DSSW Parade of Stars Impact Weekend 2026

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, incl