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IT FOLLOWS THAT rising environmental awareness means better Earth Day parties. Below are a few green throw-downs around town.

Chattahoochee Nature Center (ENLARGE)
Captain Planet will be at the Chattahoochee Nature Center for the APril 19 Earth Day event.
City of Decatur (ENLARGE)
Jack Whitaker, a member of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church (an event sponsor), creates a fish to take home at last year's City of Decatur Earth Day Celebration, which returns April 19.
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RELATED LINKS: • Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival • Renaissance Festival • More spring festivals

Sweetwater 420 Festival — an Earth Day Celebration

Before the beer, start the day on a healthy note by running or walking a 5K road race through Candler Park. Then stick around for food, art, an environmental expo and live music featuring Steve Coffey and the Rockin' Pontoons, Suntoucher, Uncle Joe's Medicine Show, Captain Soularcat, the Last Waltz Ensemble and Outformation from noon-11 p.m. April 19. Mama's Love, Kingrat, Entropy, Erica Newell and Dubconscious, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals will be on from 12:30-9 p.m. April 20.

• THE 411: Free; $5 wristband for those ages 21 and older who want to purchase beer. Noon to 11 p.m. April 19. 12:30 to 9 p.m. April 20. Candler Park, 1500 McLendon Ave. N.E. (at Candler Park Drive), Atlanta. 404-580-1406, www.sweetwater420fest.com. 420 5K Road Race registration begins at 9:45 a.m. Race starts at 11. For details, visit www.rungeorgia.com/420fest.html or call 404-327-7738.

Arms Around Atlanta Earth Day Celebration 2008

The first of two benefits for Keep Atlanta Beautiful and Mayor Shirley Franklin's Green City Initiatives takes place at Zoo Atlanta and includes hands-on arts and crafts for kids and a world music festival featuring reggae, acoustic, R&B and spoken-word groups on the main stage at the Ford Pavilion. Interactive booths on recycling, water education and other environmental issues will be posted around the zoo.

• THE 411:Festival is free with zoo admission. Recycle your old cellphone and receive $5 off. $17.99 for adults; $12.99 for children 3-11; $13.99 for 55 and older; free for children younger than 2. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 19. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-249-5853, www.keepatlantabeautiful.org.

Arms Around Atlanta Earth Day Celebration at Glenwood Park

With more of a street fest vibe, Keep Atlanta Beautiful presents this second festival with music from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., including blues, Americana and classical dance from India; a children's area; local-merchant and environmental booths; and food and drinks by Vickery's, Perk coffee shop and Vino Libro. Mayor Franklin presents Stepping Lightly Awards at noon.

• THE 411: Free. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 26. At the corner of Garrett and Bartram streets, off exit 59A, Glenwood Ave., from I-20. 404-249-5853, www.keepatlantabeautiful.org.

Earth Day Kids Fest

Eco-friendly activities include live entertainment, a visit from Captain Planet, music from Lanny "Earthman" Smith, interactive booths from more than 20 environmental organizations, crafts, face painting, and a chance to become a "weather reporter" using the Weather Channel's Weather Wall.

• THE 411: $5; ride your bike for free admission. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 19. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055, www.chattnaturecenter.com.

City of Decatur Earth Day Celebration

A family-centric, earthy bash at Harmony Park in Oakhurst has environmental storytelling by Barry Stewart Mann at 10 a.m. and noon; snake demonstrations by Steve Scruggs of Let's Get Wild at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; music with the Melinda Kinglsey Band at noon and 2 p.m.; children's arts and crafts; a rainwater-collection demonstration and plant sale by the Oakhurst Community Garden; and informational booths. The garden, which is down the street at 435 Oakview Road, will hold a separate Earth Day celebration the following day including a drumming activity, face painting, treasure hunt, goats, cake contest and a reading of "Tim and Sally's Vegetable Garden."

• THE 411: City of Decatur Earth Day. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 19. Harmony Park, East Lake Drive and Oakview Road, Decatur. 404-377-0494, www.decaturga.com.

• THE 411: Earth Day Celebration at Oakhurst Community Garden. Free. 2-4 p.m. April 20. 435 Oakview Road, Decatur. 404-371-1920, www.oakhurstgarden.org.

Party in the Park

For a more uptown, adult-friendly evening, this benefit for Earth Share of Georgia includes live music, food by Whole Foods Market and a silent auction with deals on getaways, outdoor gear, art and jewelry.

• THE 411: 7-10 p.m. April 19. $50. Atlantic Station, 17th and District streets, Atlanta. 404-873-3173, www.earthsharega.org.