World DownSyndrome Day 2026
March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about Down syndrome and celebrating individuals around the world living with the genetic condition. According to the World Down Syndrome Day website, the date for WDSD, being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
WDSD 2026 events will be added as we continue planning them!
DSAA World Down Syndrome Day events!
Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day!
On March 21st, we wear mismatched socks to celebrate differences and raise awareness for the Down syndrome community! Why socks? Because chromosomes look like little socks—and people with Down syndrome have an extra 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome (3/21!).
Join the fun and support a great cause by purchasing a pair from us! Every sale benefits the Down Syndrome Association, helping to fund resources, advocacy, and inclusion.
Get your socks, spread the word, and let’s celebrate together! 💙💛
Friday 3/20 @8:30am
See you at the Capitol!
🎉We are going to the Capitol this Friday, 3/20!
💙💛What to expect?
8:30-9:05 am Meet us at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB)
18 Capitol Sq SW, Atlanta, GA 30334, and have breakfast with Representative Scott Hilton (chicken biscuits provided by his office). If you get there after 9, just meet us at the Capitol.9:30-Walk across the street to the Capitol and take a photo with Representative Scott Hilton and Senator Drew Echols on the staircase inside the Capitol.
10 am- We'll hear the proclamation of 3/21 as the official #WorldDownSyndromeDay! at the House and the Senate 💙💛
🩵PLEASE wear blue, your DSAA shirts, or your Ds awareness shirt, and of course, wear your mismatched socks!
PARKING-254 Capitol Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
**Session is in, so parking will be tricky. PLEASE give yourself plenty of time or consider riding Marta, carpooling, or Lyft**
Marta information-https://martaguide.com/2010/04/18/marta-to-the-georgia-capitol/
We can't wait to see you there and see how we can create change for our DS Community!
Saturday, 3/21, 6-9 pm Megan’s World Down Syndrome Day Party!
We're thrilled to announce Megan's World Down Syndrome Day Party, made possible by the Megan Sydney Pay It Forward Fund! This year's celebration is for our friends with Down syndrome aged 21 and over, and their friends with intellectual disabilities. You MUST be 21+ since the venue includes a bar. Be ready to eat, drink, and dance, but more importantly, have a fantastic time together!
**Since the venue only has a small capacity, we are encouraging caregivers to drop off their individual with Down syndrome and then meet with other caregivers at Mellow Mushroom for pizza us!**
Sunday, 3/22, 1-3 pm WDSD at the Alliance Theatre- Naked Mole Rat gets Dressed!
🎸 Rockin' our mismatched socks and our own unique style in partnership with the Alliance Theatre, this World Down Syndrome weekend, we’re following Wilbur the mole rat’s lead and celebrating the beauty of standing out. Whether it’s a cool hat or an extra chromosome, life is better when we’re brave enough to be ourselves! We have RSVP'd 50 tickets for our community! Each family gets an adult and a child with Ds ticket free of cost. If you'd like to order more tickets, you can do so at our negotiated fee. Just add the extra ticket to your order. Please email Denise at denise.arribas@dsaatl.org if you have any questions!
Event Schedule
1 pm-Crafts and acting Workshop
2 pm-show
About the musical
Approximately 50 minutes, no intermission
Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Directed by Sam Provenzano
Based on the book Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
Children’s book author and artist Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny, Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In a Play) brings another lovable character to life in this exciting family musical. Watch as Wilbur, a clothes-loving mole rat with exceptional style, navigates the pressure to be just like everyone else. With tail-shaking tunes, empowering messages of individuality, and classic Mo Willems humor, this musical is sure to rock audiences of all ages.
Best enjoyed by audiences ages 4+
WDSD Community Events
Hampton, Ga- Saturday, March 21st, 1-3 pm
💙💛 National Down Syndrome Day Celebration 💛💙
Join us at Welcome Home Creamery and More for a special Ice Cream Social as we celebrate love, inclusion, and community!
📅 March 21
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 22 E. Main Street N., Hampton, GA
Bring your family and friends and enjoy great ice cream while we celebrate the amazing individuals with Down syndrome who make our community brighter every day. 🍦💙💛
Everyone is welcome — we look forward to celebrating with you!
Become a Monthly Redefiner for World Down Syndrome Day!
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Become a Monthly Redefiner for World Down Syndrome Day! 💙
Saturday, 3/21, 7:30 am 2nd Annual Brightside Forever Bunny Run
Join us for the 2nd Annual Brightside Forever Bunny Run on Saturday, March 21st in downtown Buford. It will be a fun morning of music, door prizes, awards, food and of course the run. Trophies will be given to top overall male & female finishers as well as male and female master winners and grand master male and female winners. Also, awards for a Wheel Chair Division will be given. Also medals for the top 3 finishers in the following age groups for male and female: 10& under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69,70-74 and 75 and up. We will be holding an optional Packet Pickup on Friday, March 20th, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Brightside Cafe in downtown Buford.
Saturday, 3/21, 1-5 pm Three Cheers for WDSD at Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Athens!
Hip, Hip, Hooray for World Down Syndrome Day! We are giving three cheers and having a beer to celebrate the little extra chromosome that makes Down syndrome extraordinary. Join us on Saturday, March 21st, from 1- 5 p.m. at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. in Athens for live music, food truck, fun activities, and fellowship. Wear your silly mismatch socks and share a toast to Trisomy 21!
World Down Syndrome Day aims to raise awareness, promote understanding, and celebrate the abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome. The date, March 21, was chosen to represent the 21st chromosome, which is typically present in triplicate in people with Down syndrome.
Saturday 3/21 @ 2 pm-GiGi’s 5K on WDSD!
2026 World Down Syndrome Day 5k: Jogging for Max and Jude
Sunday, March 15th at 6 pm in Griffin, GA.
12th Annual World Down Syndrome Day Jogging for Max and Jude 5k race.
Thursday, 3/05-3/15 Jerry’s Habima Theatre presents Disney’s Mary Poppins!
Habima Theatre is an inclusive theater company featuring actors with disabilities.
Our Valley Rockin’ her socks!
Become a Monthly Redefiner for World Down Syndrome Day!
💙Redefining Possible starts with you. Join our monthly giving family to break down barriers and create a world where people with Down syndrome are empowered to thrive. A monthly donation ensures our programs never stop. Let’s change the narrative together.
Flaunt It Photo Challenge!
We're celebrating the incredible people who make our Down Syndrome community so extraordinary — and we want YOUR photos to help us do it!
Send us your favorite snapshots of your child, sibling, or loved one living their best life. Silly selfies, big smiles, action shots, everyday moments — we want to see it all. Throughout the year, we'll be spotlighting these beautiful faces and the joy they bring to the world. Send your photos to info@dsaatl.org
Know Any Potential Sponsors? Let them know!
Sample Sponsorship ask letter
Dear Community Partner,
We are excited to invite [Company Name] to sponsor the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta's (DSAA) 2026 World Down Syndrome Day events across Atlanta. These gatherings celebrate the abilities and achievements of individuals with Down syndrome.
Your sponsorship will directly support DSAA's essential programs, promoting acceptance and inclusion within our community. Together, we can make this year's World Down Syndrome Day a memorable celebration.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us.
Warm regards,
[Your Name] [Your Title]
For Sponsorship opportunities, contact us at :
info@dsaatl.org
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Education Resources
DSAA has compiled this list of resources to assist our families
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WDSD Resources
Books, templates and ideas to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
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Event Calendar
See the full DSAA calendar here.