1st December commemorates World AIDS Day – an occasion to support those living with HIV/AIDS, fight against the disease, and commemorate those lost during the epidemic to AIDS-related illnesses. With over 100,000 people currently living with HIV in the UK, this day is important for many across the country.

Give your community a chance to stand in solidarity and increase awareness with an event dedicated to this worldwide observance. Keep reading for ten World AIDS Day event ideas.

World AIDS Day fundraising event ideas

The struggle against HIV/AIDS is a group effort. As an event creator, this day is an opportunity to provide education and advocacy, and remove stigmatisation. Here are some ideas and methods to promote World AIDS Day:

1. World AIDS Day breakfast fundraiser

A breakfast event raises significant funds while bringing people together in a casual setting. However, organising a successful breakfast fundraiser requires more than curating the menu and sending invites. Make the event special with entertainment, or consider a short cooking lesson or poetry reading. Additionally, think about featuring special guests to give keynote addresses.

Here are more tips for hosting a successful breakfast fundraising event:

2. Discuss the past, present, and future

Honour those impacted by the illness with a benefit. Don’t know where to start? BHA Leeds skyline is hosting a celebration that remembers those lost to the epidemic and celebrates survivors. With speeches from the Lord Mayor and community members, as well as music from Gay Abandon LGBT+ Choir, it’s a fun but informative way to embrace the past, present, and future of HIV. Attendees are asked to wear red as a mark of solidarity, and there will be candle lighting to remember lost loved ones.

3. Charity 5K walk or run

Invite your community to come together for a 5K run or walk and pay tribute to those impacted by the illness. Add a fundraising element to your 5K, too. For instance, Terrence Higgins Trust has organised a Red Run in London. This flat, 5k or 10k event is a celebration, an opportunity to remember, and an acknowledgement of work still to be done to end HIV stigma. All funds raised go to Terrence Higgins Trust.

4. AIDS awareness summit

A summit is an opportunity for education and meaningful discourse. Since discussions around AIDS can be heavy, lighten the occasion with music, food, and activities. For instance, include a speed networking portion that breaks the ice.

Brainstorming sessions allow attendees to share ideas in an intimate setting. Uplifting music and tasty refreshments help create a welcoming atmosphere.

5. Health fair

Hosting a health fair or science-based event is an effective way to spread AIDS awareness. Your fair could focus on prevention and treatment with educational talks and screenings.

If you don’t know where to start, look to The Francis Crick Institute. This Eventbrite creator is hosting a science-focused event based around a screening of the TV series “It’s a Sin”. There’s a pre-screening gathering where attendees hear from Crick scientists, activists, and other specialists – and there’s even free popcorn!

6. “Rock the Ribbon” concert

The red ribbon is a symbol that expresses compassion and solidarity for people living with HIV/AIDS. The phrase “rock the ribbon” aims to remove the stigma from the red awareness ribbon. Encourage people to support this cause through a concert – aptly named “Rock the Ribbon”.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to planning an AIDS benefit concert:

  1. Choose the type of show: What music do you want to feature? To narrow down your music choices, consider what your community/audience is interested in.
  2. Curate the lineup: Consider partnering with local musicians, who are generally more accessible and likely to bring their fanbase to the event.
  3. Promote the concert: Draw a crowd with marketing. Reach your ideal audience through social media with Eventbrite Boost, our streamlined platform that makes marketing simple.

7. Virtual youth awareness talks

Misconceptions and false beliefs about HIV and AIDS still exist. You can educate and help dispel inaccuracies with awareness discussions. Draw in a bigger crowd and make your event more accessible by making it virtual.

Hosting a fun and enlightening virtual event takes planning and creativity. Below are some ideas for keeping attendees engaged:

For more ways to create the best online event, check out webinar hosting 101.

8. Memorial gala

A memorial gala can honour the lives lost to HIV/AIDS. A traditional gala typically includes dancing and performances, but you can make it memorable with a candlelight vigil. For example, at the Brigstowe Project in Bristol, there’s an evening of celebration and reflection, including personal testimonies and a performance by Sing Out Bristol. This is followed by an after-celebration party with guest DJs, live music, and drag.

9. Drag fashion show

Combine entertainment and awareness with a drag show. In honour of AIDS day, invite performers to come and show off their best red fashion. Your event could also include a Q&A or meet and greet.

10. “Stand up for red” comedy night

Comedy nights are a great crowd-pleaser and a non-threatening way to share prevention messages. Promoting World AIDS Day with a “Stand up for red” comedy night means choosing comedians and hosts that are sensitive to the lives of those living with HIV and AIDS. Choose a lineup your guests will enjoy and offer food and drinks to get the party started.

Ready to plan your next event?

We hope these ideas on how to celebrate World AIDS Day get you motivated for your next event. Want to know more? Check out these event ideas for inspiration.