The time has come, and the sun is finally shining, for thousands of people from New York, across the country, and around the world to lace up their sneakers and Walk Like an Icon at the 41st AIDS Walk New York in Central Park. Since 1986, GMHC has raised $170 million for dozens of HIV and AIDS service organizations in the tri-state area.
As the only event of its kind to take place in the city’s oldest and most famous playground, the Walk brings together supporters and survivors of HIV and AIDS for a fundraising party unlike any other. If there was ever a movement worth walking for, this one is it! Our presence, voices, and advocacy continue to be needed, and we will not stop speaking out and standing up for better care and zero stigma until both have been achieved.
Whether this is your first time walking — because a friend signed you up and dragged you out to join us (thank you, friend!) — or the 41st, it will be a walk to remember. New friends will be made, familiar faces will be sought, and babies, children, and fur babies alike will join in the celebration.
Curious about what else to expect, in addition to the Day of Events? Here’s a preview:
You’ll Feel It
Before you even reach the starting line at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, you’ll feel the energy. Thousands of people — walkers, volunteers, GMHC staff members in bright red T-shirts, celebrities, and community leaders — will make their presence known. There will be signs, matching teams’ shirts, and dogs in costumes. It’s loud. It’s colorful. It’s proud, just like New York City. If you feel your excitement growing the closer you get to the action, lean into it because you’re a part of it. Give yourself a pat on the back for showing up. And don’t forget to smile, because this is a moment worth documenting!
The Route Is 6.2 Miles
The Walk through the park is a celebration, not a race, and is accessible to all. That means there are no hills to contend with or Olympic obstacles to train for. The Walk kicks off at 10 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m., with the Finish Line Festival and Paradise Garage Dance Party. If you need to break along the way for a sip of water, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so. Keeping you hydrated and happy are part of the experience. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes — you’ll need them for the dance party after. (Click here to download a PDF of the route map.)
Celebrities And Community Leaders
The event will host returning notables and new ones. CBS News’ Jessi Mitchell, Opening Ceremony Emcee. Rosie Perez, award-winning actor, director, choreographer. New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President. Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate. And many more.
The GMHC Team Has Your Back
Finding GMHC staff members won’t be difficult: just look for the red, logo T-shirts and wide smiles. Staff will be present to assist with questions, directions, checking in, and even on-site HIV testing if desired. Want more information about GMHC or sponsored partners? Come say hello at any of our tents or feel free to ask any GMHC staff member for assistance. We’ve been doing this since 1982 and have your back.
A Celebration of Joy and Resistance
AIDS Walk New York has always held two things simultaneously: joy and urgency. There will be community, color, love, and music, as well as signs of protest, signs featuring lost loved ones, and signs reminding everyone that the work to end HIV and AIDS is ongoing. We will Walk Like an Icon for long-term survivors, to expand resources for the most vulnerable, and for the Black and Brown, trans and immigrant community members who are still disproportionately affected or silenced.
Everyone Belongs Here
You’ll find your people within the first ten minutes of the Walk. First-time walkers will strut their stuff alongside Star Walkers wearing the coveted crown (for having raised at least $1,000), including people who have dedicated years or decades to the cause. AIDS Walk New York is a rare New York event where strangers intentionally come together to honor other strangers, no matter what the weather is doing.
Feel-Great Fundraising Vibes
Whether you have raised $100 or $10,000, you should feel great. Every amount donated at AIDS Walk New York primarily supports GMHC’s lifesaving services
— HIV testing and prevention, housing assistance, legal advocacy, mental health support, and more — and fellow AIDS service, social justice, and public health organizations in the tri-state area, through the AIDS Walk New York Community Partnership Program. If you’re still inching toward your fundraising goal, remember to post or text everyone telling them why you’re walking. It works.
Dress Like An Icon — Proudly You
Glitter. Rainbows. Dogs in tutus or capes. Head-to-toe coordinated outfits. And, of course, crowns. Express yourself by doing you in the world’s most iconic AIDS Walk!
Party At The Finish Line
Every year that we conclude another successful AIDS Walk New York — adding to the $170 million raised since 1986 to support lifesaving services for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS — is worth celebrating. Finishers will join DJ Trevor Fox for the Paradise Garage dance party, followed by the House of Miyake Mugler’s Vogue performance, and the Closing Ceremony, when fundraising totals are announced and celebrated.
The Walk Ends. The Work Doesn’t
Post your Walk photos and videos to your socials accounts and tag @GMHC and @AIDSWALKNY . The Walk might be over this year, but GMHC’s doors are open year-round. Stay connected with us and each other. Volunteer. Donate. Return next year and bring three more loved ones.
See you at AIDS Walk New York 2026!