MI Earth Day Fest Layout

So Much to See & Do!

Festival Layout

The MI Earth Day Fest will be located at Third & Water Streets in downtown Rochester one block east of Main Street. The outdoor festival site covers more than 200,000 sq/ft of lots and roads, and includes more than 50,000 sq/ft of tent-covered exhibits, walkways, dining areas, stages, activity areas, seating and even a petting farm. With that much coverage, you can enjoy the festivities, rain or shine!

Welcome Tents are provided at each entrance. There you can pick up a program, complete a door prize drawing entry form, get directions from a friendly volunteer, and make a donation. We suggest five dollars but every contribution is appreciated and everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to donate.

The Information Booth is located on the northwest corner of Third & Water Streets. Festival staff will be on hand to answer questions and give directions, provide updated program materials, including the exhibitor list with booth assignments. A Door Prize table will display prizes and winning entries. Promotional items, including the official t-shirt, will be available for sale. If you missed these at the entrance, programs and entry forms will be available, as well.

Wellness Way occupies the “upper” parking lot, west of Water Street and south of Third. It includes the exhibits of healthcare practitioners, wellness media, and many health-related products. Activities and presentations will be scheduled throughout the weekend in the Wellness Stage tent (see Program Schedule) and free massages offered in the Massage Tent. A large labyrinth will provide space for contemplation for adults and play for kids (closed in the event of rain or wet pavement).

Farmers’ Row includes the exhibits of more than 30 local farmers and producers. It is located on both sides of Water Street, north of Third Street. Exhibitors will offer a wide variety of local, organic and natural food products, as well as other items produced locally. Food-related media and advocacy groups round out the exhibitor line-up.

Auto Alley is Water Street, south of Third. Check out a wide variety of the latest electric, hybrid and bio-fueled automobiles, vehicles and equipment.

The GEEP Electronics Recycling drive-thru collection station is located near the south end of Water Street in the Firehouse parking lot. Bring all your electronic equipment waste and dispose of it safely, conveniently and properly. Ask about special parking availability after making your contribution.

Renewables Road can be found on the north side of Third Street, just east of Water Street. It will showcase state-of-the-art solar and wind energy systems, geothermal and solar heating and cooling technology, energy conservation products and services, and many industry leaders from around the state.

The Food Court and Dining Café tents are located in the “lower” parking lot on the southeast corner of Third & Water Streets. Whole Foods Market will headline food service vendors offering healthy, natural/organic, delicious meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. A covered dining area is located nearby, where you can enjoy presentations on the Main Stage, while you dine. When you're done, make sure to pitch your food scraps, compostable plates, cups and serving-ware in the nearby recycling bins. Overnight they will be turned into compost in the on-site bio-digester.

The Main Stage, located in the Dining Café tent, will offer a full schedule of engaging and educational presentations. The Film Theater, just inside the north entrance of the Firehouse, will screen several important documentary films. See the Program Schedule and Presentations pages in this guide for details. Check Program signs around the festival for updates and additions.

The Hike & Bike area is located at the east end of Third Street. The climbing tower will be hard to miss, but Oakland County Parks will offer many other fun activities including GoBike! and GoCache!. Hike & Bike exhibits will double as gathering points for nature walks on the beautiful Paint Creek and Clinton River Trails, both within short walking distance of the festival.

North of Third Street and east of Water is a large grass lot where many festival exhibits and activities will take place, including (from west to east) the Art Fair, Kids’ Corner, Connections Café, Media Center and Green Living areas.

The Orion Art Center will host an Art Fair tent, with several local artists offering natural, recycled and earth-friendly works of art for purchase.

The Kids’ Corner includes free exhibits, farm animal petting and straw bale climb, as well as pony rides and face painting for a small fee. Fun and education presentations and activities will be offered in the Kids Stage & Activities area. See the Program Schedule and Presentation pages for details.

The Connections Café is where non-profit organizations and government programs provide green education and advocacy exhibits as well as roundtable discussion. An Internet Café will be added to support on-going connection to these groups and to on-line resources.

The Green Living area includes exhibits for Green Home, Living and B2B (business to business). A wide variety of eco-friendly products and services for your home, your business and your life will be offered by many of the leading green business in the areas.

The Media Center tent houses the exhibits of our major media sponsors, including CBS radio and TV affiliates, and the Oakland Press, Macomb Daily and Daily Tribune newspapers, reaching a total combined total of millions of households with an impressive array of green programs and initiatives, as well as the MI Earth Day message.

In the northeast corner of the festival, in the large Party Tent east of the Rochester Mills Beer Co. building, musical entertainment will be offered and organic food and drink will be available from Mind, Body & Spirits – Inspired Dining throughout weekend afternoons. The Party Tent will be the place to be for the Preview Party on Thursday and for the inaugural Party for the Planet on Friday and Saturday evenings.