Events
Events with a sustainability focus occur year-round. If you have an event idea or wish to collaborate, please email sustainability@charlotte.edu. The most concentrated and coordinated periods are celebrations of Campus Sustainability Month (October) and Earth Month (April).
All upcoming events hosted by the Office of Sustainability are also listed on our Niner Engage page.
upcoming
Norms Vintage Market
Date: Thursday, Feb 20, 11am -5pm
Location: CHHS/CoEd Plaza
Stop by and shop a unique selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, and more! There will be 30+ vendors, a food truck, and music.
40th Witherspoon Lecture Asks What A Biblical Monster Can Teach Us About Ecological Crisis
Date: Monday, Feb 24 5pm – 7:30pm
Location: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City
The 40th Annual Loy H. Witherspoon Lecture, “Loving Behemoth: Queer Animality, Ecospirituality, and Biblical Interpretation,” will be presented by Ken Stone, Ph.D., Distinguished Service Professor and Professor of Bible, Culture, and Hermeneutics at Chicago Theological Seminary. In an ecological crisis, the lecture examines the question: can biblical interpretation foster a spirituality that encourages “biophilia,” a love of living things? How might queer studies, with its attention to unconventional attachments, contribute to such an ecospirituality?
International Speaker Series: Luxembourg’s Role in International Affairs, Contributions to Economic Innovation, and Leadership in Sustainability and Financial Services
Date: Tuesday, Feb 25 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Location: Halton Reading Room, Atkins Library
Join the Office of International Programs, Department of Global Studies, World Affairs Council of Charlotte, and Atkins Library for the annual International Speaker Series event featuring Nicole Binter-Bakshian, the Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the United States. Ms. Bintner-Bakshian will provide unique insights into the strong and enduring relationship between Luxembourg and the U.S., highlighting areas of collaboration in diplomacy, trade, and global security.
Nature Therapy Walk
Date: Saturday, Mar 1 9am – 12pm
Location: Van Landingham Glen, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Join Jennifer Bueno-Hutchens, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), for a relaxing 2.5 to 3-hour stroll through the forest at Van Landingham Glen. Through a series of invitations, you will have an opportunity to focus on being present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer.
This event is free for UNC Charlotte students, faculty, and staff but space is limited.
Gratitude in the Gardens
Dates: Sunday, Mar 2 3pm – 5pm
Location: Van Landingham Glen, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Join Jennifer Bueno-Hutchens, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), for silent, meditative walks through the Van Landingham Glen. These forest strolls will include meditative prompts around the practice of gratitude. Sessions may include meditative art materials as well.
This event is free for UNC Charlotte students, faculty, and staff but space is limited.
International Women’s Day Celebration
Date: Tuesday, March 11 3:30pm – 5pm
Location: Lucas Room
Each year, the Office of International Programs cordially invites members of the UNC Charlotte campus community to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women at UNC Charlotte, specifically promoting women who work toward international collaboration and understanding. The IWD celebration will recognize individuals involved in fostering international understanding and collaboration, nominated by their peers.
You are invited to nominate someone who has made an impact on the lives of women locally or globally to be recognized and celebrated on this special day. Submit nominations by February 21st, and register for the event by March 7th.
2025 UNC Charlotte HUB Expo
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 8am – 3:30pm
Location: Popp Martin Student Union
UNC Charlotte is excited to host the Small and Historically Underutilized Business Symposium 2025 on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. This year’s theme, “The Power of Networking: Making Connections that Make Cents,” highlights the importance of building valuable relationships that drive business success.
urbanCORE’s Community Engagement Showcase
Date: Wednesday, Mar 19, 3pm – 5:30pm
Location: Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City
Join urbanCORE and the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS) for a showcase highlighting the impactful, community-engaged research of UNC Charlotte scholars.
This event will feature lightning-round presentations that inspire, followed by a networking reception where you can connect with colleagues & discover new opportunities for collaboration.
Charlotte Action Research Project (CHARP) Climate Justice Event
Date: Friday, March 21st, 1pm – 2pm
Location: McEniry 124
The Charlotte Action Research Project (CHARP) forges partnerships between the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and marginalized communities in Charlotte. This event will focus on climate justice and feature the following speakers:
- Former Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts
- Ebone Lockett of Harvesting Humanity
- Tina Schull
- Dr. Michael Ewers
Anything That Rolls
Dates: Friday, March 21st and Friday, April 25th; 4pm – 6pm
Location: UNC Charlotte Main Light Rail Station
Join the Campus Sustainability Alliance, Charlotte Green Initiative, Student Government Association, Parking and Transportation Services, LIME, UREC, and the Office of Sustainability for a group bike and scooter ride across campus! Whether you’re on a bike, skateboard, scooter, rollerblades, or anything else with wheels, this event is all about movement, community, and sustainability.
