Unearth Fun at This Earth Day Festival

Have you given going green the green light? Then have we got the perfect event for you – the annual Earth Day Music and Sustainability Festival on Saturday April 22 in Springfield. You won’t believe the iconic Missouri band that’s been lined up to headline!

By Peg Cameron Gill If helping to protect our planet strikes a chord with you – and great music does, too – then Springfield’s annual Earth Day Music and Sustainability Festival is sure to be a hit. The legendary Ozark Mountain Daredevils will headline the festival which takes place on Saturday, April 22, from 11 am–8 pm in Jordan Valley Ice Park in downtown Springfield.The main stage will be in the East Rink, where the ice has been already removed for the season. The East Rink will also include the aerial performers, live painting and beer service. The acoustic stage, as well as booth space and the reading corner, will be outside the rink on level 2 of the Ice Park. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022, share the festival stage with regional and local acts including the Hillbenders, Sister Lucille, 83 Skidoo with the Shandies, Opal Agafia, Brandon and Annabelle Moore, Springfield Aerial Fitness, and many more. A full lineup is available at EarthDaySpringfieldMo.org. This one-day plastic-free festival promises a great mix of music and mindfulness. In addition to presenting great entertainment, the Earth Day Festival aims to present information and education about eco-friendly products, services, and resources. Its mission is to support, enrich and help the community connect with local environmental organizations that work all year long to help keep our environment clean and sustainable.  Proceeds from the festival benefit three organizations: The Ozark Society, dedicated to preserving wild and scenic rivers, wilderness, and unique natural areas; Springfield Compost Collective, creating mindfulness around food waste and the recycling process via composting and soil education; and Springfield-Greene County Park Board, providing the very best in parks and recreation facilities, programs, events, and services to the Springfield community. The Earth Day Festival also includes vendors and nonprofits representing environmental and educational efforts, as well as food trucks and beverage service. In keeping with the festival’s plastic-free commitment, beverages are served in commemorative stainless cups, sold to benefit the cause. Food will be served in compostable containers and food waste will be composted. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to refill at hydration stations. Admission to the Earth Day Festival is free for kids ages 12 and under who are accompanied by a ticketed adult. Admission for ages 13 and older is $35. This is a family-friendly event and includes kids’ activities.  For tickets and more information, visit EarthDaySpringfieldMo.org or look for Earth Day Music Festival Springfield on Facebook. For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.