DSSW Parade of Stars Impact Weekend 2026

Event Overview

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

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

Schedule:

• 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

Location: Riverside Park - 720 Nims, Wichita, KS

Schedule:

• 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

Location: Wichita State University Woosley Hall

Schedule:

• 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.

About the Weekend Experience

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 weekend format, we are intentionally lowering barriers to participation, inviting families back into the heart of the event, and creating multiple entry points for engagement—whether through celebration, learning, advocacy, or connection.

This evolution is not about replacing what has worked, but about strengthening it. The Parade of Stars Family Weekend honors our history while positioning the event for sustainable growth, broader impact, and deeper alignment with who we are and who we serve.

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.

Get Involved

For more information and to register, visit the Parade of Stars event page.