Lime has a limited number of electric bikes and scooters available for those who don’t have one. Please complete the registration form and indicate interest in a Lime device, first-come-first-served.
Charlotte Harvest Exchange Market
Date: Tuesday, March 25th, 10am – 12pm
Location: Belk Plaza
Join the Levine Scholars in partnership with The Bulb for the Charlotte Harvest Exchange Market, an opportunity to stock up on free fresh produce! All produce is free, but donations are encouraged.
Student Sustainability Summit
Date: Wednesday, Mar 26, 5pm – 7pm
Location: Cone 210
Join the Office of Sustainability and the Student Government Association for a night of learning from campus researchers, student leaders, and Charlotte-based organizations about trees and landscapes at UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte region.
Speakers will include Heather Brent (TreesCharlotte) and Dr. Sara Gagne (Chair and Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology at UNC Charlotte).
More information coming soon, RSVP on Niner Engage below.
April is Earth month!
Earth Day Festival
Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 10am – 2pm (rain date Thursday, April 10th)
Location: Belk Plaza
Join the Office of Sustainability and 30+ organizations from UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte region for our kickoff to Earth Month! This annual event will feature student-led organizations, campus departments, local nonprofits, and government agencies sharing their work to support environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts.
Schul Forum Community Data Day
Date: Thursday, April 3, 12pm – 5pm
Location: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City
Join the Charlotte Urban Institute + Regional Data Trust for a Schul Forum Community Data Day at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. After engaging in “So What?” sessions, a moderated panel discussion, and a culminating reception to honor our Gambrell Faculty Fellows, attendees will leave feeling inspired to harness the power of data to better shape the world around them.
Stay tuned for more details.
Earth Month Game Night
Date: Friday, April 11th, 5pm – 7pm
Location: Norm’s Gameroom (Popp-Martin Student Union)
A night of environmental and climate-themed games to celebrate Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week. Challenge yourself to a game of Catan, strategize in National Park Monopoly, or try something new! Feel free to bring your own (environmental-themed) game and some friends.
Student Garden Day
Date: Friday, April 18th, 9am – 2pm
Location: Student Gardens, Staff Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Student Pantry Gardens
Help us revitalize the gardens on campus! Spend a day outside with the Office of Sustainability, Pollinator Club, and other student organizations and put your green thumb to work.
Registration is required for this event, more information coming soon.
Party for the Planet
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd, time TBD
Location: Belk Plaza
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than a party for the planet? Join student clubs, campus groups, and off-campus organizations for a fun evening full of earth-friendly activities and entertainment!
More details coming soon.
Wear, Care, Repair: A Clothes Mending Workshop
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd, 1-3pm
Location: Area 49 Makerspace, Atkins Library 2nd Floor
April is Earth Month and the perfect time to make your closet more sustainable. Avoid fast fashion by repairing or repurposing the clothes you have. Don’t know how to sew on a button? Not sure how to mend or patch a torn pair of pants? Want help thinking of something to turn that old t-shirt into? Drop by the Area 49 Makerspace for sewing machines, hand-sewing materials, buttons, patches, and basic instructions to help you give new life to your old clothes.
2025 CoAAPalooza Spring Arts Festival
Date: Friday, April 25th, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Arts Quad (in between Robinson, Storrs, and Rowe)
CoAAPalooza is an annual spring arts festival run by students for students! CoAAPalooza gives students within the College of Arts + Architecture the chance to meet peers outside of their departments and see all that CoA+A has to offer! The even will feature food trucks, COAA student organizations, performances, and yard games.
UNC Charlotte STEAM Innovation Expo
Date: Saturday, April 27th, 12pm – 4pm
Location: CHHS Plaza
An annual event hosted as part of the 2025 NC Science Festival that will feature activities, talks, tours, exhibits, and performances from UNC Charlotte STEM departments and community stakeholders.
Off Campus Events
Sustain Charlotte Connects: What now? The power of local action
Date: Thursday, Feb 20, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Town Brewing Co. (800 Grandin Rd)
Join Sustain Charlotte and local leaders to hear inspiring examples of how people are working together at the local level in Charlotte to build momentum on critical sustainability issues – and how you can join the movement.
