Community Partner Earth Day Celebrations at Tom Tom
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival kicks off on Earth Day, and there's no better way to celebrate than with climate-focused events that bring our community together. You'll find film screenings that spark conversation, hear youth perspectives on environmental storytelling, and get to celebrate the Earth through mindful movement. Local leaders will be on hand to explore practical climate solutions, and you can learn how to transform a yard into a thriving habitat for our region’s 400+ species of pollinators and other wildlife.
These community-led events honor the important work happening year-round to advance environmental progress, both locally and beyond. Whether you're a longtime advocate or just beginning to explore how you can make a difference, these Tom Tom Community Partner Programs offer meaningful ways to connect with neighbors who share your commitment to building a healthier, more resilient future.
Holding the Line: Local Courage for Climate Progress
WED Apr 22, 5pm–6:30pm | Level 10
Take in Level 10’s views of the C’ville skyline while learning about practical solutions for cleaner energy, smarter development, and healthier neighborhoods. Whether you’re already a climate advocate or wondering where to start, this Citizen’s Climate Lobby event is the place to connect, get inspired, and advance our community’s climate progress.
Bee Wild Documentary Premier
WED Apr 22, 7pm–10:30pm | Violet Crown
Bee Wild explores the hidden lives of wild bees and the ecosystems that sustain them. Created by award-winning filmmakers Rebecca and Josh Tickell, and executive produced by Angelina Jolie, the documentary will segue into a candid discussion with local and state leaders on pollinator health in our region. Round out the evening by raising a glass to pollinators everywhere. On offer: honey mead from Thistlerock Mead Company’s regenerative flower farm and local wine from Oakencroft Winery.
The Climate Film Challenge
WED Apr 22, 6pm–7:30pm | Vinegar Hill Theater
Cheer on the next generation of environmental filmmakers with this screening of productions by youth presented by Light House Studio and the Community Climate Collaborative (C3). Created through a series of workshops for students grades 7-12, the films reflect engagement with lessons in how to communicate ideas clearly and effectively through film.
Earth Day Ecstatic Dance
THUR Apr 23, 6:30pm–8:30pm
The McGuffey Art Center Lawn comes alive with an Earth Day dance party. Led by Cville Dance Co-op, the celebration begins with a ceremony to connect with the Earth then moves into free-form expressive movement, allowing dancers to move in harmony with the natural world. All ages, family-friendly, and substance-free, this gathering welcomes anyone who wishes to celebrate our planet through mindful connection.
Courageous Conversations:
Real Talk, Real Change
SAT Apr 25, 9:30am–2pm | start at YMCA
Join one or more parts of this courageous series! At 9:30am, gather at the Charlottesville Family YMCA for a Peace Walk to the Live Arts Theater, for a youth panel on courage, sustainability, and the future with local leaders like Charlottesville City Mayor, Juandiego Wade. Stick around for a community movement session on the Downtown Mall.
Dare to Go Wild
SAT Apr 25, 11am–1pm | Darden Towe Park
Piedmont Discovery Center and the Peabody School share how a restoration project is transforming a barren field of grass into a thriving meadow of native plants. You'll learn the whys and hows of rewilding your own yard. As if that’s not cool enough, you’ll even have the chance to take home native plants from Hummingbird Hill.
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About the Community Partner Programs
This year’s Tom Tom Festival includes 60+ events hosted by our Community Partners. By sharing their skills, interests, and missions, these partners help ensure that whatever your interests, there’s a Festival event for you. Join us as we come together to learn, connect, and be inspired by the passionate people and programs that shape our community!
