San Marcos Celebrates Earth Day

San Marcos will celebrate Earth Day on April 21 and 22 in San Marcos Plaza Park (401 E Hopkins) at the 72° Earth Day Festival.

There will be something for everyone: live music, art, a kid’s area, educational booths, and more. All activities are free and open to the public.

Friday, April 21st at Sunset (8 pm) the public is invited to San Marcos Plaza Stage by the banks of the San Marcos River to view the award winning and locally produced film Yakona alongside a live performance of the score directed by the original composer Justin Sherburn and a team of accompanying musicians.

To celebrate National Poetry Month, local poets will recite poems before the screening.

Saturday, April 22nd, from 11 am – 10 pm, the park will host an all-day Music, Culture and Education Festival.

This year we will focus on the flora and fauna in and around the river with an emphasis on local endangered species.

There will be a river blessing from the Indigenous Cultures Institute, a guided meditation, and environmental and local non-profit booths will be set up on the grounds to educate attendees about water conservation, floods, drought, pollution, river ecology, and more.

The Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which manages the ecosystem for the region’s unique endangered species, will present A Journey Through the Aquifer, giving festivalgoers an in-depth and interactive educational experience.

Live music and especially songwriting have long been important aspects of San Marcos culture. The festival’s live music selection will highlight some of the most potent emerging songwriters in Central Texas including The Deer, Those Nights, David Beck, Breana Jarvis, Jenny Parrot, Ryan McGillicuddy, Nightclerk, Halleyanna Finlay, and more!

A memorial song swap will honor local songwriters Kent Finlay and Victor Holk, who both had invaluable influence on the local music scene.

We are also happy to announce that a crowd favorite, Balinese Gamelan, will be making a return to the 72° stage this year as well!

This festival’s namesake pays homage to the constant temperature of the San Marcos River (72°) and is organized by Matt Lochman, Nick Lochman, and Mary Van Zant, and in partnership with local nonprofit Sustainable San Marcos and Keep San Marcos Beautiful.

We aim to promote river awareness through art, culture, and education.

Responsible use of alcohol is allowed at this event for those over 21. Under park rules Styrofoam, glass, and smoking are not permitted.

Anyone interested in getting involved as a sponsor, vendor, educator, performer, member of the press, or volunteer should contact info@seventytwodegrees.org.