$19,122.00

achieved

$150,000.00

goal

of your goal reached

Register Now

Schedule of Events

12:00 p.m. → Onsite Registration Open

Buddy Walk Festival Begins

2:45 p.m. → Welcome and Opening Ceremonies Begins

Buddy Walk Festival Ends

3:00 p.m. → Registration Closes

3:15 p.m. → Buddy Walk Start

3:45 p.m. → Closing Ceremony and Awards

You're Invited to the 2026 DSANV Buddy Walk

 Join us on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 

Lake Fairfax Park (Multipurpose field)
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive,
Reston, VA 20190

☔️ Rain or Shine ☀️

Every October, families across Northern Virginia come together at Lake Fairfax Park for one reason: to celebrate their kids, their friends, and everyone in our Down syndrome community.

This is the 22nd year of the DSANV Buddy Walk, and we want you there with us.

Every step you take that day turns into real support:

  • Therapy scholarships
  • Resources for new parents
  • School advocacy
  • And programs throughout the year that help individuals with Down syndrome build full, connected lives in their communities.

Our goal this year is $150,000, and every dollar goes straight into DSANV's 2026 programs.

Will you walk with us?

New This Year! ✨

We can't wait to see you at the festival! Check out the list of new and exciting changes for this year's event!

  • When We Walk
    The walk now happens after the festival. Arrive without the rush and enjoy the games, food, and celebration first. Then we'll all walk together.
  • Longer Walk
    This year's walk is just under 1 mile, giving us more time together to show our support for acceptance and inclusion.
  • Award Ceremony
    We'll walk together, then close the day by recognizing our top 10 fundraising teams.
Create Your Team

Team Incentives

For more tools and resources for team captains and teams click here.

  • $7500 - Lead the walk beside our Grand Marshal. Includes 5 free food tickets.

  • $5000 - Reserved team tent. Store your things, eat lunch, and get shade. Deadline is October 1.

  • $2500 - Your team name printed on the event shirt. Deadline is September 20.

  • $1250 - VIP team yard sign and VIP parking in reserved lots. Deadline is September 20.

  • $625 - Recognition on social media and event day.

VIP yard signs are also available for purchase separately at $115 each when you register.

Registration Deadlines

  • August 9 → Early Bird Registration Ends
  • Register by September 20 to guarantee a t-shirt.
  • After September 20, t-shirts will be available on-site for $20 each while supplies last.

Weather Policy

This event will take place ☔️ Rain or Shine ☀️.

As this is a fundraiser, all ticket purchases and donations are non-refundable.

Thank you for your support in helping us make a difference!

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Do you want to be a Buddy Walk sponsor?

Yes, count me in!

Join the Century Bike Ride

Screenshot 2026-07-24 at 1.12.01 PM.png

The Century Bike Ride is another opportunity to support DSANV. Build your team earlier, sign up for Century Ride and continue to raise funds through Buddy Walk!

Join the Ride!

Zumba Community Will be Back!

Screenshot 2026-07-24 at 1.11.09 PM.pngBack by popular demand - The Zumba Community of Northern Virginia will be joining our walk this year. Get ready to dance, move, jump and have fun!