Spark the Night: Iconic Landmarks Illuminate Blue for Parkinson’s Awareness

On April 11, It was World Parkinson's Day. A day dedicated to raising awareness for Parkinson's disease, and this year, the global community is coming together in a powerful way. Over 500 landmarks in more than 200 cities across the world will illuminate in blue as part of the Spark the Night initiative, spotlighting the challenges faced by individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.

The Spark the Night campaign, in collaboration with PD Avengers and AbbVie, seeks to highlight the profound impact Parkinson’s disease has on people's lives—especially at night when symptoms often become more isolating and overwhelming. These iconic blue lights are not just about visibility—they represent solidarity, unity, and a call for greater urgency in Parkinson’s research and advocacy.

Top Landmarks Spark Blue for Parkinson’s Awareness

This year’s campaign is bigger than ever, with over 500 top landmarks and cultural icons lighting up in blue to show support for the Parkinson’s community. Some of the most notable landmarks participating in Spark the Night include:

CN Tower (Toronto, Canada)
Willis Tower (Chicago, USA)
One World Trade Center (New York City, USA)
Niagara Falls (Canada & USA)
Story Bridge (Brisbane, Australia)
Science World & Canada Place Sails (Vancouver, Canada)
MetLife Stadium (New Jersey, USA)
Las Vegas City Hall (USA)

These sites, from towering city landmarks to scenic bridges, will glow blue, drawing attention to the global need for research and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

A Global Effort to Raise Awareness

The Spark the Night initiative is a call to action, uniting individuals and organizations worldwide to amplify the voices of those living with Parkinson's disease. The blue lights symbolize hope and support, sending a clear message that we are all in this together. As Larry Gifford, President of PD Avengers and advocate for Parkinson's awareness, shares, “When people see these monuments glowing blue, we want them to think of the patients, the families, and the caregivers who are facing this disease every day.”

The global reach of this campaign is a powerful reminder that Parkinson’s disease affects millions, and the desire for a cure is shared by communities around the world.

The Power of Symbolism

While the blue lights serve as a visual representation of support, the campaign is about much more than just an eye-catching display. It’s about generating awareness, igniting conversations, and sparking change. The blue illumination represents more than just beauty—it is a beacon of hope for those affected by Parkinson’s, a signal that the world is listening and standing with them.

“We stand together in our desire for a cure,” Gifford continues. “When you see these landmarks lit in blue, it’s a sign that change is needed—and it’s on the horizon. We need greater investment in research, better care options, and access to treatments for everyone facing Parkinson’s.”

More Than Lights: A Call to Action

This year, Spark the Night is more than just an event—it’s a movement. PD Avengers, a global alliance of over 8,000 members and 150 organizations across 103 countries, continues to advocate for urgent action and increased investment in Parkinson's research. Through the campaign, the organization is working to make the voices of the Parkinson’s community heard around the world.

Join the conversation by using the hashtags #SparkTheNight and #WorldParkinsonsDay on social media. Together, we can help raise awareness, promote research, and work toward a world where Parkinson’s disease no longer dominates the lives of those affected by it.

Get Involved

Want to see which landmarks in your area will participate next year? Check out the full list of locations and discover how you can be part of the global effort to raise awareness. You can also support the cause by joining PD Avengers or Spark the Night Committee.

Visit the Spark the Night website to learn more about their mission, the Spark the Night campaign, and how you can contribute to the fight against Parkinson’s disease.