The University of Wisconsin-Madison will host its second annual Earth Fest from April 21 to 29, a celebration of the planet over the week of Earth Day prioritizing environmental education, sustainability practices and climate justice.
Organized jointly by UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Office of Sustainability, this year’s Earth Fest includes over 50 events including lectures, performances, cleanups, workshops and art exhibitions.
“Earth Fest showcases the incredible richness of this field,” Missy Nergard, UW-Madison’s Director of Institutional Sustainability, said in a press release. “It’s so important to make space for all the ways in which sustainability is woven into the lives, work, and passions of people on this campus.”
New to this year’s event is a series of “headliners” who will promote the advancement of environmental science and encourage student engagement.
Among the headlining events is a “Climate Courage” forum, which will touch on the psychology of environmental resilience and stories of climate courage — the practice of not backing down from combating climate change.
Other events include an “Ecopoetry Writing Workshop,” a day-long conference about cannabis, the Wisconsin Union’s Sustainability Fair and an “Earth Day” Lunch. Allen Centennial Garden will host a “Plant Give Away, Swap, and Plant Pot Swap,” where visitors can bring plants that need a new pot and trade pots and plants with others.
Also featured are artistic showcases like the Earth Signals Concert, which blends climate science and music, and the screening of “Planetwalker,” a documentary about ecological activism that was shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars.
Organizations like the Hoofer Outing Club, The People’s Farm and the Ethical and Responsible Business Network are among the many student-led groups organizing events during Earth Fest.
The first Earth Day celebration was held in 1970 by Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, the Nelson Institute’s namesake, who organized a teach-in across America, drawing participation from approximately 20 million Americans across the United States.
Earth Fest looks to honor Nelson’s memory and represent UW-Madison’s dedication to climate research and clean energy initiatives, said Paul Robbins, dean of the Nelson Institute.
“There couldn't be a more critical time to gather people…to learn together about environmental questions and opportunities,” Robbins said. “The work continues, and this year may be our biggest.”
Most Earth Fest events are free and open to the public, taking place across campus locations like the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Chazen Museum of Art and the UW Arboretum. A full schedule of Earth Fest events is listed on their website.
