Earth Day: 10 Ways to give back in Birmingham

Earth Day is April 22, and it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and give back by cleaning up and caring for Birmingham. 

We’ve rounded up 10 ways for you to celebrate Mother Nature around the Magic City, from clean-ups to concerts. Read on to see how to get involved.

Earth Day cleanups

1. Earth Month Litter Cleanup with Alabama Environmental Council

• What: The Alabama Environmental Council is cleaning up the Five Points neighborhood on April 18 and you can join in on the earth-saving action. Meet early for hot coffee, a brief safety talk and receive provided supplies. Bring your own water and wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes.
• When: Sat, April 18 | 8:30AM–12PM
• Where: Five Points South Fountain
• Details

2. Birmingham Litter Cleanup with Black Warrior Riverkeeper

• What: Black Warrior Riverkeeper is partnering with Birmingham Districts 1 and 2 on two Saturdays this month to clean up the watershed. Supplies like safety vests, garbage bags, gloves and litter pickers will be provided. To volunteer: wear comfortable clothing (preferably long pants) + closed-toe shoes and bring water.
• Where + When: 
  • Huffman Roebuck Park (District 1): Sat, April 18, 9–11AM
  • Norwood Community Center (District 2): Sat, April 25, 9–11AM
• Huffman Roebuck Park—Details
• Norwood Community Center—Details 

3. Earth Week Cleanup with Cahaba River Coalition

• What: Celebrate Earth Week with a hands-on cleanup opportunities with Cahaba River Coalition. Volunteers will help remove litter, tackle invasive species and support habitat restoration along the trails. All supplies are provided.
• Where + When:
  • Grants Mill Cahaba Blueway: Mon, April 20 | 9AM–1PM
  • Jemison Park: Tues, April 21 | 9AM–1PM
  • Oak Mountain State Park: Wed, April 22 | 9AM–1PM
• Grants Mill Cahaba Blueway—Details
• Jemison Park—Details
• Oak Mountain State Park—Details

4. Earth Day on the Trails with Freshwater Land Trust 

• What: Freshwater Land Trust is celebrating 30 years of protecting land and water in Central Alabama. On April 22, you can give back by helping clear trash and improve train conditions in the Red Rock Trail System. 
• When: Wed, April 22 | 9–11AM
• Where: Kiwanis Vulcan Trail, Western Trailhead
• Details + Sign up

Earth Day recycling events

5. Household Hazardous Waste Collection

• What: Recycling is a great way to help protect the Earth. Collect all of your hazardous waste materials, like old paint cans, batteries and electronics, and drop them off at one of Jefferson County’s Hazardous Waste Collection locations. Note: Jefferson County residents only.
• When: Sat, April 25 | 8–11:30AM
• Where:
  • Bessemer: Public Works Laydown Yard
  • Gardendale: First Baptist Church
  • Irondale: Classic Car Motoring
• Details

Special Earth Day events

6. Earth Day Concert with Black Warrior Riverkeeper + Shaheed & DJ Supreme

• What: This family-friendly gathering is the perfect way for both kids and adults to show our planet some love. You’ll learn how to keep our local waterways clean with tips from Black Warrior Riverkeeper and hear a high-energy hip-hop performance from Shaheed and DJ Supreme.
• When: Tues, April 21 | 5PM
• Where: Springville Road Regional Branch Library
• Details

7. Earthday Fest 2026

• What: Earthday Fest returns for its third year and it’s packed with a full day of activities. Hosted by Sweet Home Spirits distillery in Leeds, the event includes a citywide cleanup, a battle of the bands competition, vendors, kids’ activities and more.
• When: Sat, April 25
  • Cleanup: 8AM–12PM
  • Battle of the Bands: 11AM-8PM
• Where:
  • City-wide cleanup: Lot across from Heidelberg Materials, Cement
  • Battle of the Bands: Sweet Home Spirits Distillery, Leeds
• Cost: Free
• Details

8. Earth Day Celebration with Birmingham Botanical Gardens

• What: There will be live music by Brotha Josh, poetry readings with The Flourish, a UAB LiveHealthSmart Mobile Market, wellness sessions and more.
• When: Sat, April 25 | 10AM–2PM
• Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Formal Lawn
• Cost: Free
• Details

9. Earthbound’s Earthfest benefiting Black Warrior Riverkeeper

• What: The annual outdoor concert is back for their Earth Day‑inspired celebration—expect live music, local art, great food and craft beer—all while supporting the work of Black Warrior Riverkeeper in protecting Alabama’s waterways.
• When: Sat, April 25 | 2PM 
• Where: Avondale Brewing Co
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Plan ahead for another Earth Day-inspired event

10. 13th Annual Darter Festival

• What: Join the Alabama Environmental Council (AEC) for the 13th annual Darter Fest. This special day of family-friendly festivities includes live music, food + drinks, kids’ activities and more. Your support helps the AEC’s watershed education program for Birmingham City Schools, with particular emphasis on the Watercress Darter—a tiny fish unique to Birmingham that needs our help! Check out our YouTube video to learn all about this special creature.
• When: Sun, May 31 | 12–5PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co
• Cost: 
  • General Admission: $20
  • VIP: $60 (Includes access to a private lounge with complimentary food, drinks and preferred access to the music stage.
  • Kids (ages 12 and under): Free
• Details