, gardeners, and nature lovers in this award-winning film.
Location: Scottsville Public Library, Scottsville, VA
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Recycled Papermaking Workshop
For crafty teens who love the environment! Learn to make handmade, eco-friendly paper from scratch using recycled and 3D-printed materials.
Location: Central Library, Charlottesville, VA
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Volunteer Day with Scottsville Center for Arts & Nature
Looking for a good volunteer opportunity that you can do with teens or tweens? Joing the Scottsville Center for Arts & Nature for a morning of invasive plant removal and preparing the area for a future playscape. Tools and snacks will be provided.
Location: 455 Hardware Street Scottsville, VA
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Easy Earth Day Activities to Do at Home with Kids
Want to keep celebrating and learning? There are plenty of activities and crafts you can do at home with kids to enjoy and care for the outdoors.
Create Wildflower Seed Bombs
Celebrate Earth Day by creating wildflower seed bombs with your children. This fun activity promotes local pollinators and adds beauty to your garden. Find instructions here.
Participate in the Earth Day, Every Day Cleanup
Join a global initiative to clean up your local environment. Organize a family walk to pick up litter in your neighborhood or nearby parks. Or find an Earth Day cleanup event near you.
Explore Nature Trails
Take your family on a nature walk or hike to appreciate the beauty of the local environment. Discuss the importance of conservation and how to protect natural habitats. Find our favorite local parks or explore the best kid-friendly hikes near Charlottesville.
Start a Compost Bin
Teach your children about reducing waste by starting a compost bin at home. Composting helps reduce landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Learn more about ways to compost in Charlottesville, including public drop-off sites and backyard composting.
Build a Rain Barrel
Conserve water by collecting rainwater for use in your garden. Building a rain barrel is a simple project that can have a significant environmental impact. Learn more about how to build a rain barrel.
Make Every Day Earth Day in Charlottesville
These local events and activities help your family celebrate Earth Day 2026 in meaningful ways that foster a deeper connection to the environment and your community. For more ideas on outdoor family fun, eco-conscious living, and local events year-round, explore CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine.
Find fresh inspiration with CharlottesvilleFamily! Discover seasonal gardening and home décor tips and explore healthy resources for Cville kids and parents. Discover annual festivals and plan your next family fun day trip this spring!
Keep the ideas coming: subscribe to our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag for weekly and monthly updates. And remember to support the great local partners who strengthen our community.
CharlottesvilleFamily Editors are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.