On Earth Day millions of people around the world express gratitude to our planet. For residents of Seattle and Western Washington, 2026 offers a full schedule of events that let you contribute to protecting the environment. From traditional cleanups to creative evenings, everyone can find a way to mark this important day.
In the morning you can join volunteer efforts to restore parks. Starting at 10 a.m. at Bear- Sheva Park in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, volunteers will remove invasive plants and lay mulch to support soil health. At the same time, Kubota Garden, a nearly 100-year-old Japanese garden, will host plantings of native trees and shrubs; organizers will provide tools, water, and snacks. This traditional Japanese garden, founded in 1927 by immigrant Fujitaro Kubota, covers about 5 acres in the Georgetown area and serves as an important center for cultural exchange and preservation of Japanese heritage, offering residents a place for meditation and the study of garden art.
For those who prefer a less active way to spend the day, Bellevue Botanical Garden will hold a session of “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku) — the Japanese therapeutic practice of immersing oneself in nature — starting at 10:30 a.m., led by a psychotherapist. At noon, Ravenna Refills will host a free houseplant swap where you can bring two pots or cuttings and take home new plants.
Evening events are aimed at people who are busy during the workday. From 12 to 2 p.m., Old Stove Brewing will run its annual cleanup along the canal, providing gloves and trash bags. And at 5:30 p.m., Spinnaker Chocolate’s workshop in Wallingford will organize an informal neighborhood cleanup. This mellow, bohemian neighborhood north of downtown Seattle is known for its historic homes, independent shops, and strong sense of community, making it popular with young professionals and families.
You can end Earth Day on a creative note: at 6 p.m. in the Sam Smith Park area, artists from the H2H club will hold a painting evening focused on reflections about nature. For a nominal fee of $10 participants will receive all materials and be able to take their finished canvas home. These varied events share a common goal — to make our common home cleaner and greener.
Based on: Seattle, Western WA 2026 Earth Day events round-up