THE BIGGEST & BEST CELEBRATION OF THE LOCAL DOWN SYNDROME COMMUNITY!

Next Buddy Walk . March 21 . 2026

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$100,000.00

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Check Out Our 2024 Buddy Walk!

What is the Buddy Walk?

Each year on the Saturday after World Down Syndrome Day (3/21), the Buddy Walk brings thousands of people together in downtown Baton Rouge to spread awareness and celebrate the local Down syndrome community! From train rides and “sweet treat” vendors to character meet-and-greets and jump houses, it's a can't-miss event!

Get ready for dancing, cool giveaways, fun prizes, and tons of FREE entertainment! DJ services by X-treme Talent, superheroes and princesses by Bella Bowman Foundation and Be Our Guest, gymnastics by Beyond Gymnastics, train rides and jump houses by  Greyson's Events, create-your-own stuffed animals by Parties 2 Geaux, plus live shows by The Dinosaur Experience! Free food, drinks, and sweet treats provided by Rusty PelicanFrankie's Dawg HouseCrazy Waffle Bar, Espresso Geaux, Caroline's Cookies, and City Gelato.

New this year... performances & warm-up exercises before the Walk provided by champion jump ropers Learnin' the Ropes, guest appearances by the Baton Rouge Rougarou Baseball Team, gourmet popcorn by local favorite Posh Pop, TWO cool snowball trucks by Ninja Snowball, delicious pizza by the slice by Rotolo's Pizzeria, and special for our Guests of Honor, custom airbrush Buddy Walk shirts and trucker hats by Baker Custom Airbrush!

And what better way to lead-off an incredible celebration like this than with a second line performed by Brasshearts Brass Band. Plus, it's all hosted by our good friend and favorite Master of Ceremonies, ESPN Radio’s Matt Moscona!

 

Admission is only $5 and YOU are invited!

Whether you have a loved one with Down syndrome or just want to show your support, everyone is welcome at the Baton Rouge Buddy Walk. Register now to be a part of a celebration like no other!

Where is the Buddy Walk?

Join us at A.Z. Young Park in downtown Baton Rouge near the Capitol Gardens and Spanish Town Road at the intersection of N. 3rd Street and Lafayette.

With plenty of dedicated green space in front of the Pentagon Barracks, food, drinks, tents, tables, chairs, blankets, signs, decorations, flags, balloons, ice chests, and especially, good vibes, are all welcome!

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We encourage everyone to CELEBRATE BIG!

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For the safety and enjoyment of all our participants, please no cooking or pets other than service animals.

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Please note vehicle access in and out of the venue will be blocked by law enforcement at 8AM sharp. All drop-offs must be completed and vehicles removed by 7:30AM.

 

FREE for Registered Guests with Down Syndrome!

2025 Buddy Walk Medal

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2025 Buddy Walk Shirt

All Buddy Walk shirts, including free shirts for individuals with Down syndrome, must be pre-ordered through the Event Store by March 7th.

Only limited quantitites of event shirts will be available for purchase at the event.

Pre-orders are now closed. 

Where Do Donations Go?

Proceeds from the Baton Rouge Buddy Walk benefit local individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Learn more about DSAG's initiatives below.

We hope to see you at the Baton Rouge Buddy Walk!

Help us spread public awareness to improve the quality of life for those with Down syndrome in the Capital Area.

Our Newest Buddy Walk Registrants

  • Joshua Stovall Joshua Stovall
  • Alissa Stovall Alissa Stovall
  • Eleanor Sellitto Eleanor Sellitto
  • Mallory Sellitto Mallory Sellitto
  • Stephanie Fontenot Stephanie Fontenot
  • Joey Fontenot Joey Fontenot $5.00 raised
  • Patrick Butler Patrick Butler
  • Lucy Butler Lucy Butler
  • Therese Butler Therese Butler
  • Adele Butler Adele Butler
View All

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