As summer comes to a close, families across Texas begin preparing for another school year. Fortunately, getting ready for the first day of class doesn’t have to mean spending every weekend shopping. Throughout July and early August, communities across San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Corpus Christi host free back-to-school events filled with school supplies, entertainment, health resources, and family activities.

Whether you’re looking for community festivals, backpack giveaways, children’s activities, or ways to celebrate the end of summer, these events help students head into the classroom feeling confident and prepared.

Here’s where to find some of the best free back-to-school events in the Texas communities we proudly serve.

San Antonio

PicaPica Plaza Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

• Date: July 29, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Location: PicaPica Plaza
• Cost: Free
• Highlights:
  • Free backpacks for K–12 students
  • Community resource fair
  • Health organizations
  • Child must be present to receive supplies

Converse Parks & Recreation Back-to-School Bash

• Date: July 25, 2026
• Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Location: Converse North Park
• Cost: Free
• Highlights:
  • Games
  • Bounce houses
  • Giveaways
  • Community partners
  • 200 backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last)

Austin

Back to School with CommUnityCare Health Centers

• Date: August 3–7, 2026
• Time: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Location: Carousel Pediatrics: North Lamar (9411 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 120, Austin, TX 78753)
• Cost: Free (appointment required)
• Highlights:
  • Free required children’s immunizations
  • Free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)
  • Opportunity to establish medical care
  • Health resources for families
  • Designed to help Central Texas students start the school year healthy and prepared

Back to School Giveaway

• Date: August 9, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Location: Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave St., Austin, TX 78702
• Cost: Free (first come, first served)
• Highlights:
  • Free backpacks and school supplies
  • Bike and helmet giveaway from APD Operation Blue Santa
  • Health and wellness resources
  • Tutoring and after-school program information
  • Family activities and community resource booths
  • Open to families preparing for the new school year

Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex

Back to School Roundup

• Date: August 7, 2026
• Location: Tarrant County College South Campus
• Cost: Free (registration and eligibility required)
• Highlights:
  • Free school supplies
  • Haircuts
  • Health screenings
  • Community resources
  • One of North Texas’ largest back-to-school events

Corpus Christi

Back to School Bash

• Date: July 30, 2025 (Check the Garcia Center website for the 2026 event announcement, as dates are typically updated annually.)
• Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
• Location: Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center, 2021 Agnes St., Corpus Christi, TX 78405
• Cost: Free
• Highlights:
  • Free haircuts
  • Clothing and shoes
  • Hygiene items
  • Immunizations
  • Games and family activities
  • Snacks
  • Surprise character visit
  • Community resource booths
  • School supplies are provided directly to local teachers for students attending surrounding schools

Supporting Texas Students Beyond Back-to-School Season

Preparing students for success takes more than one event. Throughout the year, organizations across Texas continue providing educational resources, volunteer opportunities, literacy initiatives, and student support programs.

At TEXAS YES, initiatives like the Box of Dreams program help thousands of students begin the school year with essential school supplies, ensuring children across Texas have the resources they need to learn and thrive.

Community involvement, whether volunteering, donating, or attending local events, helps strengthen educational opportunities for students throughout San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and beyond.

Free back-to-school events offer more than backpacks and school supplies; they bring communities together to invest in the future of Texas students. Whether you’re in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, or Corpus Christi, there are countless opportunities to prepare for the school year while enjoying family-friendly activities.

Taking advantage of these events can help reduce back-to-school expenses, connect families with valuable resources, and ensure every student starts the school year ready to succeed.

Want to make an even bigger impact this school year?

Learn more about the TEXAS YES Project’s Box of Dreams program and discover how volunteering or donating helps provide essential school supplies to thousands of Texas students each year.