21 Ways to Observe World AIDS Day in Philadelphia


December 1st is World AIDS Day, a chance to not only memorialize those who have died from AIDS, but to promote activism, education, and community engagement on all matters related to HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, and this year, Philadelphia-area organizations will offer a host of events that will feature the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the AIDS Fund Traveling Timeline titled “1981 Until It’s Over.” We rounded up local 21 events where guests can view the quilt, the timeline, and, in some cases, both, along with speaking engagements and workshops of how to add a square to the quilt.

Prevention Point Philadelphia: Display of quilt. Now through Sunday, December 13th, 8 pm to 11:30 pm, free, Prevention Point.

William Way Community Center: Display of quilt. Now through Monday, December 7th, various times, free, William Way Community Center.

A portion of the AIDS Timeline.

A portion of the AIDS Timeline.

Siloam Wellness World AIDS Day: Display of quilt. Now through Monday, December 7th, 10 am to 5 pm, free, Siloam Wellness.

Jefferson World AIDS Day: Display of quilt. Now through Friday, December 4th, 10 am to 5 pm, free, Dorrance H. Hamilton Building.

Einstein Hospital: Display of quilt. Now through Thursday, December 3rd, various times, free, Einstein Hospital.

Montgomery County Health Department: Display of quilt (note: this is a private event). Monday, November 30th, 10 am to 8 pm, free, Montgomery County Health Department.

Scott Memorial Library at Jefferson: Display of timeline. Monday, November 30th, 10 am to 4 pm, free, Scott Memorial Library. 

World AIDS Day at Mutter Museum: Display of quilt and timeline. Tuesday, December 1st, 10 am to 5 pm, free with museum admission, Mutter Museum.

From last year's Red Ribbon Awards.

From last year’s Red Ribbon Awards.

Rutgers Camden World AIDS Day: Robb Reichard, Executive Director of AIDS Fund, speaking (note: this is a private event). Tuesday, December 1st, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, free, Rutgers Camden.

Robb Reichard at Jefferson: Executive Director of AIDS Fund, speaking (note: this is a private event). Tuesday, December 1st, 7 pm to 7:30 pm, free, Jefferson University.

Red Ribbon Awards: Display of quilt. Tuesday, December 1st, 5 pm to 8 pm, free, Philadelphia City Hall.

UPenn World AIDS Day: Display of timeline. Tuesday, December 1st through Friday, December 4th, 10 am to 4 pm, free, Locust Walk.

Creating a Panel for the AIDS Memorial Quilt: Workshop. Wednesday, December 2nd, 10 am to 11:30 am, free, Siloam Wellness.

La Salle University World AIDS Day: Robb Reichard, Executive Director of AIDS Fund, speaking (note: this is a private event). Wednesday, December 2nd, 12 pm to 1:30 pm, free, La Salle University.

Albright College World AIDS Day: Display of quilt. Wednesday, December 2nd through Friday, December 18th, 9 am to 9 pm, free, Albright Campus Center Main Lounge.

A square from the AIDS Quilt

A square from the AIDS Quilt

FACT Movie Night: Display of quilt and screening of Normal HeartsThursday, December 3rd, 6:30 pm, free, Grace Episcopal Church.

SEX!!! World AIDS Day Conference: Display of quilt. Friday, December 4th, 9 am to 4 pm, free, Lehigh Valley Health Network. 

A Very Martha Stewart Christmas GayBINGO!: Display of quilt. Saturday, December 5th, 7 pm, $25-30, Gershman Y.

FACT 29th Annual Snowball: Display of quilt. Sunday, December 6th, 5:30 pm, $60, Silver Lakes Country Club.

Code Red: Display of quilt. Friday, December 11th, 8 pm to 11:30 pm, $15-20, Voyeur.

Bright Hope Baptist Church World AIDS Day: Display of timeline. Saturday, December 12th, 11 am to 12:30 pm, free, Bright Hope Baptist Church.