Mother Earth Wants You To Keep Celebrating Earth Day All Summer Long
Happy Earth Day, Angelenos! Honoring Mama Earth today makes the sun shine a little brighter, the air blow a little cleaner, the grass grow a little greener and the water flow a little clearer. So let us pledge to be green, not just today, but throughout the entirety of spring and summer. L.A. hosts a bevy of green events all year round, and here are ten of this season's greenest local events.
The Great L.A. River Cleanup
"Heal the Bay and Pacific American Volunteer Association (PAVA) are helping Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) win the Urban River Challenge during the 22nd Annual Great LA River Cleanup." This is a volunteer cleanup event.
When: April 30, 2011, 9am-12pm.
Where: Taylor Yard, 1555 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065 (next to Rio de Los Angeles State Park).
Admission: Volunteer.
The Autry Celebrates Earth Day: Sustainable Living in the West
"The Autry celebrates Earth Day with a museum-wide festival designed to inspire simple changes for a healthier planet. Drawing on Native cultures and traditions, this family-friendly event includes local environmental groups, community organizations, and hobbyists offering practical tips on how to get started on an Earth-friendly path."
When: Sunday, May 1, 2011, 11am-5pm.
Where: The Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles 90027.
Admission: Adults $10.00. Students with current ID and Seniors (60+) $6.00. Children (3-12) $4.00. Children under 3 and Autry members free.
4th Annual Spring Green Expo
"Managing Tomorrow's Resources Today"
Hosted by Metropolitan Water District, "this unique one-day educational event has something for everyone! You can spend an hour or stay for the day."
When: Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 8:30am-1:30pm.
Where: 700 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Admission: Free.
WorldFest
"LA's Green, Compassionate Living Music Festival"
Attendees will enjoy this "solar-powered celebration" of live music, empowering speakers, nonprofits supporting animal welfare, the environment and humanity, kid's activities and a tasty food court.
When: Sunday, May 22, 2011, 10:30am-7pm.
Where: Woodley Park at Lake Balboa, 6335 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406.
Admission: Adults $7. Seniors $5. Kids 12 & under free. Pets welcome.
2011 Green Long Beach! Festival
"Ignite Change"
"An event to bring together local green groups, to celebrate the environment and encourage ecological awareness in the public through commerce, government, community organizations and the arts." They are still seeking local artists and entertainers as well as festival volunteers.
When: Saturday, June 11, 2011, 10am-8pm.
Where: The Promenade between Broadway & Third, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Admission: Free.
Eat Real Festival
"Eat it. Make It. Grow it."
"Imagine a combination street food festival, county fair, and block party where people can come together to celebrate good times and fresh, local food." All food is local, organic and sustainable, and no food item costs over $5. Cash transactions only.
When: Saturday, July 16, 2011, 10:30am-9pm - Sunday, July 17, 2011, 10:30am-5pm.
Where: Helms Bakery, 8800 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90034.
Admission: Free.
2011 Los Angeles Taste of the World Festival
Explore all five continents via cuisine while perusing six pavilions - Green World, Technology, World Travel, Healthy World, Children's World and Food-Wine-Music-Dance. The festival promotes green practices via a "Green Team," numerous recycling bins positioned throughout the exhibitions and reminders from the main stage.
When: Friday, August 26, 2011, 5pm10pm. Saturday, August 27, 2011, 12pm-10pm. Sunday, August 28, 2011, 12pm-9pm.
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037.
Admission: Children $7/day. Adults $11/day. Three-day passes and VIP passes are also available.
Women in Green Forum
"Today's Solutions - Tomorrow's Leaders"
According to the site, this is the nation's only conference celebrating professional green women. It "brings together an international audience focused on environmental issues, including academic researchers, business experts, energy analysts, and technology developers."
Where and When: To Be Announced on May 1, 2011.
Admission: Early Bird General Admission $150. Early Bird Student (includes Lifetime Membership) $100. Lifetime Membership Add-On $100. On Site Regular Registration $250. On Site Student Registration $150.
Venice Eco-Fest 2011
"LA's Largest Outdoor Free Green Festival"
Over 20,000 people are expected to attend this fourth annual family-friendly festival. All features are eco-friendly and include a marketplace, art show, vegetarian/vegan food court, parade, fashion show, technology and live entertainment.
When: TBD.
Where: Winward Avenue and Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach, CA.
Admission: Free.
Miracle Mile Going Green Film Festival
"REthink. REplenish. REcommit."
This festival "was created, not only as a fundraiser for a charity, but to encourage and reward 'green' filmmakers." Film submissions opened on April 8, 2011. The final deadline is December 1, 2011, giving creatives a little extra time to film green. The actual festival is slated for April 18-20, 2012, at Pacific Theaters at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036.