The Green Festival ... one of my fave events of the year

The Green Festival -- an annual event that takes place in San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Washington, DC.

Current Schedule:
San Francisco -- Friday, November 13th - Sunday, November 15th, 2009!
Chicago (May 22 - 23, 2010)
Denver (2010 dates TBA)
Seattle (2010 dates TBA)
Washington, DC (Oct 16 - 17, 2010)

Join us at the nation’s premier sustainability event, where you will see the best in green. Enjoy more than 125 renowned authors, leaders and educators; great how-to workshops; cutting-edge films; fun activities for kids; organic beer and wine; delicious vegetarian cuisine and diverse live music.

Shop in our unique marketplace of more than 350 eco-friendly businesses—everything from all-natural body care products and organic cotton clothing to Fair Trade gifts and beautiful kitchen tiles made from renewable resources.

See the most recent developments in renewable energy and green technology, and learn how to invest in your community, green your home and avoid products made in sweatshops.


Photo: Flickr by Franco Folini.

Admission to the Green Festival is very reasonable - in San Francisco the cost is $15 for all 3 days. Discounted rates for students, public transit riders, seniors, and cyclists. Free for youth under 18, Green Festival volunteers (like myself!) and members of the organizations Green America and Global Exchange.


The Green Festival has something for everyone. For example, in San Francisco this year, on Sunday night you check out the panel "Soul of Green" featuring Dead Prez, SPEECH of Arrested Development, Climbing Poetree and Davey D. Moderated by Alli-Chagi Starr.

In today's world of climate chaos and pop tune ringtones, is Hip-Hop, helping generation Y" become a generation of "Why Not's?" Come learn how conscious cultural leaders are creating a pathway for self-determination and vibrant healthy communities, especially for those often left out of this new surge of green? This panel will give space for cultural revolutionaries to share their ideas and passions. Books and merchandise to be made available after the panel.


photo: Dead Prez

dead prez, comprised of members stic man and M-1, have been the leading voice in progressive hip hop for over a decade. Their music has long been a platform to discuss issues such as police brutality, racism and poverty. Collectively, the duo has released 2 albums, 3 mix tapes and 2 solos albums making them accomplished international musicians. Their ideals and activism are not limited only to their lyrics, the group is highly active in communities throughout the world. It is this longtime community activism that brought about the lecture series “Red Black and Going Green- The Environmental Movement Remixed”. dead prez offers a “hood” centered perspective on the sustainability movement as a matter of political education, economic development, holistic health and wellness, environmental justice, community mobilization and self empowerment. This is a not to be missed discussion that will enlighten and inform.

There's also a related official Green Festival Party on Sunday night -- Info and tickets available here.




There are so many things that I love about the Green Festival. One of my favorite discoveries at Green Festival - San Francisco 2008 was the clothing vendor Kate Organic/Synergy Organic. Kate Organic is the premiere line. Synergy Organic is the more affordable line. I bought a beautiful long brown coat from their booth, and have since purchased some skirts and tops.

Here's a great example of their stuff:




To view a selection of their other stuff, go here and here.

For more info about the company check out this Treehugger article.