Know Before You Go
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Buddy Walk®!
The 26th Annual Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk® is more than just a walk. It's a celebration of our incredible Buddies, the families who love them, and the community that comes together to support them!
From exciting entertainment and family-friendly activities to accessibility accommodations and helpful event day reminders, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your Buddy Walk experience!
Entertainment and Activities
Get ready for a morning full of fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories! From special guests and live entertainment to interactive activities and family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone at the 26th Annual Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk®!
Explore everything happening throughout the celebration and make the most of your Buddy Walk experience!
Special Guests & Entertainment
Master of Ceremonies and DJ: Cleveland City Councilman Brian Kazy
National Anthem: FOX 8's Todd Meany
Presentation of Colors: American Legion Post 703 Color Guard
Interactive Drum Circle Experience: Trust Drum Circles
Cleveland Fire Band Bagpipers: Leading the Buddy Walk at 10:00 AM
Cleveland Browns' Chomps
Cleveland Cavaliers' Moondog
Cleveland Guardians Hot Dogs
Fairytale Foundation Characters
Bimbo Bakeries' Osito the Bear
R2 Builders Club
Activities & Experiences
One-Mile Buddy Walk®
Post-Walk Ceremony
Bubble Entertainment by Divine Harmony
Cheekies Face Painting
The Magic Man
Craft Corner
Club Bud
Little Buds
Sensory Space
Therapy Dogs
Jacob's Ladder Fitness
Outdoor Games
Buddy Gateway (Exhibitors)
Buddy Legacy Corner
CLE Letter Photo Station
Scouting America Lego Track
Food & Refreshments
Come hungry and ready to celebrate! A variety of food trucks and vendors will be on-site offering breakfast favorites, coffee, and other delicious treats to keep you fueled throughout the morning.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from participating vendors using cash, card, and Apple Pay.
Accessibility & Accommodations
The Buddy Walk® is a celebration for everyone! We're committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experience where individuals of all abilities can participate and enjoy the day.
We're excited to offer several accessibility features and accommodations, including:
Mobility & Transportation Assistance: Our Mobility & Transportation Partner, Golf Cart Girl CLE, will provide complimentary golf cart transportation between designated locations and assist participants with mobility needs.
Accessible Restrooms: Thanks to Momentum Refresh and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, a mobile accessible restroom will be available on-site, along with additional restroom facilities.
Accessible Walk Route: Our approximately one-mile route welcomes participants using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Families are welcome to complete a shorter distance if preferred.
Sensory-Friendly Area: A designated sensory space will be available for participants who may benefit from a quieter environment or a break from the excitement.
If you or a family member have specific accessibility needs or questions about accommodations, please contact DSANEO before event day. We're happy to help make your Buddy Walk experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible!
What to Bring & Event Day Reminders
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your Buddy Walk experience even more enjoyable!
Wear Your Buddy Walk Spirit! Show your Buddy Walk® pride by wearing your official 2026 Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk® shirt! Buddies will stand out in their special blue and white tie-dye shirts, while registered participants will wear tropical blue. Together, we'll fill Mall C with a sea of blue as we celebrate our Buddies and light the way together!
Dress for the Weather: The Buddy Walk takes place rain or shine! Be sure to check the forecast and dress comfortably for an October morning in Cleveland.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Our walk route is approximately one mile through downtown Cleveland, so comfortable walking shoes are encouraged.
Bring Lawn Chairs: Designated seating areas will be available for families who would like to bring their own lawn chairs.
Leave Pop-Up Tents at Home: Personal tents and canopies are not permitted at the event.
Service Animals Only: For the safety and comfort of all participants, pets are not permitted. Service animals are welcome.