The Flaming Lips to Headline Earth Day Event on National Mall

I just got this news via e-mail newsletter from the Earth Day Network, although it looks like a press release went out yesterday.

The big Earth Day event on the National Mall this Sunday, April 19 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. will feature performers The Flaming Lips, Los Lobos, DJ Spooky and others. Actor Chevy Chase will emcee the event. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will be one of the speakers, along with Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network, actor Matthew Modine, Philippe Pierre Jacques-Yves Arnault Cousteau Jr., and Rep. Edward Markey, U.S. House of Representatives.

This year's event will also mark the launch of a new Green Generation Campaign and the kickoff of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010.

Plus, there will be an Eco-Roadshow on the Mall, with exhibits from non-profits, companies striving to go green, government agencies and foreign embassies.

If you can't make it, check out the live stream of the event from www.MySpace.com/GreenAppleFestival; http://www.earthday.net/www.GreenAppleFestival.com; and http://www.earthdaytv.net/.

Will you go down to the Mall for this? Have you gone in the past?

More events: Clean-Energy Open House and the Earth Day 5K

If you're looking for some green stuff to do this weekend, here are some more options in Montgomery County, Md.

• Clean-Energy Open House and Native Plant Garden Tour: Saturday, April 18 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in Takoma Park. Free. Tour a house which is 95 percent powered by renewable energy (if it's sunny you might see the electric meter run backwards!). See hybrid, electric and biodiesel cars. Learn how to landscape your yard with native plants. The event is sponsored by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and the Chesapeake Native Nursery. [I'm a CCAN member and used to show off my Prius there in 2003 when hybrids were kind of new.]
• Earth Day 5K Run: This takes place Sunday, April 19 at 8:00 a.m. in Silver Spring, Md., and is being presented by Pacers Running Stores to benefit The Nature Conservancy. It's Metro-accessible and racers will get an organic t-shirt, complimentary bamboo socks and a reusable tote bag. The water stops will feature compostable paper products. By doing this run, you can stay in shape and help the planet!

Earth Day events in the Washington, DC, region

Earth Day is April 22, less than two weeks from now. Earth Day events will take place throughout the month, often on the weekends. I did some quick Web surfing and found these local events:

• Earth Day on the National Mall: Yes, there will be a big event and a concert downtown. It will happen Sunday, April 19. The Earth Day Network and Green Apple Festival are teaming up to produce it. No exact schedule is available yet, nor is a list of bands. I'll try to get the info ASAP. Meanwhile, check out Earth Day on the National Mall and from Planet Green, the Volunteer Central page, where you can find Earth Day volunteer opportunities in conjunction with the festival and concert.
• Anacostia River Cleanup and Celebration: Takes place April 18 at 30 sites in D.C., Prince George's County and Montgomery County. Organized by the Anacostia Watershed Society.
• Volunteer Projects in Montgomery County, Md.: These are happening all month long. The county has an info page for Earth Day 2009 here.
• Alexandria Earth Day 2009: This event will take place Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Ben Brenman Park. The theme is "Alternative Transport."
• Earth Day at Loudoun 2009: There seem to be two events happening on two different days in Loudoun County, Va.: An Earth Day Family Dinner at American Flatbread, Wednesday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m.; and an Earth Day Festival at Willow Creek Farm by Clyde's, Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring live music and animal shows.
• EPA's eCycling Day 2009: Bring your unwanted computer or computer-related equipment for free recycling. Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Plateau at National Harbor in P.G. County, Md.
• A Benefit Concert for All Creation: Music by Robin and Linda Williams, Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville, Md. The concert benefits Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light Organization.

The Earth Day Network's site has an event locator where you can find more events near you.

Want to mention another event? Leave a comment and post the info (and a link). Or e-mail it to mail at greenlistdc.org.