2025 John Muir Birthday and Earth Day Celebration

A Day of Nature, History, and Community

Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez, California
Admission: Free

Join us for a special event celebrating the life and legacy of John Muir. This family-friendly day of activities, exhibits, and performances highlights Muir’s contributions to conservation and encourages environmental awareness.

Event Highlights

• Meet "John Muir"
  Interact with a reenactor portraying John Muir and visit the giant sequoia he planted over 130 years ago.

• Tour the Victorian Home
  Explore Muir’s 1882 home and stroll through the surrounding historic orchards.

• Enjoy Live Music
  Listen to performances by local bands and musicians throughout the day.

• Join the Silent Auction
  Bid on unique items to support local conservation programs.

• Explore Hands-On Exhibits
  Discover interactive displays and activities for visitors of all ages.

• Attend the Awards Ceremony
  Celebrate local conservation heroes at the John Muir Conservation Awards.

• Youth Activities with Rangers
  Participate in fun, educational programs led by National Park Service rangers.

• Food & Refreshments
  Purchase meals, snacks, and beverages from a local food vendor.

Sustainability Tip:

Bring a refillable water bottle to help reduce waste.

Activitives and Times

Saturday, April 26, 2025
Programs run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Gates close at 5:00 PM
Note: Schedule is subject to change.

This family-friendly event features live music performances, interpretive storytelling and walking tours, youth activities with National Park Service rangers, and hands-on exhibits. Enjoy special presentations, guest speakers, and the John Muir Conservation Awards—all set against the beautiful backdrop of John Muir National Historic Site.

Schedule of Events

10:00 AM – Gates Open with Bagpipe Procession
10:30 AM – STAGE: Music by the Piedmont Highlanders Drums & Pipes Band
11:15 AM – Rick Najarian – California-inspired music
11:30 AM – Silent Auction Opens
11:45 AM – John Muir Live! Stories from His Life
— with Ranger Frank Helling portraying John Muir
12:15 PM – Music by the Peninsula Scottish Fiddlers
1:00 PM – John Muir Conservation Awards Ceremony
1:20 PM – John Muir Birthday Celebration
— Featuring K. Lynn Berry, General Superintendent
— Remarks by Mark Thomson, President
— Join John Muir for birthday cake!
1:50 PM – Jim Ocean Band – Eco-Flavored Fun
2:00 PM – Silent Auction Ends (must be present to win)
3:00 PM – Ancestral Water Band – Americana Roots Music
4:00 PM – Event Concludes (Gates close at 5:00 PM)

Ongoing & Additional Activities

• By the Windmill
  Junior Ranger activities with National Park Service rangers

• Self-Guided Tours
  Explore the Muir House and its grounds at your own pace — available all day

• Native Plant Talks
  Located behind Booth 22, offered periodically throughout the day

Parking and Transportation

Free parking is available at Alhambra High School (Alhambra Avenue at “D” Street). A shuttle service will provide transportation between the parking area and the event site.

Public transportation options are available. Visit 511.org, Amtrak.com, or CountyConnection.com for route information.

Have Questions?

For more details, visit the John Muir Association website or call the John Muir National Historic Site at (925) 228-8860, ext. 6400.