October 1, 2026

DSG CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

OCTOBER 2026 | ALL MONTH LONG

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Join us in celebrating and supporting the Down syndrome community all month long.

In the 1980s, the National Down Syndrome Society led the efforts to have October proclaimed Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM), a tradition that continues today. DSAM is a time to raise awareness, celebrate the many abilities of our loved ones with Down syndrome, and break down barriers by promoting advocacy and inclusion.

Here at the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, we love honoring Down Syndrome Awareness Month in many ways each year, and we invite you to get involved and help spread the word!

📣 How You Can Join Us This Month:

• Share on Social Media: Use our custom Down Syndrome Awareness Month graphic—add your own photo, post using #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth, and tag @DSGDallas so we can spread awareness together!
• Create a Buddy Walk® Team: Join us on Sunday, October 18 at Riders Field from 11 AM – 3 PM for the largest celebration of individuals with Down syndrome in North Texas. Full details below.
• Make a Donation: Support the mission of the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and help us continue serving families year-round. Donate Now.
• Follow Along: Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook as we share facts and stories all month long celebrating our loved ones with Down syndrome

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM | RIDERS FIELD

2026 DALLAS BUDDY WALK®

Dust off your boots and corral your crew! There is still time to register and support the 2026 Dallas Buddy Walk® as we saddle up for an unforgettable day on Sunday, October 18, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Riders Field in Frisco, TX. Join the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas for a day of celebration, awareness, and community as we honor individuals with Down syndrome and the families who support them.

Each year, more than 5,000 attendees gather for this beloved community event. Families can enjoy activities for all ages including music, games, face painting, inflatables, vendor booths, and opportunities to connect with community partners. The highlight of the day is our awareness walk around the stadium, beginning at 2:00 PM.

Round up your friends, family, coworkers, and classmates to form a team and support the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. Participants create or join a fundraising team and work together leading up to the event to raise awareness and critical funds that support the DSG’s local programs and services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

While the Buddy Walk® is just one day, it's impact is felt year-round. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas relies on Buddy Walk® fundraising to help make programs and services possible for families at every stage of life. Outreach and support to new and expecting families, monthly adult socials, the annual family picnic, educational seminars, and so much more are made possible through your support of the Buddy Walk®

Registration Options:

• $10 — Individual (All Ages) – Registration Only (T-Shirt Deadline was September 20)
• FREE — Individual with Down syndrome (All Ages) – Registration Only (T-Shirt Deadline was September 20)

Please note that registration is required for entry into Riders Field. All registrations include full access to event activities and the awareness walk.

Saddle up and join us this October for an unforgettable day of connection, celebration, and community. Together, we’ll raise awareness, support local families, and celebrate the incredible individuals in our Down syndrome community.

Important Dates:

• September 14 - Sponsorship Deadline
• September 20 - Last Day to Register with a T-Shirt
• October 10 - Team Captain T-Shirt Pick Up (See details below)
• October 16 - Online Registration Closes & Final Fundraising Due for Awards & Prizes

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM | DSG OFFICE-RICHARDSON

BUDDY WALK® T-SHIRT PICK UP

Calling all Buddy Walk® Team Captains!

Please read the details below for instructions on Buddy Walk® T-Shirt Pick Up.

📅 Date: Saturday, October 10

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

(come anytime, no appointment needed)

📍 Location: DSG Office

1651 N. Collins Blvd., Suite 170

Richardson, TX 75080

IMPORTANT:

• Shirts MUST be picked up before Walk Day.
• Team Captains (or a designated team member) are responsible for picking up all shirts for the entire team.
• Shirts will NOT be available for pick up at the Buddy Walk® and cannot be held at the Buddy Walk®.
• Please notify your team members that you will have their shirts and will distribute them accordingly.
• If you cannot pick up on October 10, shipping is available for an additional fee or you may contact Jennifer Ford to schedule a pick up appointment during regular business hours the week of October 12. Please note that pick up appointments may be limited and are subject to availability.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM | DSG OFFICE-RICHARDSON

BITTY & BEAU'S CRUISER POP UP

Bitty & Beau's Coffee Cruiser will be at Buddy Walk® T-Shirt Pickup!

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 10, the Bitty & Beau's Coffee Cruiser will be at our annual Buddy Walk® T-Shirt Pickup from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. All are welcome to stop by whether you are picking up t-shirts or simply need a coffee break.

Bitty & Beau's Coffee Cruiser is more than just a coffee truck, they are part of a movement that believes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve meaningful employment and the opportunity to shine. Every cup they serve helps spread a mission of inclusion, belonging, and celebrating the unique gifts of every person.

