Saturday is inching closer, and I know what you’re all thinking: It’s mother-loving EARTH DAY, my friends! (And yes, it also happens to be Homecoming, for those of you still proudly waving that school spirit. I salute you.)
Earth Day is one of those lovely American holidays with all of the excuses to party but none of the bullshit expenses. No one expects you to buy presents, put up with relatives, eat a gross amount of chocolate or put effort into a costume.
Instead, Earth Day remains a pure, undemanding celebration of our lovely planet. Go as hard or be as chill as you’d like. The only requirement? Do your part not to kill our host.
In light of this very exciting, often-underrated holiday, here are this year’s hottest Earth Day events to help you plan one epic cele-birthday for Mother Nature.
Thursday evening, get a double-header hit of some awesome environmental films. At 5 p.m. drop by Mason Auditorium to see Cowspiracy and sample some delish vegan dishes.
Then, at 7 p.m., head out to the freshman quad (or Remsen if the rain is being a jerk), and enjoy How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things the Climate Can’t Change, brought to you under the stars by JHOC and OMA.
Friday afternoon you’ll find the ever-popular DIY Terrarium Workshop event on the Beach from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Arrive early, as this HOP event frequently runs of out succulents. At 8 p.m. on Friday, start your night off with an environmentally conscious jam at WJHU’s Fair Trade Coffeehouse and Open Mic at Bamboo Café.
This brings us to the big day itself. Saturday is sure to be bustling with Homecoming spirit, but don’t forget the real meanin’ of the season!
There’s a myriad of events occurring all over Baltimore city, but perhaps the most newsworthy in the Mid-Atlantic will be the March for Science in Washington, D.C., beginning at 8 a.m. You can join some of the smartest people in the nation and show your support for science and the planet.
You’ll need an early MARC train, so be sure to check the timetables in advance, as they run less often on the weekends.
Like March for Science on Facebook for all the deets, and if you see Bill Nye, please give him my love. The National Zoo in D.C. will be hosting an Earth Optimism day, with a scavenger hunt and other scintillating and oh-so-green enviro-events.
More new experiences await for those brave enough to venture out to Columbia: The Merriweather Post Pavilion will be hosting an Earth Day Drum Circle from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets are just $20 for a day full of unifying drumming and collectively great vibes. Artists will span from fusion jazz to community drumming, R&B and Bluegrass. BYO drum, or rent one at the event. You’ll likely have to find a friend with a car to get there, but it will definitely be worth it.
Back in Baltimore, you’ll find special Earth Day events at the National Aquarium from 9 a.m. to close.
Land more your style? Check out Earth Day Litterbugs at the Carrie Murray Nature Center in Leakin Park, just a short bike ride or grab a Lyft from campus. Take a hike, clean up litter from the trail and stream and then use it to make repurposed art. The event is free and runs from 9 a.m. to noon.
For those 21+, cap the night off with the hottest ticket in town: Mr. Trash Wheel’s Lost Python Ale launch party, a brilliant collaboration between Peabody Heights Brewery and Healthy Harbor.
Though the $35 entry fee may feel a bit steep, it becomes more than worth it when you take advantage of the all you can drink beer between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The event will feature live music and even more lively attendees.
Better yet? The incredible commemorative pint glass, featuring Mr. Trash Wheel himself. Save $5 by buying a ticket in advance: more details available on their Facebook page.
So don’t forget to celebrate the Earth in style this weekend, both on campus and off.
