Calendar of Events

Our Events

Our annual events are more than just gatherings; they’re celebrations of unity, inclusivity, and the power of community. Designed to engage and embrace individuals with Down syndrome and special needs, these events are a testament to the beauty of diversity and the strength found in togetherness.

Whether you’re attending an event, making a donation, or volunteering your time, your support makes a difference. Together, we can build a brighter future for individuals with Down syndrome and special needs to create a world where everyone is valued, respected, and included. We invite you to join us at our next event and experience the joy of community firsthand.

Jul 17, 2026

7:00 PM

-

9:00 PM

Clearwater Dance

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater

More Info

Jul 28, 2026

6:30 PM

Parent Connect Brandon

Mellow Mushroom

More Info

Aug 2, 2026

10:00 AM

-

12:00 PM

Pinellas Play F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Highland Recreation Complex

More Info

Aug 21, 2026

7:00 PM

-

9:00 PM

Clearwater Dance

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater

More Info

Aug 28, 2026

7:00 PM

-

9:00 PM

Parent Connect Tampa

Mandola’s

More Info

Aug 30, 2026

2:00 PM

-

5:00 PM

Little F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Kidchella

The Barthle’s

More Info

Sep 13, 2026

10:00 AM

-

12:00 PM

Pinellas Play F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Highland Recreation Complex

More Info

Sep 18, 2026

7:00 PM

-

9:00 PM

Clearwater Dance

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater

More Info

Sep 27, 2026

3:00 PM

-

5:00 PM

Little F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Brandon

The Whatley’s

More Info

Oct 2, 2026

7:00 PM

-

9:00 PM

Temple Terrace Dance

Greater Tampa Showmen’s Association

More Info

Oct 16, 2026

7:00 PM

-

9:00 PM

Clearwater Dance

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater

More Info

Oct 17, 2026

10:00 AM

-

2:00 PM

10th Annual Buddy Walk

Carrollwood Village Park

More Info

Nov 22, 2026

3:00 PM

-

5:00 PM

Little F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Brandon

The Whatley’s

More Info

Dec 4, 2026

7:00 PM

-

9:00 PM

Clearwater Dance

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater

More Info

Dec 11, 2026

7:00 PM

-

9:00 PM

Temple Terrace Dance

Greater Tampa Showmen’s Association

More Info
CLOSE

Clearwater Dance

Jul 17, 2026
7:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater
2580 Gulf to Bay
Clearwater, 33765

FRIENDS free adult special needs dance. Pizza, drinks, dessert & fun provided.
Dress is casual
Adult & student volunteers needed!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Parent Connect Brandon

Jul 28, 2026
6:30 PM
Mellow Mushroom
10959 Causeway Blvd
Brandon, 33511

Do you live in the Riverview, Brandon or Valrico area and want to connect with other FRIENDS parents? Come connect, chat and laugh together in a relaxed, kid-free environment.
We look forward to meeting/seeing you all!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Pinellas Play F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Aug 2, 2026
10:00 AM
-
12:00 PM
Highland Recreation Complex
400 Highland Ave
Largo, 33770

The Highland Family Aquatic Center is a family-friendly mini-waterpark that provides a wide variety of fun play experiences for all ages.
Please bring bathing suits and sunscreen!

Highland Recreation Complex

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Clearwater Dance

Aug 21, 2026
7:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater
2580 Gulf to Bay
Clearwater, 33765

FRIENDS free adult special needs dance. Pizza, drinks, dessert & fun provided.
Dress is casual
Adult & student volunteers needed!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Parent Connect Tampa

Aug 28, 2026
7:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Mandola’s
14703 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, 33618

Do you live in the Tampa area and want to connect with other FRIENDS parents? Come connect, chat and laugh together in a relaxed, kid-free environment.
We look forward to meeting/seeing you all!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Little F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Kidchella

Aug 30, 2026
2:00 PM
-
5:00 PM
The Barthle’s
2818 S Bryan Rd
Brandon, 33511

🎉 KIDCHELLA: Back to School Bash!
Join us for Kidchella, a free and fun-filled back-to-school celebration for children with special needs (up to age 16) and their families!
🌟 Activities & Attractions Include:

  • Kona Ice Truck
  • Food & Beverages
  • Music & More!