Sustain Charlotte Ambassador Training
Date: Wednesday, Feb 26, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Sustain Charlotte offices, 1100 S Mint Street, Charlotte, NC 28208
Join Sustain Charlotte for a free, 2-hour training session to become a Sustain Charlotte ambassador! Volunteers will be guided through an initial staff presentation about the mission and history of Sustain Charlotte and have a chance to learn about efforts being taken today to generate a healthier, more equitable, and vibrant community.
At the end of this training, attendees will be issued a certificate of completion to signify their new knowledge and encourage them to take the next step: attending their first outreach event!
Charlotte SEAP Community Review Event
Date: Thursday, March 6, 5:30pm – 8pm
Location: Belmont Regional Center (700 Parkwood Avenue Charlotte, NC 28205)
Join the Charlotte Office of Sustainability and Resilience as they introduce the SEAP Update Draft Goals to the general public. The event will be a drop-in style event with review and feedback stations and plenty of time for networking. Add your voice to the chorus of ideas to make Charlotte a more sustainable and resilient city!
Charlotte Earth Day
Date: Saturday, April 12th, 12pm – 4pm
Location: The Independent Picture House (4237 Raleigh St., Suite 4, Charlotte, NC 28213) – off the light rail line
Charlotte’s largest annual Earth Day celebration brings together community members to celebrate our environment, engage families with fun educational activities, foster lifelong connections with nature, and connect attendees with environmentally conscious organizations and businesses from the Charlotte area.
Charlotte Earth Day is open to all members of the community, including children and their families, young adults, educators, and everyone passionate about sustainability. The event will feature dozens of exhibitors representing Charlotte-based organizations and businesses.
Repair Cafe CLT
Date: Saturday, April 19, 12pm – 4pm
Location: Innovation Barn
Enjoy a fun-filled day of fixing things at the Innovation Barn’s Repair Café. This is the perfect place to bring in your broken items and learn how to repair them with the help of skilled volunteers. Whether it’s a wonky toaster or a wobbly chair, they’ve got you covered! So grab your broken treasures and swing by for a day of tinkering and learning.
Treetops & Tombstones: Charlotte’s Super Natural Arboretum
Date: Saturday, April 26 9am – 11am (rain date Sunday, April 27 9am – 11am)
Location: Elmwood Cemetery, 264 North Cedar St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Elmwood Cemetery is a center-city gem. But did you know it’s also a certified arboretum? Join City of Charlotte arborists and the cemeteries manager for a fascinating walking tour, where you’ll get tips on how to identify trees and discuss the City of Charlotte’s meticulous stewardship of its iconic tree canopy. You’ll also learn about the historical figures buried at this historic cemetery.
Space is limited, RSVP today!
TreeFest
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2pm – 5pm
Location: TBD
TreesCharlotte is excited to bring back TreeFest for it’s third year! This family fun tree celebration will include tree friendly arts and crafts, live music, and food trucks. TreesCharlotte will be distributing tree seedlings and will bring back their seedling potting station for anyone who would like their tree potted for them. This is a public event and free for anyone to join!
More details coming soon
Past events
Gold Rush 2025: Family Feud – Sustainability Edition
Date: Tuesday, Jan 14, 4-5pm
Location: Cone 210B
Join the Office of Sustainability, Student Government Association (SGA), and Venture Outdoor Leadership for a sustainability-themed family feud as part of Gold Rush Spring 2025! Participants will be split into teams (or “families”) to guess the most popular answers to sustainability-themed questions. Prizes will include backpacking supplies and trips offered by Venture!
Registration is required for this event. You will be assigned a team when you arrive at the event.
Student Sustainability Summit
Date: Thursday, Oct 3, 5pm – 9pm
Location: Lucas Room, Cone 341
Join the Sustainability Office and representatives from the Student Government Association to learn about ways UNC Charlotte students can make positive change on campus! This event will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet and network with SGA representatives and administrators from departments across campus, brainstorm solutions, and work together to grow sustainability initiatives at UNC Charlotte!
Campus Beautification Day
Date: Wednesday, Oct 16, 9am – 2pm (postponed from Oct 9)
Location: Gage Undergraduate Admissions Building/Lot 8
Join us for a day of cleaning and beautifying our campus! Volunteers will assist university staff in litter pick up and beautification projects.
Registration has closed for this event. If you would like to attend, please email sustainability@charlotte.edu.
Crafting Joy with Sustainable Decorations Workshop
Date: Wednesday, Oct 23, 1-3pm
Location: Atkins Library Area 49 Makerspace
A drop-in event for students and staff to make sustainable and reusable decorations. Makerspace staff provided fabric, cardboard, and other materials and several decoration types to choose from.