Surrounded by rainforests, mountains, and Puget Sound, Seattle is immersed in natural beauty. The city pairs its outdoor splendor with a commitment to sustainability – making it an ideal destination to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.
As the only U.S. city selected as a Role Model City for The United Nations’ Generation Restoration program, Seattle sets the standard for urban sustainability with energy-efficient transportation, LEED-certified attractions, and forward-thinking environmental policies. For example, the Port of Seattle is the first port in the nation to independently require all capable vessels homeported in Seattle to utilize shore power – further distinguishing the city as a sustainable destination for travel.
“Earth Day is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and restore our region’s unique natural resources. At the Port of Seattle, we take that commitment seriously, investing in habitat restoration, waste reduction, and decarbonization,” said Chris Guizlo, Director of Communications and Marketing at Port of Seattle. “The recent installation in shore power at Pier 66 provides clean energy to cruise ships at every berth, making Seattle one of the only locations with all of its multiple cruise berths shore power enabled, benefiting our climate and communities this cruise season.”
Seattle offers an exciting range of Earth Day programming and a commitment to environmentally conscious practices year-round, inviting both visitors and locals to travel, dine, and stay sustainably throughout April and beyond.
Celebrate the Planet at Seattle’s Earth Day Events
What better way to recognize Earth Day than to get involved with Seattle’s conservation efforts? Join Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Arboretum Foundation, and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens for their annual Earth Day at the Arboretum event on April 19, as volunteers remove invasive species and restore native habitats in the Washington Arboretum. For more volunteer opportunities to restore Seattle’s natural habitats, visit www.greenseattle.org.
“Seattle shines brightest when we come together to care for our parks and green spaces, and Earth Day is the perfect time to make a difference,” said AP Diaz, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. “This annual event is a celebration of sustainability, conservation, and community action. Together, we can create a healthier, more resilient environment and ensure our green spaces remain vibrant and welcoming for everyone.”
Other Earth Day events in Seattle and surrounding areas include:
- Celebrate Earth Day Weekend at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (April 19) – Free family-friendly event hosted by Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH).
- Earth Day Fun Run at Magnuson Park (April 19) – Racers will receive a native sapling tree to either plant on their own or to donate to Magnuson Park. A portion of registration fees will be donated to environmental organizations.
- Free Entrance Days in National Parks (April 19) – Entrance fees will be waived at Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks.
- Celebrate Earth Day at The Museum of Flight (April 20) – Explore how aerospace impacts the world and beyond. Programing includes a seed paper making workshop, a lecture about converting space trash into gas, and more.
- Earth Day Story Adventure with The Environmental Science Center (April 21) – Children aged 2 to 5 and their parents will learn about the science of Earth Day through storytelling and activities.
- Earth Day 2025: Seattle’s Innovation & Leadership in Climate Equity at Townhall (April 22) – Learn about ongoing, local climate solutions at this Town Hall discussion with Seattle Parks Foundation and area climate and equity leaders.
- Earth Talks 2025 at Seattle University (April 22) – Five-minute presentations about sustainability by Seattle University students, staff, faculty, and community partners.
- Ladybug Festival: Earth Day Celebration (April 26) – The annual release of ladybugs into Garfield Community Center, hosted by Seattle Parks and Recreation.