FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: Kelly Lu, earthday365
kelly@earthday-365.org, 314-282-7533

2026 St. Louis Earth Day Festival Bans Plastic Use

St. Louis, MO (February 23, 2026) – Drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year, the St. Louis Earth Day Festival returns to the Muny Grounds in Forest Park on April 25–26, 2026, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Organized by local nonprofit earthday365, this free Festival highlights environmental solutions and sustainability through educational activities, live entertainment, hands-on programming, and participation from hundreds of local organizations and businesses, all centered on the 2026 theme: Planet vs. Plastic.

“We have always worked to reduce disposable plastic at the Festival, but this year, attendees can experience a space truly devoted to Zero Waste Principles while learning about the environmental and health effects of plastics,” says Dr. Jess Watson, Executive Director of earthday365. “It feels overwhelming, but we can take action, individually and collectively.”

The St. Louis Earth Day Festival, which is the largest Earth Day celebration in the Midwest, connects attendees with 200 local businesses, organizations, and artists, all offering sustainable products, hands-on activities, and educational resources.

The Festival’s Main Stage will once again spotlight regional leadership and creativity, featuring live music, performances, and special programming throughout the weekend. Highlights include earthday365’s annual Sustainability Awards, honoring individuals and organizations advancing environmental impact across the St. Louis region, and performances from Emmy award winning artist, Bobby Norfolk.

Returning favorites like the Sustainable Fashion Show by Liberated Roots Co’Creations will showcase innovative approaches to circular fashion and waste reduction, while the Community Stage will offer engaging, family-friendly programming including wild bird shows from World Bird Sanctuary, a recycling mermaid storytime from Amara Arts, performances for kids by the Boogie Band, and more.

Hands-on experiences will include a kids’ balance bike course with St. Louis BWorks, a climbing wall with Upper Limits, roller skating with Skate Culture STL, and an interactive display of eerily beautiful geodesic domes crafted from recycled plastic materials by artist Adrienne Outlaw, among many other opportunities to connect directly with organizations and individuals working towards a healthier city and planet.

Festival goers can also explore the Earth Day Café, featuring many local Green Dining Alliance certified businesses as well as an All Vegan Zone full of delicious plant-based eateries.

earthday365’s Climate Education tent will invite attendees to learn more about the root causes of climate change and environmental injustice, with interactive exhibits focused on sustainable solutions, public policy, and everyday actions that make a difference. Attendees can take the Climate Pledge, capture their memories at the DIY photo booth, and discover meaningful ways to stay involved year-round.

Festival attendees are also encouraged to take part in the Plastic-Free Scavenger Hunt and Earth Day Challenge by making their visit as sustainable as possible. Simple steps like taking public transit, biking or walking, bringing reusable water bottles and bags, choosing plant-based foods, and composting at home can earn participants a Metro Transit pass or Dr. Bronner’s soap bar sample.

Additionally, earthday365 will be hosting a silent auction featuring an array of exciting items from local businesses, all benefiting future Festivals.

The St. Louis Earth Day Festival is made possible with the support of generous sponsors and community partners, including Companion Bakery, Metro Transit, St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri American Water, Missouri Division of Tourism, Caleres, Green2Go, Washington University, Meridian Supply, City Winery, and McCarthy.

Join us for a weekend of community, creativity, education, and fun at the 2026 St. Louis Earth Day Festival. For more information, visit earthday-365.org/festival.