MADE DIFFERENT

Music. Inclusion. Family. Community. Experience.

April 23–25, 2027 | Madison, Wisconsin

Made Different is being created around one simple belief:

Being different should never mean being left out.

In April 2027, we are bringing together music, family, wellness, entertainment, education, accessibility, and community for a three-day experience designed to celebrate neurodiversity, individuality, and the many different ways people experience the world.

Our vision is to welcome approximately 60,000 people to Madison, Wisconsin, for an event where autistic individuals, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, educators, advocates, artists, businesses, and community organizations can experience something built with inclusion at its core.

Made Different is more than a music festival.

It is a movement to create spaces where people can participate without having to change who they are to belong.

WHY MADE DIFFERENT?

Large festivals and community events can be overwhelming or inaccessible for many autistic and neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities.

Crowds. Noise. Lighting. Communication barriers. Long lines. Lack of quiet spaces. Limited accessibility resources. Staff who may not understand sensory needs.

We believe large-scale entertainment can be done differently.

Made Different is being developed with input from autism organizations, disability advocates, families, educators, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience so that accessibility isn't something added at the end.

It is part of the foundation.

WHAT WE'RE BUILDING

Made Different will combine major live entertainment with inclusive experiences throughout the festival, including:

- Multiple live music stages

- Sensory-friendly and relaxation environments

- Autism and neurodiversity resources

- Disability and family support organizations

- Inclusive and adaptive activities

- MOVE DIFFERENT Wellness Village

- Adaptive movement and fitness programming

- Yoga and Pilates

- Family and children's experiences

- Inclusive Play Zone

- Community education and speakers

- Gaming and sports tournaments

- Cornhole and bocce tournaments

- Silent disco

- Carnival attractions

- Food and shopping marketplaces

- Wellness and healthcare activations

- A fundraising 2K walk

- Free haircut opportunities for autistic children

- Staff and volunteer accessibility training

- Communication and sensory supports throughout the festival

And most importantly, we are building the experience with the community — not simply for the community.

THE COMMUNITY TICKET PROGRAM

One of the most important pieces of Made Different is our Community Ticket Program.

We do not want finances to prevent families and individuals from experiencing this event.

Through community partnerships and donations, we plan to provide complimentary festival tickets to:

- Autistic students

- Autistic individuals and their families

- Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

- Schools and special education programs

- Transition programs

- Disability organizations

- Community organizations

- Families experiencing financial barriers

Our nonprofit and community partners will help us identify and reach the people who can benefit most from these opportunities.

YOUR DONATION HELPS BUILD THE EXPERIENCE

Producing an inclusive festival of this size requires much more than stages and artists.

Donations can help support accessibility resources, sensory environments, community programming, complimentary tickets, adaptive experiences, educational programming, family resources, trained staff, communication supports, wellness programming, and the infrastructure necessary to welcome tens of thousands of people safely.

Every contribution — large or small — helps us move closer to creating an event where inclusion is not simply a slogan.

It is something people can actually experience.

THE IMPACT CONTINUES AFTER THE FESTIVAL

Made Different is being created to make an impact beyond one weekend.

After festival expenses, 33% of remaining proceeds will be committed to supporting education, resources, and research connected to autism, neurodiversity, disability inclusion, and the communities Made Different was created to serve.

We want this festival to create memories.

But we also want it to create resources, opportunities, conversations, partnerships, and lasting change.

HELP US MAKE DIFFERENT POSSIBLE

Made Different represents every child who has felt misunderstood.

Every parent searching for a community that understands their family.

Every autistic person who deserves to experience entertainment without being asked to hide their needs.

Every person with a disability who deserves access without feeling like an afterthought.

Every person who has ever been told they were somehow too different.

Different isn't less.

Different isn't wrong.

Different is something worth understanding, supporting, and celebrating.

Whether you donate, share this campaign, become a community partner, volunteer, sponsor an experience, or simply tell someone about Made Different, you are helping us build something that we believe can become much bigger than a festival.

Help us create a place where everyone has permission to experience the world differently.

MADE DIFFERENT

Music. Inclusion. Family. Community. Experience.

April 23–25, 2027 | Madison, Wisconsin

Be different. Be included. Be part of it.

Made Different

Autism Awareness

Team Members