NYC's Car-Free Earth Day Returns April 25 Across 5 Boroughs

Streets will close to vehicles for a day of sustainability events, art, and free Citi Bike rides.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:08pm

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New York City's annual Car-Free Earth Day event will return on April 25, 2026, closing select streets across all five boroughs to vehicle traffic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, hosted by the city's Department of Transportation, will feature free activities, programming, public art, and music focused on climate change education and sustainability.

Why it matters

The Car-Free Earth Day event is a key part of New York City's efforts to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, which is the second largest source of emissions in the city. By temporarily closing streets to cars and promoting alternative transportation options like walking, biking, and public transit, the event aims to raise awareness about sustainable mobility and the role streets can play in fighting climate change.

The details

Dozens of streets across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island will be closed to vehicle traffic for the event. Each location will feature free activities and programming from city agencies and community organizations, as well as temporary public art installations. The DOT is also partnering with local artists to create environmentally-focused works, including Frahydel Falczuk's large-scale installation 'The Plastic Sea' that will 'evoke the sensation of being submerged in a 'sea of plastic,' as a commentary on waste and consumption.

  • The Car-Free Earth Day event will take place on April 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The event was first launched in 2016 and originally only took place in Manhattan, but has since expanded to all five boroughs.

The players

NYC Department of Transportation

The city agency hosting the annual Car-Free Earth Day event and partnering with community organizations to provide programming and activities.

Mike Flynn

The Transportation Commissioner for New York City who said the event is a reminder that streets play a critical role in the fight against climate change.

Frahydel Falczuk

A New York-based visual artist creating a large-scale public art installation called 'The Plastic Sea' for the event, which will comment on waste and consumption.

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What they’re saying

“Transportation is the second biggest source of carbon emissions in New York City, and finding ways to make clean transportation options quicker, easier, and more affordable is key.”

— Mike Flynn, Transportation Commissioner

“We encourage all New Yorkers to come out to enjoy temporary public art, programming, music, and other activities at dozens of car-free streets around New York City.”

— Mike Flynn, Transportation Commissioner

What’s next

The DOT will release a full map of all car-free street locations and programming details in the weeks leading up to the April 25th event.

The takeaway

New York City's annual Car-Free Earth Day celebration is a key initiative in the city's efforts to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions and promote sustainable mobility options. By temporarily transforming streets into public spaces, the event aims to raise awareness about the role streets can play in fighting climate change and inspire New Yorkers to embrace cleaner transportation choices.