Every year on April 22nd, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day: a global event to raise awareness about environmental challenges and promote efforts to protect the planet. Acknowledged as the 2nd most climate resilient city in the country, the spirit of environmental stewardship is woven into the very fabric of Downtown Raleigh’s urban environment.
Downtown Raleigh’s Greenspaces 🏞️
Downtown Raleigh is a national leader in urban green space with 769 acres of vibrant parks and greenspaces to explore within 2 miles of downtown. Moore Square and Nash Square, two of the city’s original public squares dating back to the 1790s, offer quiet, tree-lined spaces perfect for relaxing in the heart of the city.
Just east of downtown, Chavis Park stands as a cultural landmark with deep roots in Raleigh’s African American history, now revitalized with modern amenities.
To the south, the sprawling Dorothea Dix Park offers sweeping views of the skyline and wide open meadows, hosting everything from yoga sessions to large-scale festivals.
West of downtown, you will find one of the oldest amusement parks in the country; Pullen Park welcomes families with playgrounds, pedal boats, a historic carousel, and more.
Notable Trees 🌳
While enjoying Earth Day in Downtown Raleigh, take a moment to appreciate some of downtown’s living landmarks: our historic trees. In Moore Square, you’ll find a majestic 150-year-old Chestnut Oak overlooking Person Street and a sprawling 200-year-old Willow Oak on the corner of Martin Street & Person Street.
Over in Nash Square, a 150-year-old White Oak stands directly across from Whiskey Kitchen, joined by a descendant of the legendary Henry Clay Oak, under which Senator Clay is said to have penned his famous “Raleigh Letter”.
These downtown trees have been cleaning the air, cooling the city, and collecting stories long before the first Earth Day was celebrated.
Go Green By Shopping Local 🛍️
One of the simplest ways to support both Downtown Raleigh’s economy and the environment is by shopping locally whenever you can.
Local, independent shops are more likely to source products nearby, helping reduce carbon emissions. They also use fewer public resources compared to large chains. But we don’t need to sell you on why shopping local matters; our vibrant storefront community speaks for itself.
Looking to support sustainability-focused businesses? Here are a few worth checking out in Downtown Raleigh.
Raleigh City Farm
Raleigh City Farm transformed a vacant lot downtown into a one-acre urban farm that has been flourishing for over 10 years. They sell produce, host workshops, and offer volunteer opportunities while supplying ingredients to some of your favorite downtown restaurants.
The farm’s presence in our community is one of many ways in which Downtown Raleigh has become a hub for sustainability in North Carolina.
Weaver Street Market
Weaver Street Market is a co-op grocery store specializing in locally-sourced and fair trade food, produce, and meats.
REBUS WORKS, CURATE, MUNJO MUNJO, HARTWELL, AND THE SELF CARE MARKETPLACE
These independently owned gift shops feature merchandise sourced from small businesses in and around the Triangle. Many of the makers craft their products in small batches, using thoughtful ingredients and often incorporating salvaged or recycled materials.
THE HIGHTIDE SALON AND ALIBI SALON
These salons partner with Green Circle Salons to help them recover up to 95% of their beauty waste like hair clippings, foils, and color tubes, while also becoming carbon-neutral.
OAK CITY CYCLING AND EAST COAST ELECTRIC SPEED SHOP
Ready to ditch traffic and start rolling on 2 wheels? Check out Oak City Cycling for everything you need to kick off your biking journey, or swing by East Coast Electric Speed Shop if you're after something a little faster.
UNORTHODOX VINTAGE, PALLBEARER, THE BURROW, FATHER & SON ANTIQUES, RALEIGH VINTAGE, REVOLVER CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE, THRIFTWIZ, ONE FOR ALL THRIFT, AND ORIGAMI STYLING
Shopping second-hand is a smart and sustainable way to shrink your carbon footprint while keeping quality clothing, furniture, and decor out of landfills. Downtown Raleigh is home to a vibrant mix of second-hand and vintage shops, so you're sure to find something that fits your style and needs.
How Downtown Raleigh Celebrates Earth Day 🗓️
There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Earth Day while downtown. Make sure you check them out:
Tides of Change: An Earth Day Celebration | The Hightide Salon + Suites
Sunday, April 20th 10:30am-4pm
An Earth Day Celebration that includes a downtown litter cleanup, a market featuring local eco-friendly vendors, performances by local bands Le Lotus, Modern Movin’, and carcrashpoolparty, and a raffle to raise funds to support the Great Raleigh Cleanup’s environmental stewardship in our local community.
State of Change: Living with Water - Free Screening | North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Tuesday, April 22nd 7pm
PBS North Carolina is proud to announce State of Change: Living with Water, a new half-hour special that explores how communities across the state are building resilience to climate change by working with nature. Premiering April 17 at 8:30 p.m. on PBS NC and streaming online, the program shares inspiring stories from the Coharie Indian Tribe, the historic Battleship North Carolina, and conservationists of western NC who are restoring natural floodplains.
To celebrate the premiere, PBS NC will host a free Earth Day screening and panel discussion at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and online on April 22 at 7 p.m. as part of the NC Science Festival. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from the storytellers and experts behind the program.
City of Raleigh Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration 2025 | Dix Park, Flowers Field
Friday, April 25th 4-10 pm
Join the City of Raleigh, in partnership with We Plant it Forward, for this free community event to explore earth-conscious vendors and organizations while enjoying live music, games, and activities for all ages. A family-friendly movie will be shown to conclude the event.
Hands-on History: Propagate a Fig Tree | Bicentennial Plaza
Saturday, April 26th 11am-1pm
Take home a living piece of history! A special drop-in event where you can take home a fig tree cutting from the museum’s landscape. Learn about plant propagation, get expert care tips, and decorate your pot to make it uniquely yours. This family-friendly activity is perfect for gardeners, history lovers, and anyone looking to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day meaningfully. Each participant will receive a fig cutting from the North Carolina Museum of History’s garden—a lasting memory to grow at home!
Seed Bomb Making & Seed Share! | Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub
Wednesday, April 30th 6pm-8:30pm
Come and make fun lil pockets full of native flower seeds! You’re welcome to bring your own seeds, but seeds will be available. Bring yourself and any seeds or plants you’d like to swap in addition!
This Earth Month, take a walk through Downtown Raleigh’s beautiful green spaces and soak in the shade, history, and charm of our city’s iconic trees. While you're there, show some love to the local businesses that keep downtown vibrant.
Join in Earth Day events and commit to small, sustainable habits that make a big impact. Our city and our planet will thank you!