DSSW Parade of Stars Impact Weekend 2026 2026

Description

We've Reimagined the Parade of Stars to become Parade of Stars Impact Weekend, happening Oct. 2-4th!

Friday, October 2nd - Party at the Park - FREE

Naftzger Park - 601 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS

5:30-6:30pm - Happy Hour with a live DJ, casual networking and an upbeat vibe

6:30pm - 9pm - lively festival atmosphere with known musical guests, food trucks, interactive giveaways and impact to share!

Party at the Park is a high-energy, community-forward kickoff designed to bring people together in celebration, connection, and purpose. Set in the heart of downtown at Naftzger Park, Friday night creates an accessible, welcoming space where awareness meets inclusion and advocacy comes to life. This event is free and open to the community!

Saturday, October 3rd - Parade of Stars and Walk of Fame - Registration required

Riverside Park - 720 Nims, Wichita, KS

9am - Parade line up

10am - Adaptive Parade begins

11am - Celebration ceremony, food and carnival games!

Saturday is the heart of Parade of Stars Weekend—the Parade of Stars & Walk of Fame, a joyful 1-mile parade walk that invites the entire city to step forward in celebration and support of the special needs community. That's right, an actual PARADE! This is more than a walk; it is a moving celebration of individuals, families, and the networks that surround and uplift them. We're welcoming community agencies, marching bands and the entire community for an adaptive experience created for our celebration!

Families and participants take center stage as they walk together alongside community agencies, schools, service providers, and local partners, many joining with decorated vans, creative signage, characters, and themed entries that bring energy and visibility to the route. Live bands and performers are woven throughout the walk, creating moments of encouragement, fun, and connection that carry participants from start to finish.

Following the walk, the celebration continues with traditional park fun, including games and activities for all ages, community resource booths, and a job and opportunity fair that supports independence and future planning. The park becomes a hub for connection—families meeting families, agencies meeting individuals, and community members discovering ways to engage year-round.

Sunday, October 4th - Advocacy to Action - *included with registration

Wichita State University Woosley Hall

2-2:30pm - Networking

2:30-3pm - Advocacy to Action speaker

3-4pm - Guest Lecture with Q&A

Parade of Stars Weekend concludes with Advocacy Day—a purposeful, empowering morning focused on education, voice, and action. We're bringing families, supporters, and partners together to deepen understanding and strengthen advocacy efforts across the lifespan.

The program begins with a 30-minute advocacy-focused speaker, setting the tone by highlighting the importance of representation, systems change, and informed voices within the disability community. This session is designed to inspire families and allies to see their lived experiences as powerful tools for progress and policy influence.

Advocacy Day transforms awareness into action by equipping families with knowledge, confidence, and connection. It reinforces that advocacy is not a single moment, but a shared responsibility—and a vital part of building inclusive communities where individuals with Down syndrome are supported, empowered, and celebrated.

Reimagining the Parade of Stars as a family-centered weekend experience allows us to align our most visible fundraiser with our full set of values. The new model expands beyond a single walk to include opportunities for:

Development through workshops, wellness activities, and learning experiences Inclusion by creating accessible, welcoming spaces for families of all ages and abilities Advocacy through storytelling, education, and community dialogue Awareness that is deeper, more personal, and driven by lived experiences.

By shifting to a we