On April 2, also known as World Autism Awareness Day, Autism Speaks will host its largest walk, Autism Speaks Walk Los Angeles 2016 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Over 55,000 families are expected to walk and raise funds to support research, programs and services to change the future of those impacted by autism.

“While thousands of buildings, skyscrapers, schools and businesses will ‘Light It Up Blue’ around the globe, over 55,000 people here in Los Angeles County will come together to support one another and all who struggle with autism spectrum disorder,” said Suzette Martinez, executive director of Southern California Autism Speaks. “This walk will help fund vital services and innovative ideas that improve the quality of life for people in our community.”

The event will start at 8 a.m. and will feature a 5K race and 1.5-mile rolling start walk, kid-friendly activities, live performances and a resource fair with over 125 community vendors.

The Autism Speaks Walk is taking place in nearly 60 communities across the United States and in Canada.

Since its inception in 2005, the walk has raised over $266 million dollars to advance the mission of Autism Speaks. Last year’s walk raised over $1.89M.

In addition to the walk, the city of Los Angeles will participate in Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign by lighting iconic city landmarks including the Capitol Records Building.

Registration and the resource fair will open at 8 a.m., the walk will kick off at 9 a.m. and the closing ceremony will be at noon. For information or to register, visit autismspeakswalk.org/losangeles. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Walkers who raise a minimum of $150 will receive a commemorative Autism Speaks T-shirt.

For more information, visit autismspeaks.org/liub.