🩱 Don’t forget to bring swimwear for water activities!

This inclusive event is all about community, joy, and making memories before the new school year begins!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Pinellas Play F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Sep 13, 2026
10:00 AM
-
12:00 PM
Highland Recreation Complex
400 Highland Ave
Largo, 33770

The Highland Family Aquatic Center is a family-friendly mini-waterpark that provides a wide variety of fun play experiences for all ages.
Please bring bathing suits and sunscreen!

Highland Recreation Complex

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Clearwater Dance

Sep 18, 2026
7:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater
2580 Gulf to Bay
Clearwater, 33765

FRIENDS free adult special needs dance. Pizza, drinks, dessert & fun provided.
Dress is casual
Adult & student volunteers needed!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Little F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Brandon

Sep 27, 2026
3:00 PM
-
5:00 PM
The Whatley’s
1103 Tuscanny St
Brandon, 33511

Our Little F.R.I.E.N.D.S. program is designed to support children from birth to 5 years old who have special needs, along with their families.
Join us to connect with other parents in the same journey, sharing experiences and valuable parenting tips while the children participate in fun activities, creating lasting bonds with each other.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Temple Terrace Dance

Oct 2, 2026
7:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Greater Tampa Showmen’s Association
12350 N 56th St
Temple Terrace, 33617

Join us for a free adult special needs dance event where adults can groove to the music and enjoy delicious pizza, refreshing drinks, delectable desserts, and plenty of fun activities. Casual attire is encouraged for everyone attending. We’re also seeking adult and student volunteers to help make this event a success! Students who volunteer can earn valuable service hours towards scholarships and other recognition. Come join us for a night of inclusivity, community, and celebration!
This is a Halloween themed dance!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Clearwater Dance

Oct 16, 2026
7:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater
2580 Gulf to Bay
Clearwater, 33765

FRIENDS free adult special needs dance. Pizza, drinks, dessert & fun provided.
This is a Halloween themed dance!
Dress is casual
Adult & student volunteers needed!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

10th Annual Buddy Walk

Oct 17, 2026
10:00 AM
-
2:00 PM
Carrollwood Village Park
4680 W Village Dr
Tampa, 33624

We are beyond excited to share that this year marks the 10th Anniversary of hosting our BUDDY WALK!

For the past decade, our community has come together to celebrateinclusion, spread awareness, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories for individuals with Down syndrome and special needs families.

We cannot wait to celebrate this incredible milestone together and make our 10th year the best one yet! 💙💛

REGISTER TODAY!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Little F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Brandon

Nov 22, 2026
3:00 PM
-
5:00 PM
The Whatley’s
1103 Tuscanny St
Brandon, 33511

Our Little F.R.I.E.N.D.S. program is designed to support children from birth to 5 years old who have special needs, along with their families.
Join us to connect with other parents in the same journey, sharing experiences and valuable parenting tips while the children participate in fun activities, creating lasting bonds with each other.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Clearwater Dance

Dec 4, 2026
7:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater
2580 Gulf to Bay
Clearwater, 33765

FRIENDS free adult special needs dance. Pizza, drinks, dessert & fun provided.
This is a Christmas themed dance!
Dress is casual
Adult & student volunteers needed!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

Temple Terrace Dance

Dec 11, 2026
7:00 PM
-
9:00 PM
Greater Tampa Showmen’s Association
12350 N 56th St
Temple Terrace, 33617

Join us for a free adult special needs dance event where adults can groove to the music and enjoy delicious pizza, refreshing drinks, delectable desserts, and plenty of fun activities. Casual attire is encouraged for everyone attending. We’re also seeking adult and student volunteers to help make this event a success! Students who volunteer can earn valuable service hours towards scholarships and other recognition. Come join us for a night of inclusivity, community, and celebration!
This is a Christmas themed dance!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
CLOSE

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F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - West Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides information, education, year-round programs, and fun activities for our Down syndrome and special needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.