As we head into Earth Month this April, now is a great time to start planning how you might want to celebrate the beauty of Mother Nature right here on Fort Lauderdale Beach. From family-friendly outdoor activities to nature walks, and opportunities to demonstrate your commitment to a healthy planet, here are dates to mark down on your calendar and links on ways to green your routine on Earth Day Friday, April 22, 2022.
Saturday, April 2
Stroll Amongst the Flowers
The 13th annual Bonnet House Museum & Gardens International Orchid Festival welcomes orchid enthusiasts and plant lovers alike to vividly experience – and purchase – diverse, colorful and fragrant varieties of orchids, tropical plants, herbs, and fruit trees sold by local and international vendors from Thailand, Malaysia, Ecuador, and Brazil. International vendors are subject to change pending global health restrictions. The two-day event will be taking place from 9 a.m.– 4 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $12 (Rain or Shine) and includes the Orchid Festival and Self-Guided Grounds Tour. Self-Guided House Tours Are An Additional $8. Children 12 & under are Free. No Discounts or Group Rates Apply. All tickets are non-refundable. View tickets information
Sunday, April 3
Explore the Outdoors
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has many amenities visitors can enjoy during their visit, including renting canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards to enjoy the park’s one-mile freshwater coastal dune lake. Nature lovers can hike along a number of trails and learn about local plants and wildlife through the Mid Trail Audio Tour. Bicyclists and skaters glide along the 2-mile paved park road. The concessionaire, Park & Ocean, offers rentals for bikes, beach gear, jet skis and more. There’s even an oceanfront, open-air restaurant serving delicious fare and craft beer. Many visitors enjoy fishing from the 1.2-mile seawall, which has recently been restored. And there’s a 1.8-mile loop road through the park – recently widened – for biking, walking, skating and driving.
Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10
FLIP the FLOP, Recycled Art
Ocean Sole Africa, Inc. will once again be visiting Las Olas Oceanside Park as the featured art exhibit during Tortuga Music Festival Weekend, in recognition of Earth Month. Attendees at the Friday Night Sound Waves concert and the Saturday & Sunday weekend Farmers Market will be able to view and interact with a collection of larger-than-life flip flop sculptures. Ocean Sole is a non-profit organization that removes trash from the oceans and waterways around Kenya and recycles it into art. Through the art of the possible, we hope to bring awareness to the world-wide dangers of flip flop pollution and inspire market visitors to share our mission of turning trash into treasure! Partial proceeds from all sales at Las Olas Oceanside Park markets April 8 – 10 benefit programming at the Park and local conservation efforts.
Saturday, April 16
Celebrate the Season at the Spring Fling EGGstravaganza
The 2nd Annual Spring Fling EGGstravaganza will provide a groovy opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a Hippie-D’ Hoppity day of engaging activities and a little fun in the sun. Free to the public courtesy of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Improvement District, attendees are encouraged to wear their retro-inspired best and participate in the special activities and entertainment planned, including a 5,000+ Egg Hunt (10:30-11 a.m.), little YOLKS Yoga, a DJ and contests, balloon artistry, brunch with the Easter bunny and complimentary caricatures. In recognition of Earth Month, the children’s craft corner features make and take crafts that are good for the planet. Children under 13 will have their choice of coloring their own reusable tote bag, decorating a seed pot, or making a crystal bead suncatcher. FREE! Get Tickets
Friday, April 22: EARTH DAY
Take the No Plastic Pledge
The City of Fort Lauderdale has joined global efforts to raise awareness about the impact of plastic on the environment. The More Flavor, Less Plastic Campaign is a community-wide initiative to eliminate plastic straws and reduce other single use plastics, such as utensils, beverage and take out containers. Learn More
Enjoy a Trash Free BBQ at the Beach
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a picnic or beach barbecue? Good friends and good food can make for great memories, but how do you make sure trash doesn’t get left behind when the fun is over? If you’re planning to get outside on Earth day or really any time of the year, follow our tips to keep it green and the ocean trash-free. Learn More
Plan Your Eco-Friendly Visit to Fort Lauderdale Beach
If you’re an eco-warrior gearing up for a relaxing beach vacation, these how to travel with less plastic tips will ensure you don’t leave a massive plastic footprint behind you. Learn More
Saturday, April 23
Volunteer at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep
One of the longest running beach cleanups, the Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep is held the second and fourth Saturday of every month, from 8 AM – 11 AM. Meet at The Hub, 300 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, at the intersection of Las Olas Blvd. and A1A. Volunteers should be at least eight years old (adults must accompany minors) and wear appropriate attire. No pre-registration necessary.
Sunday, April 24
5th Annual SOS Ocean Conservation Day
Now in its 5th year, SOS Ocean Conservation Day, sponsored by Tortuga Music Festival, returns to Las Olas Oceanside Park on Sunday, April 24 from 10am – 4pm. The free, one day, outdoor event combines fun and educational programs for the entire family to bring awareness to our ocean. The SOS Mission and event theme this year is, LETTUCE GIVE THANKS. 100% of all profits from the silent auction will benefit the sea turtle feedings at the Marine Environmental Education Center at the Carpenter House – MEEC. The day begins with a Morning Shoreline Cleanup hosted by Free Our Seas & Beyond from 9am-11am. All participants will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win GA tickets to attend the 2023 Tortuga Music Festival. Within the SOS Ocean Conservation area, Ocean and Marine Conservation Groups and Local Businesses will engage with attendees through a variety of activities to educate the community on how to become more eco-friendly and help save marine life and coral reefs. View details.
