Click here to register.  While onsite registration will be available, we highly encourage all participants to register in advance of walk day.

We know that not everyone who wants to support the Hope Journey will be able to attend in person. Our Virtual Participation option is a great way for those people to still contribute to our mission from wherever they are in the world. When you register, simply choose the virtual option and join the movement from anywhere!

Registration fees are $30 for in-person attendance at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. during the early bird period (June 4–30 with promo code HOPE25) and $35 after June 30. Virtual registration is $20 during the early bird period (June 4–30 with promo code HOPE25) and $25 after June 30.

If you’re joining the Hope Journey Walk virtually, your registration fee includes a printable bib that will be emailed to you, your very own fundraising page, and raises hope for millions impacted by autoimmune disease.

If you’re joining the Hope Journey Walk in-person at the Smithsonian National Zoo, your registration fee includes a printed bib, Hope Journey Walk T-shirt, and Autoimmune Association tote bag that will be given to you at check-in. For this reason, only a portion of your registration cost will be considered tax-deductible. Please reference your registration confirmation email for details.

Children of all ages are welcome! There is no registration fee for children ages 12 and under; however, they must be accounted for in an adult registration. When you register, please indicate how many children ages 12 and under will be joining you. Note: If the child would like an event T-shirt, they must have a purchased registration.

To start a team: Register to join us for the Hope Journey Walk either in-person or virtually. When asked, “How would you like to register?” select “Create a Team.” Follow the steps to set up and personalize your team page. Then, invite your network to join your team!

To join an existing team: Register to join us for the Hope Journey Walk either in-person or virtually. When asked, “How would you like to register?” select “Join a Team.” Then, simply search for the team’s name to join!

If you register as an individual but would like to start or join a fundraising team, please log in to your individual fundraising page. Once you’re logged in, click the ‘Overview’ tab at the bottom of the page. Once you’re on the ‘Overview’ tab, scroll towards the bottom of the page. You will see your individual fundraising page listed, and next to it a tab for ‘Team Fundraising’. Select the ‘Team Fundraising’ tab and you will be given the option to join or create a team. If you’re joining a team, please select ‘Join or Create a Team’ and you will be given the option to search for the team’s name to join.

The Virtual Walk registration ticket is 100% tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Only a portion of In-Person Walk registration tickets will be considered tax-deductible. Please reference your registration confirmation email for details.

While fundraising is not required to participate, we highly encourage all participants to fundraise to further the mission of the Autoimmune Association. Every dollar raised helps fund necessary programs that provide support, resources, advocacy, and research for the over 100 autoimmune diseases that affect so many. We can’t continue this important work without you!

Because your registration fee helps make the event possible, it doesn’t count toward your fundraising total.

When you register for the Hope Journey Walk, a fundraising page will automatically be created for you. We’ll send an email to you after you register with the link to start personalizing your page! Access our individual and team fundraising guides for more tips and tools, and use our social media toolkit to spread the word and ask for support!

Yes! Individuals who reach specific fundraising levels will earn the following incentives:

• $100–$499 raised: Hope Journey-branded shoelaces
• $500–$999 raised: Shoelaces + Hope Journey water bottle
• $1,000+ raised: Shoelaces + water bottle + Hope Journey hat

Individuals who make a gift through your fundraising page will receive a donation receipt. The Autoimmune Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and donations may be tax-deductible to the extent provided by the law.

The Hope Journey Walk will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park located at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. Participants will also be walking virtually from all around the country (and beyond)!

Check in for the event will begin at 8:30 am. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 9:30 am, with the walk kicking off shortly after. We will conclude at 12:30 pm, although participants are welcome to enjoy the Zoo for the entire day.

Parking is available at the Zoo for $30. We strongly encourage participants to pre-reserve your parking here. Parking in Lot A or Lot B will bring you closest to our event check-in area on the north side of the Zoo Visitors Center Theatre. Follow the Hope Journey Walk signs when you arrive!

Public transportation is a great way to get to the Zoo. Options include:

Metro

The Zoo is about halfway between the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park stations. However, there is a moderate uphill walk from the Woodley Park-Zoo stop. For the best accessibility, we recommend visitors with mobility issues travel via the Cleveland Park stop. Use the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)  Trip Planner  for the latest information on arrival times, route changes, or delays.

Bus

The L2 bus stops in front of the Zoo’s main entrance on Connecticut Avenue. Use the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)  Trip Planner  for the latest information on arrival times, route changes, or delays.

Rideshare

Rideshare travelers should set their drop-off and pick-up location to the Zoo’s main entrance on Connecticut Avenue.

No need to reserve entry passes through the Zoo’s website—the Autoimmune Association is coordinating directly with the Zoo for our group reservation. That’s just one more reason why we strongly encourage registering before walk day!

The Autoimmune Association will provide one water station along the route, approximately one mile from the start. There are several restroom facilities, water-filling stations, and locations to receive medical attention.

Consider dressing in layers as October mornings in D.C. can be cool. Wear comfortable walking shoes and consider wearing a hat or sunglasses. Otherwise, we encourage you to bring minimal items, although there will be a bag check area where you can securely leave your belongings.

Visitors may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the Zoo. However, all trash must be properly disposed of.

Pets are not allowed on Zoo grounds. Service dogs are permitted, as are miniature horses, if trained to do work for people with disabilities and if the animals are housebroken and under the owner’s control.

Note: Pets should not be left in parked vehicles, as the temperature within vehicles can reach lethal levels. Zoo police are authorized to enter vehicles parked on Zoo grounds to rescue pets that may be in danger of dehydration and/or heat prostration.

The Hope Journey Walk will go on, rain or shine! If weather conditions are unsafe for the walk, we will still gather for our Opening Ceremony that will take place indoors.

Yes! Please read descriptions of our volunteer roles and sign up here.

No, everyone’s journey is different! You may choose to walk a distance of your choosing or be a part of the movement while not walking at all.  Our official route through the Zoo will be a well-marked three-mile loop but participants can journey through the Zoo however they like — just be on the lookout for our water stop and various photo opportunities!

Absolutely! The Hope Journey Walk is meant for everyone. All Zoo exhibits are wheelchair accessible. However, please be aware that the Zoo is located on hilly terrain in Rock Creek Park. In the Visitor Center lobby, a lift gives wheelchair users access to restrooms and water fountains. Benches are located throughout the Zoo. Designated accessible parking spaces are located in Parking Lots A, B and D on a first-come, first-served basis with your paid parking pass.

Upon arrival at the Zoo, head to the north side of the Zoo Visitors Center Theatre — follow the Autoimmune Association signs! The Autoimmune Association team will be there to check you in, accept donations, and distribute fundraising incentives.

The Hope Journey Walk would not be possible without our generous sponsors and partners. Please email us at [email protected].