DREAMFEST 2026
Formally known as Walk for a Million Dreams
Dreamfest is Kern Down Syndrome Network’s signature community celebration held during Down Syndrome Awareness Month — a time to recognize the accomplishments, abilities, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome.
A New Name. The Same Heart. An Even Bigger Dream.
Walk for a Million Dreams is now DREAMFEST!
For years, families and supporters gathered for Walk for a Million Dreams to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and support the mission of Kern Down Syndrome Network.
Now, that beloved event is growing into Dreamfest.
The name may be new, but the heart remains the same. Dreamfest continues to celebrate the children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome who inspire our community every day through their joy, determination, talents, personalities, accomplishments, and contributions.
This new chapter allows us to expand the event into a larger community celebration while staying rooted in the same purpose: creating a space where individuals with Down syndrome are seen, celebrated, included, and supported.
Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and Dreamfest gives our community a powerful way to celebrate.
For Kern Down Syndrome Network, awareness is not just about sharing information. It is about helping people see the full lives, strengths, abilities, personalities, and potential of individuals with Down syndrome.
Dreamfest is a day for our families to feel surrounded by support and for our community to better understand the importance of inclusion, opportunity, and belonging.
It is also a reminder that individuals with Down syndrome are not defined by a diagnosis. They are students, employees, athletes, artists, siblings, friends, advocates, leaders, and valued members of our community.
What to Expect At Dreamfest
Dreamfest will be a full-day, family-friendly celebration filled with activities, entertainment, resources, vendors, food, and opportunities to connect.
Guests can look forward to:
As part of the celebration, guests will be invited to join a short walk around the park as a shared moment of support and unity. It is a simple but meaningful way for our community to walk alongside individuals with Down syndrome and celebrate the dreams, accomplishments, and contributions they bring to Kern County.
More than anything, Dreamfest is a huge community celebration — a day filled with joy, connection, awareness, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Looking Back at Last Year
Last year’s event was a powerful reminder of what happens when our community shows up.
Together, we raised $51,000 to support Kern Down Syndrome Network and the families we serve. More than 46 teams participated, and over 1,500 attendees came together to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome.
Families created teams in honor of their loved ones. Sponsors and donors helped make the event possible. Vendors and community partners connected families with helpful resources. Volunteers gave their time and energy. Attendees filled the day with joy, support, and celebration.
Dreamfest 2026 will build on that momentum as we continue growing this event into an even more meaningful celebration for our families and community.
Our Goal for 2026
This year, our goal is to raise $75,000 through Dreamfest.
Funds raised through Dreamfest help Kern Down Syndrome Network continue providing programs, events, resources, education, connection, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout the year.
Your support helps us create opportunities for families to connect, children to be celebrated, teens and adults to be included, and the broader community to better understand the value and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome.
Every sponsor, donor, vendor, volunteer, team, and attendee helps move this mission forward.
Ready to Dream Bigger with us?
There are many ways to be part of Dreamfest 2026.
We are currently welcoming interest from:
Whether you want to sponsor the event, make a donation, participate as a vendor, volunteer, create a team, or simply learn more, we would love to connect with you.
Dreamfest is made possible because people and businesses in our community choose to show up for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dreamfest the same as Walk for a Million Dreams?
Yes. Dreamfest is the new name for Kern Down Syndrome Network’s signature community event formerly known as Walk for a Million Dreams. The heart of the event remains the same, but Dreamfest allows us to grow the celebration and include more opportunities for families, vendors, sponsors, donors, and community partners.
Why is Dreamfest held in October?
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Dreamfest is held during this important month to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and help our community better understand their accomplishments, abilities, contributions, and the importance of inclusion.
When is Dreamfest 2026?
Dreamfest will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Stramler Park 4003 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, Ca 93301.
Who can attend Dreamfest?
Dreamfest is open to families, friends, community members, sponsors, donors, vendors, volunteers, and anyone who wants to celebrate and support individuals with Down syndrome.
What activities will be at Dreamfest?
Dreamfest will include an Inflatable Fun Zone, rock wall, pony rides, petting zoo, foam party, karaoke and dance party, crafts, face painting, cornhole, food trucks, marketplace vendors, resource vendors, community partner booths, family gathering areas, and a short walk around the park as a shared moment of support and unity.
Can my business sponsor Dreamfest?
Yes. Businesses, organizations, families, and community partners are welcome to contact us if they are interested in sponsoring Dreamfest.
Can I participate as a vendor?
Yes. Dreamfest will include opportunities for resource vendors, marketplace vendors, food vendors, service providers, and community organizations.
Can I donate even if I am not a sponsor?
Yes. Donations of any amount help support Dreamfest and the work Kern Down Syndrome Network does throughout the year.
How do I get involved?
You can get involved by sponsoring, donating, participating as a vendor, volunteering, creating a team, or sharing Dreamfest with others in the community.
Do you still have unanswered questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Contact us and let’s dive in.