GreenFest: Embrace Your Green Journey

Aug. 6-7 | Noon – 5 p.m.

Free with Zoo admission | Free for members

GreenFest 2022 is here! Presented by DTE, this two-day weekend festival will open new doors to environmental stewardship for attendees of all ages.

The 2022 theme “Embrace Your Green Journey!” is both a challenge and invitation. No matter where you are in your readiness to adopt new practices, from “green” sympathizer to skeptic, GreenFest is about showing what is possible through fun activities and educational displays. You will leave equipped with resources to live greener, take care of the planet and improve your quality of life.

Be sure to pack your reusable water bottle and tote bag and get ready to “Embrace Your Green Journey!”

 

GREENFEST MAP

 

What can you expect at GreenFest?

ENTERTAINMENT

Live Music

We have an eclectic music lineup planned to set the soundtrack of this weekend extravaganza.

  • Green Beats, a drumline playing on repurposed instruments, will be playing Saturday and Sunday at the Main Picnic Grove.
  • DJ Big Ben will be playing Saturday and Sunday at the Main Picnic Grove.
  • Patrick Fitzgibbon will be playing Saturday only at the Consumers Energy Events Pavilion.
  • Devyn Mitchell will be playing Saturday only at the Rackham Fountain.
  • Maria Rose & Beni will be playing Sunday only at the Consumers Energy Events Pavilion.
  • Sam Van Wagoner will be playing Sunday only at the Rackham Fountain.

 

Habitat Chats

Learn about the animals at the Detroit Zoo from the people who know them best — our staff and volunteers!

  • 12:30 p.m. — Panamanian golden frogs at the National Amphibian Conservation Center
  • 1:30 p.m. — Penguins at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center
  • 2:30 p.m. — Anaerobic digester near Buddy’s Pizza
  • 3:30 p.m. — Polar bears at the Arctic Ring of Life
  • 4:30 p.m. — Massasauga rattlesnakes at the Holden Reptile Conservation Center

 

ACTIVITIES

Complimentary Yoga Sessions

Yoga sessions taught by a certified instructor will be taking place throughout the weekend at the Consumers Energy Events Pavilion.

Session schedule:

  • 12:30 to 1 p.m.
  • 2 to 2:30 p.m.
  • 3:30 to 4 p.m.

 

Green Showcase

The Main Picnic Grove will be host to educational booths and engaging activities featuring local environmental organizations.

 

DZS Activity Tent

DZS volunteers will run educational booths and activities across from the Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat.

 

Sorting Stations

Sponsored by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), guests will be able to sort their own waste into three categories: landfill, recycling or compost. Keep an eye out for EGLE’s Recycling Racoon mascot! Sorting stations will be located near the Carousel and Buddy’s Pizza.

 

Arts & Scraps

Reduce, reuse, recycle! Learn how to repurpose your scraps into priceless works of art at the Ford Education Center Plaza. This activity is inspired by visiting art exhibition Sayaka Ganz: Reclaimed Creations, which you can visit inside the Ford Education Center.

 

Thumbprint Pledge

Make a pledge to live greener by marking your thumbprint on a tree mural near the Chrysler Main Station. Take your pledge one step further by planting your complimentary pollinator seed packet around your neighborhood.

 

DINING

Green Food Trucks

 

Additional Dining Options

  • Table 28 will highlight green food options throughout the weekend. Be sure to try the specialty vegan shake!
  • Buddy’s Pizza, Boardwalk Station and Detroit-Style Coney Dogs will also be open.

 

SHOPPING

A sustainable marketplace shopping experience will take place throughout the weekend. Be sure to bring your own reusable bag to enjoy everything our vendors have to offer!

  • Bee Present Honey will be selling beeswax and honey products, along with pollinator pals.
  • The End Grain Woodworking Co. will offer a variety of home décor made from reclaimed wood.
  • Walking Lightly will present sustainable products and information about the refillable options at its Ferndale location.
  • The Detroit Zoo’s service provider SSA Group will offer a pop-up stand featuring sustainable products.

 

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

Pics or it didn’t happen! Share your commitment to the planet by posting a selfie taken at one of our two themed backdrops. You can find a chalkboard mural at the main gates and a giant photo frame at the Rackham Fountain.

 

GREENFEST MAP

 
 

Are you ready to “embrace your green journey” at GreenFest 2022?

Of course, you are! Make your way to the Zoo to learn how to make the world a greener place at this fun, family-friendly event.