DSSW Parade of Stars Impact Weekend 2026

Parade of Stars Impact Weekend is a three-day Wichita event centered on a 1-mile parade walk for the Down syndrome community. It takes place in October, beginning with a free Friday kickoff called Party at the Park at Naftzger Park. Saturday features the Parade of Stars and Walk of Fame at Riverside Park, and Sunday is Advocacy to Action Day at Wichita State University’s Woosley Hall. The Saturday walk is the weekend's focus. The Adaptive Parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by a ceremony, food, and carnival games. Over 1,200 participants and volunteers attend, including families, children, individuals with Down syndrome, supporters, and team groups. The Parade of Stars has supported awareness and advocacy for over twenty years. The newer weekend format includes music, food trucks, education, and an advocacy speaker, rather than relying solely on the walk.