Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Arizona
Let's change the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
April 11, 2026
7:30 AM | Tempe, AZ
Thank You!
Thank you for participating in this year’s Friendship Walk! Through your amazing efforts, we raised vital funds and awareness to sustain and expand our local Best Buddies programs. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event. With your support, our mission of friendship and inclusion is stronger than ever!
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading event in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Join more than 50,000 participants at 80 events across the globe to support the Best Buddies programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. You’ll be making the world more welcoming to people with IDD — one friendship, one job, and one life-changing connection at a time.
See More Event Details
NEW FOR 2026: We’ve moved our Friendship Walk to Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe!
Our usual venue at Kiwanis Park is under major construction, so this year, our friends at Marcos de Niza High School are hosting our 2026 Friendship Walk.
Marcos de Niza High School is located just down the street from Kiwanis Park (located off Guadalupe and Lakeshore Drive, between McClintock and Rural) and we couldn’t be more excited!
Important Event Information:
- Registration: All event attendees MUST register for the event. It is very helpful for our planning team if you register in advance; however, if you are not able to register before the event, please visit the registration tent once you arrive to register onsite.
- T-Shirt Pickup: Every walker who raises $50 or more will receive the official 2026 Friendship Walk t-shirt on event day! At check-in, you will receive a coupon to redeem at our t-shirt tent. (Donations made on the day of the event will still qualify you for a t-shirt!)
- Donation Drop-Off: If you have cash or checks that you’d like to donate on walk day, bring them along with you! Upon check-in, you’ll be directed to our Donation Tent where you will receive full credit for your donation(s).
- Food & Beverage: We’ll provide light snacks and breakfast items (bananas, oranges, granola bars, bagels & cream cheese, etc.) and plenty of hydration provided by our friends at Coca-Cola!
Parking Information:
- There is plenty of parking on site for all event attendees. Please enter the General Attendee Lot from Lakeshore Drive on the south side of campus. The smaller lot on the north side of the Administration Building is reserved for VIPs and sponsors. Those with access to the VIP Parking will receive a notification and parking pass ahead of event day.
Note: If you have accessible parking needs or are planning on arriving in a large vehicle (school bus, charter bus, etc.), please reach out to Trevor Paxton (TrevorPaxton@bestbuddies.org) so we can make proper arrangements for you.
Directions:
- From your preferred navigation app, type in Marcos de Niza High School. To enter the event, make your way to the appropriate parking lot, which you will enter from Lakeshore Drive. Upon arrival, follow the signage and volunteers who will direct you to check-in/registration.
Event Accessibility:
- This event is fully wheelchair accessible and accessible parking is available. Portions of this event will include loud sounds and music.
Schedule
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Check-in: 7:30 AM
Opening Ceremonies: 8:45 AM
Walk: 9:00 AM
Celebrate Until: 11:30 AM
Location
Marcos de Niza High School
6000 S Lakeshore Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283
Walk Route:
0.8 miles
Event Contact
Mission Movers – Top Fundraisers
Fundraising Rankings
Going the extra mile for Best Buddies.
Below are the rankings of the top 100 individuals and teams for this year’s event.
Supporting Local Programs
Funds raised through the Friendship Walk benefits Best Buddies – the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.
We Love Our Sponsors!
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Additional Sponsors
For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact:
Best Buddies Arizona
4527 N. 16th St., Ste. 106 Phoenix, AZ 85016
Frequently Asked Questions
Every person who raises $50 or more will receive the official Best Buddies Friendship Walk t-shirt on walk day. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting a more inclusive world and going the extra mile! Want to make sure you receive this year’s shirt? Get registered and start fundraising today!
First things first: Thank you! Your donation will count toward your child’s fundraising total, so they will be the one who earns the t-shirt. Want to make sure you receive one? Register to walk alongside them, make a donation of $50 or more, and the shirt is all yours on walk day!
We do! Simply bring it with you to the walk or contact your local Best Buddies office. Online donations are the easiest and safest, most secure way to give to Best Buddies, but either way — you’re making a difference!
Absolutely! Volunteers are vital to the success of the Friendship Walk, whether it’s assisting with event planning, day-of support, and more. Want to sign up to volunteer? Contact your local Best Buddies staff member — scroll up on the page one section to find more information!
Service animals are always welcome at the Friendship Walk! However, the allowance of other pets depends on the specific venue. For more information regarding bringing non-service animals, please reach out to your local Best Buddies staff member.
Best Buddies does not sell, share, or rent personal information collected through our website’s registration or donation forms. For more information, visit bestbuddies.org/privacy-policy