Earth Day Celebration 2026

Celebrate Earth Day 2026

Join Northampton Community College and Northampton County for our annual Earth Day Celebration! It's a free, family-friendly festival celebrating sustainability, environmental awareness, and our shared commitment to protecting the planet.

 

Held on NCC's Bethlehem Campus, the event brings together community organizations, educators, local vendors, and environmental advocates for a day filled with activities, learning opportunities, and entertainment for all ages.

 

Visitors can explore sustainability exhibits, enjoy live entertainment and local vendors, and participate in hands-on activities that highlight the importance of caring for our environment. It's a wonderful opportunity for families, students, and community members to spend time outdoors while discovering ways to create a greener future.

 

 

Event Details

Saturday, April 25, 2026

11 a.m.–5 p.m. (rain or shine)

Northampton Community College, Bethlehem Campus, College Center

3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA

 

Admission and parking are free and open to the public.

 

 

What to Expect

The Earth Day Celebration features a variety of activities and attractions throughout the day, including:

  • Local environmental organizations and community exhibitors

  • Artisan vendors and sustainability-focused businesses

  • Food trucks and refreshments

  • Educational speakers and sustainability discussions

  • Hands-on activities for kids and families

  • Live music performances throughout the day

The festival provides a fun and engaging way for people of all ages to learn about environmental stewardship and sustainable living while connecting with others in the community.

 

 

Live Music & Entertainment

Enjoy live music on the main stage on the 2nd floor of College Center! Performances feature a variety of local musicians and performers from late morning through the afternoon.

 

Location: College Center (College Center 220 & Laub Lounge)

  • 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | John Bloys
  • 12–1 p.m. | Ian Holmes
  • 1–2 p.m. | Street Box Strummer
  • 2–3 p.m. | Jay Lapp
  • 3–4 p.m. | Chuck Schubert
  • 4–5 p.m. | Ziggy Blue

 

 

Speaker Schedule & Educational Sessions

In addition to live entertainment and activities, the Earth Day Festival features a full lineup of educational speakers and sustainability-focused presentations throughout the day.

 

Location: Lipkin Theater

  • 10 a.m. | Farming for Planet Health (& People Too!)
    Krista Hirschmann, farm interpreter, Rodale Institute
  • 12 p.m. | Soil Science: Soil Health Management in Agricultural Systems
    Kirsten Kurtz, assistant director, Cornell University Soil Health Lab
  • 2–4:30 p.m. Open reception for “Lehigh Valley: Memories & Metamorphosis – A Look at Our Changing Culture & Landscape”

Location: Community Center (College Center 117)

  • 12:30 p.m. | Green Ribbon Award
    Crayola
  • 1:15 p.m. | Transforming Food Waste into a Community Asset
    Ryan Sepaniak, founder, Easton Eco-Swap
  • 1:15 p.m. | Native Plants
    Brian Hillard, Bethlehem Township EAC
  • 2 p.m. | Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) & Nature-Based Solutions to Coastal Acidification & Water Quality Issues
    Janet Reimer, PhD, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean
  • 2:45 p.m. | Exploring Regeneration & Its Application in the Energy World, Focusing on Essence, the Global Imperative & Vocation
    John Costlow, president, Sustainable Energy Fund
  • 3:30 p.m. | Health & Planet Choices: What You Do Matters
    Sally Handlon, certified health coach

Location: Bethlehem Campus Quad

  • 4 p.m. | Rainfall Simulator
    Megan McBride, director, Buy Fresh Buy Local – Greater Lehigh Valley

 

 

How to Participate

 

Earth Day Celebration Vendors: Please refer to the vendor applications below.

Student Projects & Presentations (Youth Climate Summit): Please contact The Nuture Nature Center for submission guidelines and deadlines.


Youth Climate Summit

In partnership with The Nurture Nature Center, NCC will host this year's Youth Climate Summit of the Lehigh Valley on NCC's Bethlehem campus. The Youth Climate Summit unites middle and high school students from across the region for hands-on climate learning and leadership development, connecting them with peers, experts, and community partners to explore real-world solutions.

  • Friday, April 24: Youth-focused summit programming (grades 7-12)
  • Saturday, April 25: Community activities including student presentations, art exhibits, and outdoor learning opportunities
Youth Climate Summit graphic

 

 

This free community event is co-sponsored by the County of Northampton and Northampton Community College.

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