Annual Kidney Walks, Free Patient Summits & Events Calendar
Managing CKD does not mean sitting alone at home reading lab portals. Throughout the year, national kidney organizations host free virtual summits where you can hear directly from artificial kidney engineers and renal dietitians, plus relaxed local walks where you can meet thousands of people thriving with kidney conditions.
World Kidney Day (Global Screening & Education Day)
Hosted by: International Society of Nephrology (ISN) & IFKF
Format: Worldwide Local Screenings & Virtual Town Halls
Hundreds of hospitals, community centers, and nephrology clinics host free blood pressure, eGFR, and spot urine UACR screenings alongside public educational webinars.
Kidney Action Week (Free Virtual Patient Conference)
Hosted by: American Kidney Fund (AKF)
Format: 100% Free Online Livestreams & Q&A Sessions
A full week of interactive online sessions with renal dietitians, nephrologists, and fellow patients covering lab interpretation, potassium-friendly cooking, genetic testing, and slowing CKD progression.
NKF Spring Kidney Walks (Regional Community Walks)
Hosted by: National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
Format: In-Person Family-Friendly 1-to-3 Mile Walks
Meet local patients, living donors, transplant recipients, and care teams in a warm, encouraging outdoor setting. Routes are flat, accessible, and optional in length.
PKD Connect Annual Conference & Walk for PKD
Hosted by: PKD Foundation
Format: Hybrid (In-Person + Virtual Streaming)
Dedicated to individuals and families managing Autosomal Dominant or Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease, featuring researchers leading cyst-halting clinical trials.
Global Summit on Kidney Disease Innovations & Artificial Kidneys
Hosted by: American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) & GWU
Format: 100% Free Online Broadcast & On-Demand Video
The premier patient-centered summit where scientists building implantable bioartificial kidneys, wearable dialysis devices, and xenotransplantation share direct progress updates with patients.
AAKP Annual National Patient Meeting
Hosted by: American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP)
Format: Free Virtual Attendance + In-Person Options
Focuses on practical self-advocacy, understanding new FDA-approved therapies, navigating clinical trials, and protecting kidney function while continuing your career and hobbies.
NKF Fall Kidney Walks & Community Celebrations
Hosted by: National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
Format: In-Person Community Walks Across 40+ Cities
Autumn community walks bringing together thousands of kidney thrivers, caregivers, and nephrology nurses for a morning of encouragement, wellness booths, and connection.
NephCure Rare Kidney Disease Summits & Regional Walks
Hosted by: NephCure (IgAN, FSGS, Minimal Change & Nephrotic Syndrome)
Format: Virtual Specialist Q&As & Regional Patient Days
Specifically tailored for patients with protein-spilling glomerular conditions like IgA Nephropathy, FSGS, C3G, and Membranous Nephropathy.