ROCHESTER – MI Earth Day Fest is returning to Rochester in April 2017 after the Rochester City Council approved its application this week.

The 12th annual green and healthy living festival will return to its original downtown Rochester location on the recently-improved 60,000 ft lot and adjacent streets at Third & Water, where crowds estimated by city officials at 70,000 have gathered to celebrate Earth Day in the past.

The site will accommodate more exhibits, activities and attendance than that used for the past three years. The lot has been improved with water-permeable paving to increase ground stability and footing during wet weather.

Closer proximity to Rochester’s downtown will improve event-goers access to downtown businesses, parking and restaurants. With that in mind, the event is closing earlier on Saturday, at 6 PM, to encourage local downtown dining by festival-goers. Although near downtown, the event site is close to the Paint Creek and Clinton River waterways and trails, which will allow convenient access to these natural attractions for special events.

The festival will offer all of the attractions of past years, including:

  • 100+ exhibits at 10 shopping venues from Auto Alley to Wellness Way,
  • a Kids Korner with straw-bale pyramid, tower climb and family-friendly activities, 
  • a Main Stage with live entertainment from popular headliner and local talent, 
  • a large Connect Cafe tent with community round-tables and a dedicated presentation stage, 
  • as well as MI Green Hall of Fame & My Green School Art awards, parade and other festivities.

Planning is underway for several special events, including: 

  • RARA Earth Day 5K and bike tours along Rochester trails,
  • cooperative programs, contests and awards with area schools,
  • Earth Day documentary screenings in an indoor venue, 
  • DIY workshops such as rain-barrel construction and raised-bed gardening, 
  • and tours of Rochester’s award-winning downtown and natural attractions.

Event participants will benefit from a marketing and publicity effort unmatched by comparable events, including: $100,000+ in donated major media advertising, major news coverage with multiple live TV feeds, a popular event website and Facebook page, and generous community support. With this promotional effort, a larger venue, and many special events, MI Green Team expects continued growth in event participation and attendance.

Green and healthy living sponsors, exhibitors, community groups, presenters and volunteers are invited to participate. Information and applications are available at www.miEDF.com, click PARTICPATE, or by contacting MI Green Team at [email protected] or 248-805-1477.  


What:  12 Annual MI Earth Day Fest
When:  April 21-23, 2017: Fri 4-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 10-4
Where: Third & Water Streets, Rochester, MI
Who:   MI Green Team, [email protected]