Looking for a back-to-school (US-based) program in your area? We’ve put together a growing list of upcoming events, sorted by region and state, to help families connect with free supplies, backpack giveaways, and local community gatherings.
Explore the listings below and return regularly for the latest updates through the school year!
Region: South
District of Columbia (DC)
Petworth Backpack Giveaway
When: August 20, 3–5:30 p.m.
Where: Petworth Recreation Center, NW DC
Details: Free backpacks, fun activities, and food.
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Back to School Community Day
When: August 21, 3–7 p.m.
Where: Capitol View Library
Details: Games, giveaways, and performances.
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DPR Boost Up Backpack Giveaway
When: August 21, 4–7 p.m.
Details: Free backpacks. First-come, first-served.
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Back2School at RFK Campus (DYRS Event)
When: August 22, 12–5 p.m.
Details: Backpacks, games, and community services.
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Ward 5 Education Equity Committee – 5th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway
When: August 23rd, 10 a.m.-1 p.m
Where: Washington, DC (Ward 5)
Details: Free backpacks and school supplies for families, rain or shine.
Zion Hill Baptist Church & Petworth Rec Center – 3rd Annual Community Outreach Day
When: Saturday, August 23rd, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Petworth Playground, 801 Taylor St NW, Washington, DC
Details: School supplies, games, moon bounce, snow cones, and more family fun.
Virginia (Hampton Roads Area)
Bookbag Giveaway
When: August 23, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: First Baptist SouthHill (Chesapeake)
Details: Backpacks, school supplies, food, fun, and prizes. Must pre-register.
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Back to School Bash
When: August 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: NTheCut Barbershop (Virginia Beach)
Details: Approximately 100 backpacks and supplies free to students at the barbershop.
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Minnesota
Backpack Squad Distribution
When: August 29, 5:00 – 7:00 PM.
Where: Target (15300 Grove Cir N, Maple Grove, MN)
Details: Free filled backpacks (including high-quality school supplies) distributed to local children in need (RSVP required; first-come, first-served)
Region: Midwest
Michigan (East Coast – Detroit Region)
Ongoing Detroit Back-to-School Events
When: August 13–30
Details: Multiple neighborhood events offering free backpacks, music, food, and dental cleanings.
Event List
Benzie County Central Schools Orientation
When: August 27 (evening)
Details: Open house and orientation for families and students.
Region: Northeast
New Jersey
Back 2 School Bash.
When: Sep. 2, 2025, 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
Where: Pershing Field (201 Central Ave, Jersey City)
Details: Free backpacks and school supply giveaway for children aged 5 – 12 (while supplies last)
New York
NYRP Back-To-School Backpack Bonanza.
When: Aug. 29, 2025, 5:00–9:00 PM.
Where: Bed-Stuy Community Garden (95 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY).
Details: Free backpack and school supply giveaway for children, with live music and community partners (supplies given to children in attendance)
Explore Schools Back-to-School Rodeo.
When: Sep. 13, 2025, 12:00 – 3:00 PM.
Where: Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY.
Details: A free block-party-style event (hosted by Explore Charter School) with games, activities, and giveaways, including free backpacks (limited to one per family)
Pennsylvania
EleganceXtreme Back-to-School Giveaway.
When: Sep. 6, 2025, 12:00 – 4:00 PM.
Where: 1300 block of North 58th St, Philadelphia, PA.
Details: Free school supplies distribution (first-come) along with special activities (horseback riding sessions for attendees)