San Diego Earth Fair

The annual EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. EarthFair 2016 will be our 27th annual event! Each year, the EarthFair draws around 60,000 visitors.

Produced by 400 volunteers, EarthFair 2016 will feature more than 300 exhibitors, special theme areas, a Food Pavilion, a special Children’s Activity Area, five entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery art show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse.

Exhibitors

Our exhibitors form the heart of EarthFair. They represent every type of environmental organization, governmental program and commercial enterprise with goods, services and causes that address our environment and quality of life. Our exhibitor fees are graduated to allow everyone to participate, from the smallest organization to the largest corporation.

It’s impossible to list everything you’ll find at EarthFair: traditional conservation organizations, wildlife preservation groups, products made from natural and organically grown crops, organic gardening information, alternative energy vehicles, ecotourism opportunities, many alternative and traditional health care products and services, pet adoption services, clean air and clean water products, rainforest preservation groups … the list goes on and on.

Special for Kids

In our Children’s Activity Area you’ll find crafts, games, face painting, storytelling, and a hands-on activities for children of all ages. Activities are intended to educate, entertain and inspire youth, in the spirit of Earth Day. This year, participants will learn to make paper, find out about recycling, make gift cards from recycled materials, and learn how to visit wild areas without disturbing the environment. Our Children’s Stage features youth-oriented performances throughout the day. And be sure to visit the Magic Stage, in front of the Lily Pond on El Prado, for the Dr. Wilderness Family Magic Show.

Entertainment

EarthFair will feature five stages. We’ve already mentioned the Children’s Stage, featuring music, song and storytelling aimed at the younger set. The Moon Stage (at Park and Presidents Way) and Sun Stage (behind the Federal Building) will feature a variety of contemporary music by local artists.

The Dr. Wilderness Family Magic Show returns to Balboa Park for the 15th year with a spectacular program on the “Magic Stage” directly in front of the Lilly Pond. Dr. Wilderness was named “America’s Premier Environmental Magician” by the Audubon Society, and has performed more than 3,500 school shows in San Diego. Shows are at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Come early and grab a good seat. Great family Fun!

eHome

Our eHome exhibit area showcases products and technologies that can make your home more environmentally sustainable. If you’re building a new structure, or adding to an existing home, alternative home-building technologies, such as straw bale and steel-frame construction, will be of interest. Find out about energy- and resource-saving products and materials, like energy-efficient appliances and low-E windows. A wide variety of solar electric systems – available now, to help you get off the grid – will be shown.

eARTh Gallery

The eARTh Gallery features works by San Diego artists and craftsmen, using recycled materials or showing depictions of “Endangered Spaces” in San Diego County. The artwork will be presented on the lawn area next to Presidents Way and Park Blvd (by our food court, exhibit area 9).

Food Pavilion

Tired of the nitrate-filled hot dogs and sugar-loaded sodas you usually get at large public events? Then step right up to our Food Pavilions in the Plaza de Panama and Park & Presidents Way for a change of pace. You’ll find out-of-the-ordinary vegetarian fare that will make you wish it was available in the park all year long.

Children’s Earth Parade

The Children’s Earth Parade (All Species Welcome) starts at 10:30 am by the Spanish Village and marches through the Park to the Children’s Area in the Pan American Plaza. Participants are invited to dress up as endangered species, present their favorite earth-friendly messages.

Cleaner Car Concourse

The Cleaner Car Concourse features vehicles of all descriptions that all run on alternative fuels (hybrids included). This isn’t just “the future”: these are vehicles being used on the road today. The vehicles will be on display in the Pan American Plaza.

Zero Waste

The EarthFair goal is to be a zero-waste event, meaning that everything that is discarded is either recycled, reused or composted. And an event the size of EarthFair can generate tons of waste. Last year, we diverted 90% of EarthFair waste from the landfill!

Let’s do even better this year. When you have something to discard, look for one of the 30 Zero Waste Stations with the black, blue and green containers. A “trash talker” at each station will help make sure your discards go in the right bin – and can answer any of your recycling questions.