DSSW Parade of Stars Impact Weekend 2026

Overview

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

Event Schedule

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

• Location: Naftzger Park - 601 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS
• Time: 5:30-6:30pm - Happy Hour with a live DJ, casual networking and an upbeat vibe
• Festivities: 6:30pm - 9pm - lively festival atmosphere with known musical guests, food trucks, interactive giveaways and impact to share!
• Description: Party at the Park is a high-energy, community-forward kickoff designed to bring people together in celebration, connection, and purpose.

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

• Location: Riverside Park - 720 Nims, Wichita, KS
• Parade Line Up: 9am - Parade line up
• Start Time: 10am - Adaptive Parade begins
• Activities: 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.

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

• Location: Wichita State University Woosley Hall
• Networking: 2-2:30pm - Networking
• Speaker: 2:30-3pm - Advocacy to Action speaker
• Lecture: 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.

Event Goals

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.

• Development: Workshops, wellness activities, and learning experiences
• Inclusion: Accessible, welcoming spaces for families of all ages and abilities
• Advocacy: Storytelling, education, and community dialogue
• Awareness: Deeper, more personal, and driven by lived experiences.

About DSSW

The Down Syndrome Society of Wichita (DSSW) is a nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families, educators, medical providers, and allies. While we’re based in Wichita, our reach spans across the lower third of Kansas—including Hutchinson, Garden City, Dodge City, and Liberal.

💙 All funds stay local and directly support DSSW’s mission.
🎨 All sales are final. No refunds.

For More Information

For further details about the event, visit our registration page: Parade of Stars Impact Weekend.