Each August, the Dream Ride Experience transforms Connecticut into a global stage for inclusion, adventure, and friendship. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Dream Ride 2025 welcomed 25 Best Buddies International participants from 10 countries around the world, offering a week filled with unforgettable moments and life-changing impact. Thanks to the generosity of the Hometown Foundation, ambassadors from Best Buddies in Bolivia, Canada, El Salvador, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, and Tanzania were invited to travel to the United States for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What is Dream Ride?

The Dream Ride Experience is an annual car and motorcycle show dedicated to celebrating and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serves as the signature fundraising event for the Hometown Foundation. The Hometown Foundation is committed to supporting charitable causes, with a special focus on programs that enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Through its partnership with Best Buddies International, the Hometown Foundation generously sponsored ambassadors from 10 countries to experience true inclusion and global connection.

Held in Farmington, Connecticut, Dream Ride is so much more than a car show – it’s a vibrant festival that brings together thousands of people for a weekend of family fun, live music, delicious food, pet adoptions, and community spirit. The centerpiece is the Dream Cruise, a 12-mile drive through the scenic Farmington River Valley, where Dream Riders with disabilities ride in luxury vehicles, are cheered on by crowds, and celebrated on the red carpet.

A Journey Across Iconic Cities

This year, international attendees enjoyed a special, week-long itinerary leading up to the Dream Ride Experience: exploring Boston and New York City before arriving in Connecticut for the main event. Highlights included the Boston Duck Tour, a harbor dinner cruise, visits to the Bronx Zoo, Broadway’s “Aladdin,” and a Yankees game. These adventures provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for new experiences, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships, allowing participants to immerse themselves in American culture while connecting with peers from around the world.

Impact on Participants

The real magic of Dream Ride is seen in the stories and voices of its attendees.

“I’d love to repeat the Dream Ride experience, especially the Dream Cruise and seeing how the people cheered us on and waved to us as we set off. It was incredible! But the most exciting thing for me was the welcome on the red carpet because I felt so important. Thank you, Hometown Foundation! It was a trip of a lifetime. I am forever grateful!”
— Carlos, Best Buddies Bolivia Ambassador

“Dream Ride was an experience where I met so many friends all over the world. We could understand each other regardless of the language barrier because we all speak from the heart. My favorite adventure was the Bronx Zoo because of the variety of animal species that I never saw before. Also, Aladdin musical was something that was magnificent.”
— Teodora, Best Buddies Serbia Ambassador

“Dream Ride 2025 has proven to me that I really matter. Such dreams were too big for me and my family to afford. I have been exposed to many things while in the US interacting with many nationalities. I look at things and myself differently. My confidence has been elevated. Thanks to everyone who has made this dream come true.”
— Richard, Best Buddies Tanzania Ambassador

The friendships, confidence, and memories created at Dream Ride continue to inspire participants and communities around the world. Every mile traveled and every smile shared at Dream Ride is a testament to the power of inclusion and global connection. Thanks to the support of The Hometown Foundation, Dream Ride is driving change and building a more inclusive future all over the world.

Learn More

To discover more about the Hometown Foundation and the Dream Ride Experience, click the button below!

Dream Ride Website