Atlanta Buddy Walk Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, 10-2 pm KSU-Marietta Campus
The Atlanta Buddy Walk is one of the most meaningful days of the year for the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. It’s more than just a walk—it’s a celebration of our families, our stories, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who inspire us every day. It’s a chance for our community to come together, lift each other, and be seen, heard, and celebrated. We are keeping last year’s theme, Redefine Possible, because at DSAA, we witness every day how our community challenges expectations and shows the world what’s truly possible when people are valued, supported, and loved
Supporting Atlanta Buddy Walk:
When you support the Buddy Walk®, you’re helping the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta make a real difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The money raised doesn’t just stay on the sidelines—it goes straight into programs that build confidence, community, and opportunity. It helps send teens and young adults to Camp Brightside, funds creative classes like our Musical Theatre Summer Camps, and supports important partnerships with GiGi’s Playhouse and Jack’s Basket. It fuels parent education programs, fun social gatherings (including our yearly Holiday Party for over 700 people, completely FREE for our families), and critical outreach to doctors and hospitals. We also host a Holiday Giveaway for families struggling during the season, and our Keep the Lights On program provides emergency financial support for those facing tough times. Because of the Buddy Walk, DSAA can walk alongside families from day one, advocate for better futures, and celebrate every step of the journey. You’re not just donating—you’re helping Redefine what’s Possible!
Registration Page & Full Details
KSU Map/Directions/Address: Our Atlanta Buddy Walk 2026 will take place on the KSU-Marietta Campus Event Center 635 Walter Kelly Road Marietta, Ga 30060
Parking/Drop off We have reserved the parking right next to the event center.
Accessible Parking: Unfortunately, due to the high number of handicap parking permits in our community, we are no longer able to offer designated handicap parking at the Buddy Walk. However, we do offer a convenient drop-off area at the entrance. *Please let us know if your team member is in a wheelchair, and we’ll make arrangements for them.
Atlanta Buddy Walk 2026 Event Map
Medals: We’ve ordered plenty of medals with our ABW 2026 logo, so every team can celebrate! Our amazing kids with Down syndrome will receive theirs first, followed by their wonderful siblings.
Thank you to our Atlanta Buddy Walk 2025 Sponsors!
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The Marty and Robyn Berger Family Fund
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Bennett Trasher
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The Caroline Thome Angel Fund
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Alice Ireland Ducat Foundation
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Lamar Advertising
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Yellow Crayon Fund
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GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta
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Amber Grace Community
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Newbanks Washington
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Megan's Pay it Forward Fund
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ReMax Town & Country
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Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology
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Candidly Kind
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The RMN Agency
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Lost in Adventure Travel
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Nadler & Biernath
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MEJA Construction
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52 Weeks Financial
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Just Heart Foundation
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Bama in Atlanta
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JD's BBQ
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Ritas Italian Ice Perimeter
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Go Far Atlanta Cart Rental
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Doodie Calls
💛💙 The Marty and Robyn Berger Family Fund 💛💙 Bennett Trasher 💛💙 The Caroline Thome Angel Fund 💛💙 Alice Ireland Ducat Foundation 💛💙 Lamar Advertising 💛💙 Yellow Crayon Fund 💛💙 GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta 💛💙 Amber Grace Community 💛💙 Newbanks Washington 💛💙 Megan's Pay it Forward Fund 💛💙 ReMax Town & Country 💛💙 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology 💛💙 Candidly Kind 💛💙 The RMN Agency 💛💙 Lost in Adventure Travel 💛💙 Nadler & Biernath 💛💙 MEJA Construction 💛💙 52 Weeks Financial 💛💙 Just Heart Foundation 💛💙 Bama in Atlanta 💛💙 JD's BBQ 💛💙 Ritas Italian Ice Perimeter 💛💙 Go Far Atlanta Cart Rental 💛💙 Doodie Calls
Frequently Asked Questions
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The walk is around 200 meters.
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Yes! Registration stays open during the morning of the Buddy Walk, and walk-ins are welcome. Just note that if you want to order lunch, you must place your order by September 30th.
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This year, we have partnered with Candidly Kind, where you can buy your official Atlanta Buddy Walk 2025 t-shirt! September 1st is the last day to buy your shirt and ensure you'll get it in enough time to wear it for our Atlanta Buddy Walk.
CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TSHIRTGrace Key is 25 years old and co-founder of Candidly Kind, started on March 21, 2018, by her and her mom, Carrie Key. Grace creates all the artwork and designs for all products.
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Even though we are big fans of our canine friends, unfortunately, we cannot have dogs on the KSU field.
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Yes! Our food vendor this year is JD’s BBQ. The combos will be $7 each, and they come with a choice of hotdog or burger, a bag of chips, and a cookie. Combos can be ordered during or after registration.
Order Deadline: October 1st at 12am!
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Absolutely!
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We have reserved the West multi-level parking deck on 810 Polytechnic Ln Marietta, GA 30060, parking is $2. If you're dropping off family members, you're welcome to drive up to the field entrance, drop them off, and then park your car at the West deck. For those who may find walking challenging we'll have 4 golf carts available to shuttle you from the parking lot to the field. Please contact us at info@dsaatl.org if you require handicapped parking.
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You can drop off your things closer to the field and then go park your car at the multi-level parking lot.
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The parking lot is only a 3-minute walk from the field. Feel free to drop off your things and then go park!
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Chairs, water, bug spray, sunscreen! Feel free to bring anything that shows off your team’s spirit. Dress up, bring signs, coordinate outfits, anything!
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Masks will not be required, but we will have some in hand if you want them.
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This is a come rain or come shine event, and we have secured a backup indoor location if needed for Sunday, October 5th.
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Yes! However the tents need to be weighed by sand or water bags since stakes are prohibited on the field. Look for the designated family picnic area on the map so you know where to set up.
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Go to our BW registration page: https://www.ds-stride.org/atlantabuddywalk or email denise.arribas@dsaatl.org
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We’ve ordered plenty of medals so every team can celebrate! Our amazing kids with Down syndrome will receive theirs first, followed by their wonderful siblings.
