Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet

EARTH DAY NAPA | SAT. APRIL 12 | 11AM TO 4PM |  OXBOW COMMONS

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a milestone that reminds us of the progress made in environmental awareness and action, as well as the ongoing importance of continuing to protect our planet for generations to come. Since it began in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, inspiring millions to advocate for cleaner air, water, and a healthier planet.

The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and preserve our ecosystems.  As we celebrate this landmark anniversary, it’s crucial to reflect on the challenges still ahead and think about what we can do as individuals to help safeguard our environment. The Earth Day celebration in Downtown Napa serves as a perfect opportunity to honor this legacy and take meaningful steps toward a greener future—and have a good time in the process!

“At this year’s Earth Day event, we are going to showcase steps that we can all take to work towards the 2030 climate action goals the City of Napa has set,” said Jessica Ardizzone with the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County (EECNC), the group that hosts Napa’s Earth Day celebration. “Education is the foundation of meaningful environmental action. This is an opportunity for the community to come together and learn about renewable energy, supporting local agriculture, watershed health, pollution prevention, conservation, and ways to get involved with stewardship efforts. Organizations will also be sharing local resources and services, helping to strengthen our community by empowering people to make informed choices and feel more supported.”

The Earth Day Napa celebration will take place on Saturday, April 12 from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Oxbow Commons in Downtown Napa. This year’s event promises a full day of family-friendly fun, great food, live music, and dance performances. The Salsa Rosa Orquesta, Divorces, and Raya Nova will be performing in addition to Dance House Napa Valley and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli. Delicious local food, treats, beer, and wine will be available.

Additionally, there will be interactive booths with games, crafts, and activities for all to enjoy. “We want everyone to walk away with tools they can use to support the planet, but we also want them to have a fun and create lasting memories. We’re excited to have such great exhibitors and performers this year, including a new addition to the entertainment lineup—a trash fashion show presented by the Napa County Library,” said Ardizzone. And, as always, admission is free!

The proceeds from the Earth Day event fund the Field Trip Bus Grant program run by EECNC, the event host. EECNC funds field trips for Napa County students to visit sites such as Skyline Park, Connolly Ranch, Carolyn Parr Nature Center, and Bothe-Napa Valley State Park where they can gain an appreciation for, and connection with, the local environment. Proceeds also support the Darcy Aston Environmental Advocacy Scholarship, which is awarded to local students planning to pursue a career in the environmental sciences.   

Ride your bicycle to the Oxbow Commons and take advantage of free bicycle valet parking, provided by the Napa Bicycle Coalition. To keep in the spirit of the day and to help organizers achieve their goal of being a zero-waste event, bring your water bottles and stop by the “Water Bar” filling station.

Want to lend a hand for the Earth before the downtown celebration starts? Take part in the Earth Day Napa Community Cleanup! Throw on some gloves, grab a bucket, and join the Napa County Resource Conservation District at several sites throughout Downtown Napa and beyond to pick up litter from our streets, creeks, and river from 9 to 11:30 AM.

“129 participants, including families, corporate groups, and community groups, removed a grand total of 1,075 pounds of waste from our waterways at the 2024 Clean-up,” said Ashley Kvitek, who has organized the cleanup for the past five years. “People should bring gloves, a bucket, and sturdy footwear that can get dirty. Don’t have a bucket and gloves? We’ve got some to share, as well as a limited number of trash grabbers! There are cleanup locations throughout the City of Napa, so we’re sure we can find a spot for anyone that wants to help out!” Those wishing to help on the water can bring their canoes and kayaks and meet at Kennedy Park. “Litter from our streets gets into our storm drain system, is washed into our local waterways, and eventually can be carried out to the San Francisco Bay and into the ocean. Cleanup events like this prevent litter from moving through the watershed and impacting local wildlife and water quality, so we invite anyone who wants to help to keep the Napa River healthy to participate in the cleanup and then head to the Earth Day celebration to hear the final results from all of the sites, and the most interesting item found!”

Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family to the Earth Day celebration! Let’s come together to honor and protect our planet while enjoying a day of celebration and community spirit! For more information on the event, visit earthdaynapa.com.

A big thank you to our sponsors who make this event possible: Two Friends Foundation, Napa Recycling and Waste Services, BAAQMD’s Spare the Air, The Gasser Foundation, BayREN, evee, Marin Clean Energy, Oxbow Ventures, Redwood Credit Union, Sierra Club Napa, Bartlett Tree Experts, Napa Resource Conservation District, Napa Green, Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine, Napa County Public Works, Upstage Productions, Napa Valley Vintners, City of Napa Public Works & Water Division, Napa Sanitation District, Spottswoode Winery, Democrats of Napa Valley, Bye Bye Mattress Recycling Program, Napa Climate NOW!, Save Napa Valley Foundation, Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District, Bartlett Brewing Co., Napa Palisades, and Tannery Bend Beerworks.

.................................................................................................................................... EARTH DAY NAPA | SAT. APRIL 12 | 11AM TO 4PM |  OXBOW COMMONS

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