BERWYN, PA — From planting trees to paddling canoes, Chester County’s Earth Day Festival is turning environmental stewardship into a hands-on, family-friendly celebration.
Set across the scenic 54-acre campus of the Upper Main Line YMCA, the fourth annual festival invites residents of all ages to step outside, connect with nature, and take part in activities designed to inspire a greener future.
Hosted by State Sen. Carolyn Comitta and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, the event blends education, entertainment, and community engagement into a lively spring tradition.
“I love how the community has come together to make the Earth Day Festival an annual tradition in Chester County,” Comitta said. “It’s a time to get outside, get some exercise, and get closer to nature.”
A Day Packed With Hands-On Activities
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., families can explore a wide range of interactive experiences across the campus, including:
- Tree planting led by Shreiner Tree Care
- Canoeing and stream studies
- Bird walks and nature exploration
- Animal encounters with ambassadors from the YMCA Nature Center
- Robotics demonstrations and STEM activities
Guests are encouraged to bring a shovel and take part in the tree-planting efforts, adding a literal hands-on element to the day’s environmental focus.
Music, Food, and Community Connections
In addition to outdoor activities, the festival will feature live music performances by Em McKeever, Meadowlark, and Jim Shirey and Friends, along with face painting and fitness demonstrations from the YGBW Fit Truk.
More than 25 vendors will be on-site offering exhibits and demonstrations focused on sustainability, while food trucks will provide lunch options for purchase.
“We are especially proud to host this important event on our 54-acre campus, which serves as a living classroom,” said Brian Raicich, executive director of the Upper Main Line YMCA.
A Focus on Healthy Living
This year’s Earth Day Festival will once again coincide with the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, encouraging families to spend more time outdoors and build healthy habits together.
“Spending less time on screens and more time outdoors benefits the well-being of both families and our planet,” Raicich said.
Event Details
- What: Chester County Earth Day Festival & Healthy Kids Day
- When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Upper Main Line YMCA, 1416 Berwyn Paoli Road, Berwyn, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Free and open to the public
- More Info: https://ymcagbw.org/events/chester-county-earth-day-festival
For families looking to celebrate spring while learning how to care for the environment, this year’s Earth Day Festival offers a chance to dig in, explore, and enjoy a day outdoors together.
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