How to Celebrate Earth Day in April

This year, Earth Day celebrates its 55th anniversary, continuing its mission to raise awareness and take action for the environment.

Celebrated worldwide on April 22, Earth Day offers individuals and communities across the globe an opportunity to come together and make a difference in protecting the environment.

With the theme “Our Planet, Our Power”, the 2025 edition promises a wide range of initiatives across San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Discover our selection of events happening across the region this April and join the movement to take action for our planet:

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco Climate Week

Join the San Francisco Climate Week to learn more about major environmental challenges and solutions to combat the climate crisis. San Francisco Climate Week is a series of events bringing together organizations, leaders, and community members working at the intersection of climate action and innovation. The third annual edition of the event will span a week and feature insightful conferences, educational workshops, and networking opportunities with environmental sector experts.

Dates: April 19-27, 2025
Location: Various locations in San Francisco
More information and registration here

Turning the Tide on Ocean Pollution

Join “From Space to Sea: Scaling the Global Fight Against Ocean Pollution and charting the course to the UN Ocean Conference 2025“, an action-driven event co-hosted by the Consulate General of France in San Francisco and the Plastic Odyssey Fund during SF Climate Week, as momentum builds toward the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice. This event brings together leaders from the blue economy, tech startups, nonprofits, and government to explore innovative solutions—from satellite technology to collaborative strategies—to combat ocean pollution, with a special focus on plastic and microplastics.

Date: Tuesday April 22, 2025, 4:30-8pm
Location: Loft Orbital, 321 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Register here for the event

Startups & Sustainability

As part of SF Climate Week, the French-American Chamber of Commerce California (SF-LA) is hosting an engaging panel discussion with its High Tech and Sustainability Committees: “Can Startups Thrive with Sustainability as a Core Principle? A New Playbook for Growth and Impact”. This conversation will explore whether startups can prioritize sustainability from the outset—and if established companies can pivot toward purpose—without compromising profitability. Featuring insights from founders, investors, and industry leaders, the panel will examine the challenges and opportunities of aligning profit with purpose, offering a fresh perspective on building impactful, future-ready businesses.

Date: Wednesday 23 April 2025 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Planisware, 555 Montgomery Street, Suite 1300, 94111, San Francisco
Register here

International Ocean Film Festival

Every year, the OFF produces a festival dedicated to the ocean world. Featuring films from around the globe created by independent filmmakers, these lesser-known works are true treasures of environmental cinema. The festival’s themes cover science, the marine industry, sports, and adventure. The programming aims to entertain, educate, inspire, and encourage action for the preservation of our ocean resources. OFF has become the leading platform in North America for ocean-themed films.

Dates: April 11-13, 2025
Location: Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center
More information and registration here

Earth Day Festival at Yerba Buena Park

Yerba Buena Park will host a free, family-friendly Earth Day festival featuring fun and educational activities centered on environmental sustainability. The festivities include live performances on the Great Lawn, a green business expo, tree planting, chalk art, live music, and ice art at the grand skating rink.

Dates: April 19, 2025
Location: Yerba Buena Gardens
More information and registration here

NORTH BAY

Hike with the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) at Leiss Ranch

Join MALT and ranch owner Nancy Chaffin for an Earth Day celebration with a guided hike at Leiss Ranch—one of the organization’s most popular outings—a free walk to discover Northern California’s wildflowers. Protected by MALT since 2003 and located in the rolling green hills near Petaluma, Leiss Ranch is home to over 60 wildflower species across 208 acres. Limited spots available; reservations required.

Dates: April 25, 2025
Location: Leiss Ranch, Petaluma
More information and registration here

Pt. Reyes Birding & Nature Festival

The renowned Pt. Reyes National Seashore serves as the backdrop for this festival, offering one of the best birdwatching sites in the U.S., with over 70,000 acres of diverse habitats including estuaries, grasslands, coastal scrub, and forests. The festival features special lectures, a keynote speech by author Amy Tan, and a free family day in the charming West Marin village of Pt. Reyes Station.

Dates: April 25-27, 2025
Location: Pt. Reyes National Seashore
More information and registration here

EAST BAY

Restoration & Cleanup Operations

The East Bay Park District is a municipal organization based in Oakland dedicated to park and trail conservation in the East Bay. Its system includes parks spanning 126,000 acres with over 1,300 miles of protected trails and shorelines. The organization will host various Earth Day activities, allowing volunteers to participate in habitat restoration and coastal cleanup efforts—an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact on the environment and contribute to the Bay’s ecological health.

Dates: April 19, 2025
Location: Alameda & Contra Costa counties
More information and volunteer sign-ups here

SOUTH BAY

Pelican Festival at Linda Mar State Beach

The Pacific Beach Coalition and the City of Pacifica celebrate Earth Day with a lineup of talks and educational activities honoring the pelican, the 2025 edition’s mascot. Join a full day of activism and inspiration, learning why ocean conservation is crucial for our region and beyond.