Fall 2024 Programs & Events

GiGi’s is booming with exciting programs and events this fall. Our website calendar is full of the regular programs offered but we wanted to highlight a few new or special events here on the blog. We don’t want you to miss anything! Additional details (times, locations, etc) can be found on our website calendar which is linked at the bottom of this post.

September

Friday, Sept 13 – Family Speaker Dementia and Down Syndrome

Speaker Erin Morley, an occupational therapist, will be here to share information on dementia in the Down syndrome population. Erin will discuss the prevalence of dementia, the signs to watch for, strategies to use, and ways to prevent or delay the progression of dementia.

Saturday, September 14 – Grandparents Day (grandparents not required)

This is a special day for our participants to invite their grandparents or grandfriends to join them at the Playhouse for a fun time with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Parents, you’re welcome too! Grandparents are not required. Stay for Open Play!

Saturday, September 14 – Tutor Talk

Calling all tutors current, past, and potential! Join Miss Ann for a morning of breakfast and talking about tutoring! What works, what doesn’t, and how to help participants achieve their best of all.

Saturday, September 21 – Educator Symposium

Join a team of experienced educators and therapists from across the GiGi’s Playhouse Network to learn how to teach individuals with Down syndrome the way they learn best.  Since 2003, we have been working nonstop to empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential and move toward independence.  

We encourage the families we serve to invite their teachers, paraprofessionals, and therapists to register and join us locally for a watch party.

Monday, September 23 – New Parent Meet & Greet

Parents who have never been to the Playhouse, this is for you! Meet staff, take a tour, and learn more about what GiGi’s has to offer.

Monday, September 23 – Mommy & Me

Moms with littles 5 & Under – Meet, mingle, and socialize while your littles play!

Friday, September 27 – ARC Fall Festival

Our teens and adults will attend the ARC Fall Festival at The Rust Belt as part of their program, but ALL families and community members are invited to participate. Please be aware that Teen Tastic and Fantastic Friends will meet from 5-7 pm this week.

October

Tuesday, October 1 – Parking Lot Party – Kick Off to Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Help us kick off DSAM with a party in the parking lot. There will be food trucks from  Kona Ice, Tom’s Coffee, Sweet Butt’s Cotton Candy, and more! Our GiGi’s Rock Band will also be performing!

Saturday, October 12 – Trunk or Treat

Our annual Trunk or Treat is always fun for families and volunteers too. If you’d like to host a trunk, click here to sign up. Families register to attend on our calendar. Drop-ins are welcome too!

Saturday, October 19 – FRIENDS Gather Here Gala

The gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s FRIENDS-themed event is sure to be the best one yet. There will be a coffee pull, live auctions, and special guests from the QC Penguin Project too!

November

November 7-10 – GiGi’s National Conference

The Playhouse will be closed while staff are off to the national conference!

November 22 – Family Fun at Dick’s House of Sports

A special night for GiGi’s families to enjoy all that the new Dick’s House of Sports has to offer.

Parent Round Tables – Throughout the month

Parents, you’re invited to join us for parent round tables in the month of November. The dates and times are aligned with other programs being offered so your loved ones can participate in their favorite program while you visit with our board members. Come provide your feedback about programs, events, etc. Our board members are eager to hear from you.

December

Saturday, December 14 – Holiday Party

ALL NEW this year is this ALL AGES Holiday Party! We will enjoy an evening at the Viking Club with dinner, games, crafts, music, dancing, and special guests from the North Pole.

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**Please note that the above programs/events are just a few of the happenings this fall. Many of our regular programs are on the calendar too.

• Open Play (All Ages)
• Art Explosion (Various Ages)
• LMNOP (0-3)
• Mommy & Me (0-5)
• Leaps & Bounds (3-5)
• Playhouse Pals (5-8)
• Dance (5-12)
• GiGiFIT Teen (13-17)
• Yoga (13+)
• Teen Group Speech “Teen Talk” (13-17)
• Teen Tastic (13-17)
• GiGiFIT Adult (18+)
• Achievers (18+)
• Fantastic Friends (18+)
• Adult Group Speech “Coffee Club’ (18+)

Visit the website calendar to learn more and register to attend!