Events
Friday Party at the Park
Participant - Onsite
Individual with Down Syndrome - ONSITE
Child (0-3) - Free - NO T-shirt included - ONSITE
Sunday Advocacy to Action Day
Parade of Stars...Reimagined!
For more than two decades, the Parade of Stars has been a powerful source of awareness and advocacy for the Down syndrome community. This annual event draws over 1,200 participants and volunteers who stand with this organization in support and belief of DSSW’s mission: to provide programs and services that educate, connect, develop and advocate to improve the lives of the Down syndrome community.
This year, we’re taking things a step further to expand our reach and make a deeper impact! We’re reimagining the Parade of Stars event as a family-centered weekend (October 2-4, 2026), aligning our signature event with our values, including:
- Development through workshops, wellness activities, and learning experiences
- Inclusion by creating accessible, welcoming spaces for individuals and families of all ages and abilities
- Advocacy through storytelling, education, and community dialogue
- Awareness that is deeper, more personal, and driven by lived experience
By shifting to a weekend format, we're 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.
Friday - Party at the Park
5:30-9pm - Naftzger Park - 601 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS
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 - Parade of Stars and Walk of Fame
10am-1pm - Riverside Park - 720 Nims St., Wichita, KS
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. This is more than a walk; it is a moving celebration of individuals, families, and the networks that surround and uplift them.
|
Registration Start |
Registration Ends |
Shirt Included? |
Event Cost |
|
Early - April 20, 2026, 6:00pm CDT |
June 19, 2026, 11:59pm CDT |
Yes |
$20.00 |
|
Regular - June 20, 2026, 12:00am CDT |
August 19, 2026, 11:59pm CDT |
Yes |
$25.00 |
|
Last Chance/Onsite - August 20, 2026, 12:00am CDT |
September 19, 2026, 11:59pm CDT |
No |
$30.00 |
Sunday - Advocacy to Action
2-4pm - Wichita State University Woosley Hall, Wichita, KS
$20 without registration
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.
Got Questions?
If you have any questions about this event, click the button below.
Event Location
Riverside Park (West side of Nims)
720 N. Nims
Wichita, KS 67203 US
View Location on Map