But don't let the mission fool you, they're serious about coffee, too.

Come enjoy premium, handcrafted beverages made with expertly pulled espresso, high-quality ingredients, and the same care and attention you'd expect from your favorite local coffee shop. Whether you're craving a velvety latte, an iced vanilla matcha, a refreshing Cruiser Cooler, or a rich cold brew, they've got something to make your day even better.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2027 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM | HALL OF STATE AT THE BUSH INSTITUTE

THE EXTRAORDINARY BALL

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of cocktails and conversation, a silent auction, live auction, raffle prizes, an elegant dinner, a spirited paddle raise, and more — all benefiting the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas.

One extraordinary evening. Every person, valued and included.

Sponsorships and tickets coming soon!

For sponsorship, ticket, and donation inquiries, please contact Jennifer Ford.

Presentation of this event at the Bush Center does not imply or represent endorsement by the Bush Center, President George W. Bush, or Mrs. Laura W. Bush regarding content, programming, materials, or associated organizations.

FAMILIES OF ADULTS WITH

DS AGES 18+

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM | DSG OFFICE-RICHARDSON | $10

NOVEMBER SUPPER CLUB: PJ PARTY FOR SELF-ADVOCATES WITH DS AGES 18 AND OLDER

Slip into your favorite pajamas and join us for a night of fun at the November Supper Club! This is a social evening designed specifically for adults with Down syndrome ages 18 and older. We will be bringing the fun to the DSG office on Friday, November 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

We’ll kick off the evening with a delicious breakfast-for-dinner meal, followed by several rounds of trivia games which are sure to bring some fun and laughter!

DSG staff and volunteers will be present throughout the evening to help facilitate the event and ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming experience for all attendees.

Space is limited and registration is required. Registration will close on Tuesday, November 10, or until the event is full.

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss specific accommodations and modifications for this program, please contact Ava Burns.

ALL AGES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM | ZOOM |

NO COST

WEBINAR: THEIR TOMORROW STARTS WITH OUR CHOICES TODAY

The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is excited to partner with CaringTide to bring families a series of free webinars starting fall 2026 throughout 2027.

The first webinar in the series is titled Their Tomorrow Starts with Our Choices Today. Educator, advocate, and parent, Jennie Dopp, will guide families on how to create a complete, actionable plan for your loved one’s future. Participants will gain practical tools to confidently prepare for long-term care and independence, including benefit navigation.

Registration is required. This webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants after the session.

Additional questions? Contact Jennifer Ford.



SATURDAY, NOVEMEBER 14 | 6:00 PM-8:30 PM | BAM BIRD BOUTIQUE | $10

MOMS NIGHT OUT

DSG Moms are invited to join us for an evening of connection and Mahjong at Bam Bird Boutique! Whether you’re new to Mahjong or ready to jump right in, all skill levels are welcome. Lessons will be available for those playing for the first time, while tables will also be available for those who are ready to play.

Bubbles, assorted snacks and bites, and other beverages will be available to enjoy throughout the evening as we connect and play.

This event is designed as a night of connection and self-care. We kindly ask that you arrange childcare and not bring children to the boutique.

Space is limited and registration is required. Registration closes Tuesday, November 10, or when the event reaches capacity. Questions? Please contact Ava Burns.



FROM OUR NATIONAL DS ORGANIZATIONS

GRUPO DE FAMILAS UNIDAS

(EN ESPAÑOL)

SÁBADO 7 DE NOVIEMBRE | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM | LA OFICINA DE DSG | $10

GRUPO DE FAMILIAS UNIDAS

¡Mamás de Grupo de Familias, este brunch es para ustedes! 

Invitamos a todas las mamás de nuestro Grupo de Familias a disfrutar de una tarde especial juntas. Tendremos comida deliciosa, bebidas, juegos divertidos y premios, mientras compartimos y disfrutamos de un momento especial con otras mamás de nuestro grupo. 

Será una tarde para conectar, compartir, relajarnos y disfrutar juntas. 

¡Aparta tu lugar! Regístrate antes del 30 de octubre. 

¿Tienes preguntas? Comunícate con Maria Gonzalez a través de maria@downsyndromedallas.org. 

¡Las esperamos, mamás de Grupo de Familias! 

The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is proud to support our partners in the disability community by sharing opportunities hosted by other local and national organizations. Please click each flyer to learn more.

Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas

1651 N. Collins Blvd. Suite 170

Richardson, TX 75080

www.downsyndromedallas.org

214.267.1374