Mark your calendars for Pittsburgh’s citywide Earth Day celebration
This year’s unprecedented citywide Earth Day celebration demonstrates that Pittsburgh’s transition from steel to sustainable is in full swing. And with plenty of events designed just for kids, families can join in the festivities, too. “We wanted to reach everyone, but we really thought about the smallest Pittsburghers,” says Gina Vensel event manager. “They’re going to be the scientists, the developers and the decision makers someday so we want to encourage sustainable thinking and living from the very start.”
Here’s a peek at what will be happening on April 22nd.
Pittsburgh Earth Day is hosting family-friendly fun in two prime locations: Schenley Plaza and Mellon Square Park.
Schenley Plaza
Schenley Plaza will hold the “Mother Earth’s Kids Corner” with children’s activities from 11-2 p.m. While families can participate in “green” crafting projects throughout the day, there are also several special events including Yoga for Tots hosted by the Pittsburgh Yoga Collective at 11 a.m. and the renowned Josh and Gab Show‘s special Earth Day performance Don’t Bully Mother Earth at noon. If you’re looking for Earth Day-themed learning, kids can pile into a Port Authority biodiesel bus for story time at the top of every hour. Want to teach your kids about reuse? The Goodwill of Southwestern PA will be collecting donations of used clothing. Or if you’re looking to shop, the Eco-Art Fair will feature local artists and makers committed to producing sustainable wares.
The fun in Schenley Plaza will transition into a pop-up dance party later in the afternoon where a surprise guest DJ will take the stage at precisely 4:22 p.m.
Mellon Square Park
With activities centered around food and healthy living—plus free live music all day—Mellon Square Park will be filled with energy (wind energy, to be exact!).
A food truck roundup will surround the park during lunchtime featuring fare from the Pittsburgh Taco Truck, Franktuary, Randita’s Organic Vegan Café and more. And don’t worry about finding the food. Just look for the 20-foot wind turbine from local energy producer WindStax. The turbine will be powering the food trucks with 100% wind energy.
Mellon Square Park will also host vendors all day including a popup organic market from Giant Eagle Market District, a real beehive (safely behind glass, of course) and samples of holistic and organic products for the whole family. All the fun will be set against a backdrop of live music culminating with a free performance by Pittsburgh’s own Chris Jamison, a finalist on season seven of NBC’s The Voice, from 6-7 p.m.
Nearby, Market Square will host the EverPower Earth Day with hands-on activities for kids, group yoga and entertainment.
In a true celebration of our planet, Pittsburgh Earth Day festivities will go on rain or shine. For a compete list of events, visit here. Also, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will be hosting a 3-day Earth Day celebration on April 17-19. Click here for more information.
