AFSP’s Overnight Walk returns to Chicago for first time in 17 Years

By: Leon Taylor
Health
June 5, 2026, 10:10 am
Photo Credits: cottonbro studio for pexels

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will bring its flagship fundraising event, The Overnight, to Chicago on Saturday, June 13, marking the first time the event has returned to the city in 17 years.

Beginning and ending at the iconic Navy Pier, approximately 2,000 participants from across the country will take part in a powerful 16 mile journey from dusk until dawn. Walking along the shores of Lake Michigan through the night, participants will unite in a shared mission to bring suicide out of the shadows and into the light while raising awareness and support for prevention efforts.

The Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk creates a safe and stigma free environment where participants can share personal stories, find healing, and connect with others who have been impacted by suicide. The event serves as both a fundraising initiative and a community gathering dedicated to hope, remembrance, and advocacy.

Funds raised through The Overnight directly support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s mission to fund scientific research, educate the public about mental health, advocate for life saving public policies, and provide support for individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide.

For many participants, the journey begins long before they arrive in Chicago. Walkers spend months preparing for the event through training and fundraising efforts. In 2025, The Overnight raised just under $3.1 million to advance AFSP’s critical programs and initiatives. This year’s return to Chicago holds profound significance, bringing together an exceptional community of local and national advocates, each carrying a unique personal connection to the cause.

The event will officially begin on Saturday, June 13, at 7:15 p.m. CT with an emotional Opening Ceremony at Navy Pier, set against the backdrop of the setting sun. Following the ceremony, participants will embark on their overnight walk, supported every step of the way by a dedicated volunteer Crew Team.

As dawn breaks, walkers will make their return to Navy Pier, where a moving Closing Ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 14, at approximately 5:00 a.m. CT. The ceremony will culminate with a sea of illuminated luminaria, each representing lives touched by suicide, creating a powerful tribute to remembrance, hope, and the ongoing effort to save lives.

Those interested in participating in the Overnight can still register at theovernight.org