Friday
Free public transit on CARTS
The Capital Area Rural Transportation System offers free rides in celebration of Earth Day. CARTS reports riding transit helps conserve natural resources, reduces pollution and ozone levels, and is cost-effective. View schedules or reserve a trip 24 hours in advance by calling 512-478-7433 or visiting www.ridecarts.com.
Friday-Saturday
72° Earth Day Festival
The music, cultural and educational event kicks off with a screening of “Yakona” accompanied by a live score April 21. The event also includes an all-day festival with a blessing of the river, guided meditation, booths, live music and information on April 22. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sat.). Free. Plaza Park, 206 N. CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos. 512-953-7289. www.seventytwodegrees.org
The folks at TreeFolks are participating in the Earth Day Austin event April 22 at Huston-Tillotson University.[/caption]Saturday
Earth Day Austin
One of the largest sustainability events in Central Texas, the event includes more than 100 exhibitors, hands-on activities, a green business hub, a rain garden installation, electronics and textiles recycling and cooking demos. Through a partnership with Rocky Mountain Institute, Capital Metro and the city of Austin, the event showcases the future of mobility in Austin. There are electric bike rides, autonomous vehicle rides and other futuristic components. Noon-7 p.m. Free. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St., Austin. 512-535-0950. www.earthdayaustin.com
Earth Day celebration
The Kyle Public Library hosts Tito the Tortoise and the Green Team for Earth Day. The event also includes pizza, drinks and information for all ages. 12:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott St., Kyle. 512-268-7411. www.cityofkyle.com/library
Earth Day family storytime
The free event is geared toward children ages 3-8 and includes activities such as fingerplays, music and stories. Second-grader Asvini Thivakaran gives a presentation on recycling. Families can take home bean seeds to obverse a plant’s growth. 11 a.m. Free. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. 512-218-7000. www.roundrocktexas.gov
Tax-free emergency preparation items
Texas residents can purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax-free April 22-24. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items, and shoppers do not need to issue an exemption certificate, according to a statement from the Texas Comptroller. Qualifying items include portable generators costing less than $3,000; emergency ladders and hurricane shutters costing less than $300; and axes, batteries, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and radios costing less than $75. Visit www.comptroller.texas.gov for a full list of items that do and do not qualify.
Free bags, seeds
Natural Grocers is celebrating Earth Day with free, reusable bags and the opportunity for customers to plant a seed to take home for their garden. Bags and seeds are limited to one per customer. The planting is from noon-4 p.m. at Austin-area stores. Free. Arbor Walk: 10515 N. MoPac, Bldg. L, Austin. 512-231-9200. Cedar Park: 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Bldg. G-17, Cedar Park. 512-259-3322. Guadalupe: 3901 Guadalupe St., Austin. 512-323-5100. www.naturalgrocers.com
Bike giveaways
Earth Day Austin has also teamed up with local business Bicycle Sport Shop and nonprofit Yellow Bike Project to collect, repair and redistribute bicycles in Austin for Earth Day ATX. The giveaway includes bike and helmet fitting and safety training. Noon-7 p.m. Free. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St., Austin. www.earthdayaustin.org
Georgetown Earth Day
Citizens Climate Lobby, Georgetown-Round Rock chapter, and Interfaith ECO-Network of Georgetown invite residents to bring food, drinks and chairs to celebrate Earth Day in the park, which offers a children’s play area, picnic shelters and basketball courts. Members of Georgetown City Council and Georgetown Utility Systems will receive certificates of appreciation for their leadership in transitioning the city to renewable and water-conserving electric energy sources. 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Chautauqua Park, 602 Rucker St., Georgetown. www.citizensclimatelobby.org, www.facebook.com/iengtx
Science Saturday: Earth Day
The Texas Museum of Science and Technology hosts the free event to learn more about what Earth does for humans and what humans can do for Earth. Activities include trying a CD hovercraft and making seed bombs and tiny terrariums. 1-5 p.m. Free admission. Texas Museum of Science and Technology, 1220 Toro Grande Drive, Cedar Park. 512-961-5333. www.txmost.org
Sunday
Earth Day Live Festival
The event includes performances by Americana bands from Austin, including Guy Forsyth, Harvest Thieves, Sour Bridges, Mike Shoenfeld, Jonathan Tyler, and the Band of Heathens. Earth Day Live benefits Hill County Conservancy, which works to preserve natural areas and outdoor recreation opportunities, and the Sun Radio Foundation, which aims to preserve the culture of Texas music with a minimal effect on the environment. 1-8 p.m. $20 (in advance), $25 (at the door). Historic Scoot Inn, 1308 E. Fourth St., Austin. 512-328-2481. www.hillcountryconservancy.org, www.earthdayatx.com/earth-day-live-festival
