With 4/20 behind them, hippies in Washington can now start celebrating their second favorite holiday: Earth Day. Here are the most fun—and informative—ways to celebrate Mother Earth this week.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Learn some climate science: NASA will present an exhibition at Union Station featuring their supercomputer hyperwall—128 computers that can display, analyze, and share data as a whole or on individual screens. Visitors can also view a model of the water cycle and calculate their carbon footprint. Also shown on Wednesday. 10 AM to 5 PM.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
See some animals: Nothing beats spending time in the great outdoors on Earth Day. On Wednesday, the Zoo’s Sustainability Committee leads two tours of the American Trail’s green elements. Tours leave from the National Zoo Carousel at 11 AM and 1 PM.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
Toast to some trees: The annual Canopy Awards party at Union Market Dock 5 rings in Arbor Day by admiring the city’s urban forest and those working to increase our tree cover. Local folky band the Sweater Set will jam out on electric instruments like the glockenspiel along with the Lawsuits and Joy Classic. Though the event may sound casual, there’s no tie dye allowed here; host organization Casey Trees recommends business casual. This is DC after all, people. $50 online, $60 at the door, 6:30 to 10 PM.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Do some gardening, eat some pizza: Join Dreaming Out Loud at Aya Community Garden to plant and tidy the space for growing season. The garden supports Aya Community Markets, which provide fresh produce to communities in need. Plus, &pizza will provide sustenance for volunteers. Meet at the Blind Whino in your best gardening gear. 3 PM to 6 PM.
Buy some plants: Friends of the National Arboretum hold their annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale at the arboretum on Friday and Saturday. The sale includes rare plants as well as standard options—a plant to suit every green thumb. Food trucks Dirty South Deli and DC Taco Truck will also be there. Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM for members, 1 PM to 4 PM for all; Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Listen to some music and eat some vegetables: In its third year, the Broccoli City Festival at the Gateway DC Pavilion lauds sustainable living and live music. Whip your hair back and forth with Willow Smith, or sway along to the beat of the always-amazing and longtime vegan Erykah Badu, who goes by DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown when she’s behind the turntables and will be headlining with Thundercat. Noon to 9 PM, $45.
