In 1817, James Parkinson published his ‘Essay on the Shaking Palsy’, recognising Parkinson’s as a medical condition for the first time. We mark his birthday every 11 April with World Parkinson’s Day.
It’s a time to come together, raise awareness and build connections. World Parkinson’s Day is a day for you, the Parkinson’s community.
Resource guide
Discover exciting ways to mark World Parkinson’s Day in 2026, from hosting a bake sale to taking part in a sponsored walk. Plus, take a look back at how we celebrated in 2025.
Resource guide for health and care professionals
If you're a health and care professional, we've created a guide to help you plan and deliver activities for World Parkinson's Day 2026. The guide is available in both English and Welsh.
Get involved
On World Parkinson's Day 2025, over 180 iconic landmarks, buildings and homes lit up blue to shine a light on people with Parkinson’s. Get your local landmark involved for 2026.
In 2025, we received over 500 beautiful knitted tulips as part of our knit it blue campaign. We have knitting and crotchet patterns on page 7 of our resource guide.
From information stalls to cake sales and exercise classes. Last year over 150 incredible community events were hosted by you. Let us know your World Parkinson's Day 2026 plans.
See what's happening near you
On World Parkinson’s Day in previous years, we’ve seen iconic buildings, landmarks and homes across the UK light up blue. Shining a light on people with Parkinson’s, and the people who love and care for them.
You can see a map of our light ups and community activities taking place for World Parkinson's Day 2026 below.
If you have any light ups or activities planned near you, fill in our World Parkinson's Day 2026 activity form and we'll add it to the map.
We've got everything you need to raise awareness and fundraise this World Parkinson's Day. Explore our free resources on our online shop to help you get started.
Whether you need support managing your symptoms, or just want someone to talk to, we're here for you.
A donation today will fund vital work that makes a difference to the lives of everybody living with Parkinson's. You can make a single donation or set up a monthly direct debit.
Get in touch
Have a question about World Parkinson's Day? We're here to help. Email us at [email protected].