Earth Day is approaching (Tuesday, April 22nd), and with it a time to reflect on what wonders Mother Nature provides and how best we can take care of this beautiful planet. Lucky for New Yorkers, the city has thrown an annual Car-Free Earth Day event for the past nine years, and this year will be no different!
Earth Day is a global phenomenon kickstarted by activism in the 1960s and 1970s. The first official Earth Day even led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Millions of Americans gathered in protest at the first Earth Day in 1970, and the celebratory day has continuously grown and evolved for climate change advocacy.
You can take part in the celebrations right here in NYC and make your own impact. Read along to find out everything you need to know about Car-Free Earth Day 2025, from dates to participating streets and so on.
Car-Free Earth Day 2025 overview
Car-Free Earth Day is an annual event that shuts down numerous streets in NYC to car traffic to promote activism, sustainability, and education surrounding climate change. The tradition dates back to 2016, where it only operated in Manhattan. Now the event spans across the five boroughs, linking Open Streets, plazas and 1,000 miles of NYC’s Bike Network.
Car-Free Earth Day 2025 date
2025’s Car-Free Earth Day will take place a few days after Earth Day on Saturday, April 26th. The event typically runs from 10am to 4pm.
Car-Free Earth Day 2025 participating streets
Signature events will held at:
The Bronx
- East 188 Street between East Fordham Road and Valentine Avenue
- Creston Avenue between East 188 Street to East Fordham Road
- Valentine Avenue between East 188 Street and East Fordham Road
Brooklyn
- Fifth Avenue between 40 Street to 50 Street
Manhattan
- Broadway between 17 Street and 46 Street
- St. Nicholas Avenue between 181 Street and 190 Street
- Dyckman Street between Broadway and La Marina/Inwood Hill Park
Queens
- Woodside Avenue between 75 Street and 78 Street
Staten Island
- Port Richmond Avenue between Richmond Terrace and Castleton Avenue
You can explore the official Car-Free Earth Day map here, with 53 event locations across the five boroughs.
- The Bronx – 9 locations
- Brooklyn – 18 locations
- Manhattan – 16 locations
- Queens – 8 locations
- Staten Island – 2 locations
Car-Free Earth Day 2025 programming
New Yorkers can expect art installations, special performances and plenty of educational opportunities to learn more about our planet and how to protect it.
Lyft will even offer free 30-minute rides on classic Citi Bikes by entering the code CARFREENYC25 on the “Day Pass” section of the Citi Bike app.
Keep track of the latest updates on Car-Free Earth Day 2025 on NYC DOT’s website.