WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian Institution will mark Earth Day on April 22, 2025, with a monthlong series of free events across its Washington, D.C., museums. From festivals to workshops, tours, and hands-on activities, the celebration offers both in-person and online options for all ages. The initiative, part of the Smithsonian’s Life on a Sustainable Planet program, aims to highlight environmental conservation and sustainable solutions to climate change. Detailed schedules are available online.
The festivities kick off April 4 at the National Museum of Natural History’s Sant Ocean Hall with “The Oceans’ Hot Springs: Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can explore these unique ecosystems, which support diverse marine life and may hold clues to Earth’s origins. On April 5, the Anacostia Community Museum hosts “Growing Community: Planning the Growing Season” from 10 a.m. to noon, where Smithsonian gardeners will share tips on early-spring harvests and herb planting. That same day, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the museum’s “WILD Nature Play Club” invites families to explore a half-mile trail with a guide, followed by a story and nature activity.
On April 10, “NOAA Fleet Week: Get to NOAA Us” runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sant Ocean Hall. The event showcases the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s research tools—ships, planes, and uncrewed systems—and the people driving its mission. Online, “Firelighters: Fire Is Medicine” streams from April 14 at 5 p.m. ET through April 30 at 5 p.m. ET via the National Museum of the American Indian. The film follows Yurok and Karuk Tribe women leaders reclaiming Indigenous fire management practices.
Another online offering, “Creating a Homegrown National Park in Your Home or Community,” airs April 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET, hosted by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Master Naturalist Alison Milligan will discuss a grassroots movement to bring national park benefits to local areas. Registration is required. On April 19, “Earth Day Celebration: A Day Unplugged” at the Anacostia Community Museum runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., encouraging visitors to ditch screens for nature-focused activities. That same day, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden hosts “Open Studio: Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where families can transform discarded items into art, inspired by Joseph Cornell.
The “Living Earth Festival: Protecting the Elements” takes place April 26–27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Museum of the American Indian. It features Indigenous leaders sharing traditions to safeguard natural resources. Also on April 26, the Anacostia Community Museum’s “Growing Community: Walking Tour” from 10 a.m. to noon explores three Smithsonian gardens on the National Mall. Closing the month, the National Portrait Gallery’s “Curator Tour: Earth, Fields, Land” on April 27 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., led by curator Taína Caragol, highlights nature-themed works from its collection. Registration is required.
The Life on a Sustainable Planet initiative drives this celebration, leveraging Smithsonian research to advance conservation and educate on climate solutions. The Institution aims to foster resilient ecosystems through data collection, technology, and community partnerships.
