The 2026 Minnesota Zero Waste Fest returns to Como Park this week, bringing together residents, advocates, artists, and organizations from across the state to celebrate solutions that move Minnesota toward a zero waste future. This free, family-friendly event is packed with hands-on activities for all ages, including clothing mending, bike repair, face painting, carnival games, composting demonstrations, and screen printing — grab a free MN Zero Waste Bag or bring your own item to print. There will also be free food, live music, and plenty of ways to connect with community organizations working on waste reduction.
Featured artists & speakers:
- Secret Rivers — A Twin Cities spoken word and live production duo featuring slam poetry champion Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre
- State Rep. Athena Hollins — Speaking on her work addressing electronic waste and other zero waste legislation
- In the Heart of the Beast — Puppet theater turning waste into art, with a puppet-making station for kids
- Trash Detectives — Kids can explore where our trash goes through stories and games with the Speaking Out Collective
Want to go as a group? SNG’s Environment Committee is organizing carpooling to the festival. Contact Terry at terry@sng.org if you’d like to join. Be sure to RSVP in advance — the festival is providing dinner for attendees!
RSVP here: https://mnzerowastecoalition.org/zwf2026