The Baton Rouge Buddy Walk® is the Capital Area's biggest and best celebration of the local Down syndrome community!

WHAT Each year, thousands of people gather in downtown Baton Rouge to spread awareness, show support for the Down syndrome community, and PARTY! From train rides and “sweet treat” vendors to character meet-and-greets and jump houses, the Baton Rouge Buddy Walk is the can't-miss event of the year.

What to expect… dancing, cool giveaways, fun prizes, and all the amazing vendors you've grown to love - DJ services by X-treme Talent, superheroes and princesses by Bella Bowman Foundation and Be Our Guest, entertainment by Beyond Gymnastics and Greyson's Events, FREE stuff-your-own stuffed animals from Teddy Bear Mobile, and tons of FREE food and drinks provided by Rusty Pelican. Not to mention all your favorite FREE “sweet treats” from Crazy Waffle Bar, Espresso Geaux, Kona Ice, and City Gelato.

Plus! New this year… Frankie's Dawg House slingin' the World's Best Hotdogs for FREE! Dinosaurs come to life at three fun-packed shows performed by The Dinosaur Experience. An awesome car line-up put on by Louisiana's oldest and best antique "street rod" club, Ramblin' Oldies of Denham Springs. Thick and gooey creations for all our registered teams from the hottest name in cookies, Caroline's Cookies. Warm-up exercises before the Walk provided by Baton Rouge's premier fitness & health club, Southern Oaks Athletic Club. And what better way to lead-off an incredible celebration like this than with a second line performed by Brasshearts Brass Band.

And the best part? Whether you have a loved one with Down syndrome or just want to show your support, Admission is only $5 and YOU are invited! That's right, everyone is welcome for all the food, drinks, “sweet treats”, and family fun you can imagine for just five bucks. And it's all hosted by ESPN Radio’s Matt Moscona. The Baton Rouge Buddy Walk is a celebration like no other!

Check out highlights from last year's Buddy Walk HERE.

WHEN The Baton Rouge Buddy Walk is held each year on the first Saturday after World Down Syndrome Day (3/21). This year, the party kicks off at 9AM on March 23rd with the Walk at 11AM.

WHERE Join us at A.Z. Young Park 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, we encourage you to Celebrate Big! Tents, tables, chairs, blankets, signs, decorations, flags, balloons, ice chests, bubbles, and good vibes are all welcome. Food and drink are permitted, but not necessary. We'll have plenty, promise ;) For the safety and enjoyment of all our attendees, please no cooking or pets other than service animals.

>>> FREE PARKING AT THE RIVER ROAD LOT <<<

Please note vehicle access to the venue ends at 8AM sharp. All drop-offs must be done by 7:30AM.

WHO The Baton Rouge Buddy Walk is hosted by the Down Syndrome Awareness Group of Baton Rouge (“DSAG”.) Since 1983, DSAG has provided parent support and public awareness to improve the quality of life for those with Down syndrome in the Capital Area. But, at DSAG, we do not just serve the Capital Area’s Down syndrome community. We are the community.

WHY Proceeds from the Baton Rouge Buddy Walk are used to fund several initiatives benefitting the local Down syndrome community throughout the year. Programs like:

• Employment Assistance and Free Summer Camp through DSAG's partnership with Redstick C.A.R.E.S.
• Unlimited Free Swim Lessons through DSAG's “Making Waves” program at both locations of Crawfish Swim School
• Financial assistance for Vision Exams, Glasses, and Corrective Procedures through DSAG's partnership with Williamson Eye Center
• Unlimited Free Theater Movies, plus popcorn and a drink, for individuals with Down syndrome and up to three guests through DSAG's “Backstage Pass” at Celebrity Theatres

All this in addition to DSAG's continued commitment to 3.21 Scholarship giveaways, “First Connect” new parent baskets and mentoring program, and many social events to connect the Down syndrome community.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOW!

How do I join in on all the fun? You can start a fundraising team, join an existing fundraising team, or register as an individual. It's up to you! Click HERE to get started. If you plan to attend the Buddy Walk, you must register.

How much does it cost? Registration is just $5 per person and FREE for individuals with Down syndrome!

What do I get with my registration? You get full access to the Capital Area's biggest and best celebration of the local Down syndrome community! That means free food, free drinks, free “sweet treats”, and free fun. No ticket, receipt, or wristband necessary.

Registrants with Down syndrome get lots of cool, free stuff!

Can I buy a Buddy Walk shirt? If you register by the cut-off date, you will have the option to pre-order a super soft premium Buddy Walk tee for just $15. Individuals with Down syndrome get one FREE! All pre-orders will be available for pick-up at Registration the day of the event.

Deadline to pre-order a 2024 Buddy Walk shirt is March 3rd.

Limited quantities available for purchase at the event.

How do I customize my team's fundraising page? Once registered, you will see "Fundraising Page Set Up" at the top of your receipt. Click there to start customizing your team's page. Once done, be sure to share your page with friends and family.

What if I am a returning Team Captain? Welcome back! You can sign in to your existing account in Step 2 of registration. Forgot your username/password? Click HERE. 

Can I register more than one person at a time? Absolutely! In Step 3 of registration, click “Add Another Registrant”.

What if I can't attend but still want to show my support? You're so sweet. You can show your support by donating to an individual or team by finding them on the “Teams/People” page and clicking the “Donate” button next to their name. Or, you can make a general donation by going to DSAGBR.org and clicking on the “Donate Now” button at the top right of the page.

What about sponsorship opportunities? There are plenty of ways a business can invest in the lives of those with Down syndrome in the Capital Area! Click HERE to learn more.

We look forward to seeing you March 23rd.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Marcher!