350 Sacramento

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 16, 2024

Sacramento, California: 350 Sacramento – a grassroots climate justice organization –  will host its seventh annual Ode to Earth festival at the Southside Park Amphitheater on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Ode to Earth is a vibrant celebration of arts, culture, and the planet, featuring a diverse array of performances, with live music, dance, spoken word, as well as visual art displays. The event also includes local food vendors, environmental and social justice exhibitors, and opportunities to learn about clean energy and the climate.

Although the annual event has previously served as a fundraiser with paid entry, this year marks the first iteration that is free to attend. Other distinguishing features of Ode to Earth 2024 include youth leadership and a national campaign connection.

Youth-Led Festival

Young climate activists have played a key role in the 2024 event, which includes an intergenerational planning committee, youth writing contest, and several “Gen Z” artists and performers.

“As youth activists, we had a strong incentive to create this event for our community,” said Gianna Acquisto, a high school senior at Natomas Charter School. “Our goal was to invite people of all ages into the conversation about building a beautiful and sustainable future. From poetry and dance, to music and murals, we want to create systemic change through the inspirational power of the arts.”

“Gianna’s positive leadership style has inspired the team to remain focused and energized throughout the planning process,” said Patricia Moore, Executive Director of 350 Sacramento. “Through Ode to Earth, she and the other youth activists are creating a vision of the future they want – one that involves community, arts, and living in harmony with the natural world. This takes hard work, but we believe it can, and should, also be joyful.”

National Connection

A network of independent 350.org affiliates, known as the 350 Network Council (350NC), has dedicated the week of August 12 – 18 to launch the national campaign advocating for public utilities. Because Ode to Earth lands on the final day of this week of action, and 350 Sacramento is uniquely situated as the only 350NC member currently served by a public utility (SMUD), this event will also provide education about how to get involved with SMUD’s clean energy solutions.

According to Moore, “Because our public utility messaging is more of a ‘how to engage’ than a protest, it was easy to blend what might otherwise be a heavy subject into a lively community celebration.”

To integrate the utility campaign with the arts festival, Ode to Earth planners wrote and illustrated a short educational booklet, “Powered by Community,” to align with the artistic and celebratory theme of the festival.

Disclaimer: While SMUD is an Ode to Earth 2024 sponsor, this donation was arranged before the utility campaign was integrated into the festival. SMUD’s involvement in the event is independent of the 350NC utility campaign.

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About Ode to Earth

Ode to Earth is 350 Sacramento’s signature annual event, bringing together art, community, and environmental action. The seventh Ode to Earth festival takes place Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Southside Park, located at 2115 6th Street in Sacramento, California. More information can be found online at 350sacramento.org/ode-to-earth.

About 350 Sacramento

350 Sacramento is a grassroots climate justice organization located in downtown Sacramento, California. Through advocacy, education, and the power of community, we pursue active solutions and policies that support a future where all people are free to breathe fresh air, access clean energy, and live in a safe, healthy environment.

350 Sacramento is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 45-5552234). For more information, please visit 350sacramento.org.

Contact: Patricia Moore, Executive Director, 350 Sacramento
Email: Patricia@350sacramento.org
Phone: (209) 327-3629