Earth Day Mural Fest at the Lagoon on Grassy Key, April 20-21
After a two-year hiatus, the Lagoon on Grassy Key is excited to announce the return of its two-day Earth Day Mural Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21. This year’s festival will feature a lineup of art, music, activities, culinary delights and cocktail flavor explorations. Artists will be overhauling every paintable space around the Lagoon with live painting, bringing their murals to life with an environmentally-focused Earth-Day-centric curation. Saturday festivities include a mangrove cleanup from 8 to 10 a.m., a wakeboard exhibition from 4 to 5 p.m., and live music from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday will feature a native plant giveaway, live music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a grand opening of the Lagoon’s Saloon Surf Shoppe. Both days will include food and cocktail specials, local art and vendors, and live painting. Don’t miss out on Grassy Key’s biggest party of the year with fun for the whole family.
UPPER KEYS
I.CARE Coral Restoration Dives, April 20-21
Coral transplant dives with Islamorada Coral and Restoration Education (I.CARE) are offered every Saturday and the third Sunday of each month, including April 20 and 21 just before Earth Day. Join citizen-science efforts while exploring Keys reefs with other conservation-minded divers who enjoy giving back to the underwater realm that provides so much enjoyment. Visit icareaboutcoral.org/schedule to sign up.
I.CARE Trash Derby
I.CARE will hold the second annual Trash Derby and Festival the week after Earth Day. Set for Thursday through Sunday, May 2-5, the debris collection will see competitors descending underwater, sifting through the mangroves and searching on land. Marine debris collection dives are free for certified divers from participating dive shops from Key Largo to Key West, thanks to support from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Participants can form their own teams or join an existing team for land and shoreline cleanups. A festival is scheduled May 5 at Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. Visit icaretrashderby.com to learn more.
LOWER KEYS & KEY WEST
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Ocean Fest, April 20
This community celebration of the Florida Keys’ marine environment takes place Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West. All ages are invited to enjoy crafts, games, music, food, local brews and shopping as Mote and other environmental organizations provide exhibits. Visit mote.org/oceanfest.
Earth Day 5k Run/Walk, April 20
The Key West Southernmost Runners’ 26th annual Earth Day 5k Run/Walk is set for Saturday, April 20, at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West. Proceeds from the race benefit the Conch Republic Marine Army, a local nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to cleaning and restoring the shallow mangrove habitats of the Florida Keys. Registration is $25 per person. Visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/KeyWest/ED5K.
Bahia Honda State Park Earth Day Celebration, April 20
Bahia Honda State Park, 36850 Overseas Highway in the Lower Keys, will stage its 27th annual Earth Day celebration Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about earth-friendly practices from conservation-minded vendors and enjoy live music and crafts.
Plant Mangroves with Plant a Million Corals and Coastlove, April 20
Plant a Million Corals and Coastlove have partnered for an Earth Day weekend event at Summerland Farms, 23801 Overseas Hwy., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, with tours of the coral and mangrove nurseries and the chance to plant baby mangroves along the shoreline, along with educational activities, live music and refreshments.
Full Moon Kayak Excursion, April 23 Captain Bill Keogh’s Big Pine Kayak Adventures hosts a full moon paddle Tuesday, April 23, the day after Earth Day. Paddlers on the excursion from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. can explore the mangrove estuary, view the full moon and learn about the area’s delicate ecosystem. Cost is a $30 donation that supports the Florida Keys Wildlife Society. Visit floridakeyswildlifesociety.org/full-moon-kayak-excursions.
