• Celebrate Earth Day. There are a number of ways to go green this week in celebration of Earth Day – including a river clean-up with Friends of the Big Sioux River (more locations here), a Party for the Planet at Sertoma Park and a chance to try a Big Sioux Brew at Remedy Saturday evening. Prefer wine? Gist is also hosting a "Civics Uncorked" Earth Day clean-up event. And, if you're looking for an excuse to spend a little extra time outside, the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is hosting an Earth Day event Friday evening.
  • Party in the garden. The Cliff Avenue Greenhouse is hosting a free Gourmet Garden Party Thursday evening with special discounts, gourmet food samples and giveaways every 30 minutes. Learn more here.
  • Escape the Streets. Midwest Street Medicine is bringing back its Escape the Streets event this weekend with an immersive scavenger hunt fundraising event. The goal is to raise awareness about the challenges unhoused people face in navigating support systems, while also raising money to support the work of Midwest Street Medicine. There are cash prizes available for winners. Learn more and get your tickets here.
  • Go beyond the books. The Our Savior's Lutheran Community Library is hosting a two-day Beyond the Books event Friday and Saturday with presentations from authors, book signings, vendor fair and a celebration of literature. Details and tickets here.
  • Support young artists. Art from middle and high schoolers will be on display at Mosaic on Thursday evening as part of the Emily's Hope Youth Art Showcase. This year’s theme, “Rise Above,” encouraged students to use their voices and talents to share how they rise above using substances and overcome challenges through positive expression. More details here.
  • Celebrate spring on the farm. Five Generations Fresh, a local farm in Hartford, is hosting a Spring Fling event this weekend with a coffee truck, petting zoo, seedlings and other local vendors. Details here.