The upcoming school year is just around the corner, and communities throughout Central Florida want to help families prepare with backpack giveaways, school supply drives, resource fairs, and family festivals. Many of these events are free to attend and feature games, food, health screenings, entertainment, and valuable community resources. Whether you’re shopping for supplies or simply looking for a fun family outing before school starts, here’s where you can celebrate the back-to-school season.
Neighborhood Centers for Families Back-to-School Fairs
Dates & Locations:
- West Orange County: Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at West Orange High School
- Northwest Orange County: Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Wekiva High School
- South Orange County: Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Cypress Creek High School
- East Orange County: Saturday, July 25, 9 a.m. –12 p.m. at East River High School
Hosted by Orange County’s Neighborhood Centers for Families, these free community fairs help local students head back to school with confidence. Each event features free backpacks and school supplies, family resources, health information, community organizations, and activities for children. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as giveaways are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Audio Excellence Annual Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway
Date: Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: 385 W. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo
This longtime community favorite provides much more than backpacks. Students receive free school supplies, haircuts, hair braiding, hygiene products, and access to educational workshops and local family resources. The event also features face painting, music, food vendors, and children’s activities, creating a festive atmosphere while helping families prepare for the school year.
Family Promise of Greater Orlando Back-to-School Bash
Date: Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Calvary Orlando, Winter Park
Family Promise’s annual Back-to-School Bash helps local students head back to class with confidence. Families can receive backpacks filled with school supplies while learning about community programs and support services available throughout Central Florida. The event also includes family-friendly activities and opportunities to connect with nonprofit organizations focused on children’s success.
City of Kissimmee Back 2 School Jam
Date: Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Chambers Park Community Center, Kissimmee
Hosted by the City of Kissimmee Parks & Recreation Department, this free event combines school supply giveaways with an afternoon of family fun. Guests can enjoy games, music from a live DJ, community resource booths, and a Kids Zone while students receive free backpacks and school supplies. It’s a great opportunity for Osceola County families to prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying one last summer celebration.
Christ Church of Orlando School Supply Giveaway
Date: Sunday, July 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Christ Church of Orlando, Orlando
This annual outreach event provides free school supplies selected using local teachers’ recommended classroom lists. Families can pick up essential items that students will use throughout the school year while connecting with volunteers and community members. Supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Florida Blue’s “Back to School: Mission Ready”
Dates & Locations:
- Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (434 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park)
- Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (2601 South U.S. Highway 27, Clermont)
- Friday, Aug. 7, 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (710 S. Tampa Ave., Orlando)
- Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (340 Kathleen Road, Lakeland)
Florida Blue is helping families prepare for the 2026–2027 school year with a free, space-themed celebration taking place at four centers across Central Florida. Families will receive free backpacks (limited to three per household) and school supplies, meet local community partners, enjoy cosmic-themed activities, healthy refreshments, and educational resources designed to help students start the school year strong. The events are open to everyone, and there is no cost to attend.
Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, Back-to-School Bash
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: 101 Adventure Court, Davenport
Serving families throughout Polk County, this free community event will distribute backpacks to the first 500 students in attendance. Visitors can also pick up school supplies from participating vendors, meet local organizations, and enjoy family-friendly activities including caricature artists. Children must be present to receive a backpack.
ECHO Brandon Back-to-School Bash
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover
One of Tampa Bay area’s largest back-to-school events, this annual bash provides backpacks filled with school supplies while connecting families with valuable community resources. Children can enjoy games and activity zones while parents learn about educational programs and local services. The event is designed to help thousands of students begin the school year ready to learn.
Faith Church Back-to-School Bash
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Faith Church, Orlando
Faith Church’s Back-to-School Bash offers a full morning of family entertainment alongside practical resources. Students can receive backpacks filled with school supplies while enjoying free food, inflatables, games, professional school photos, and activities for children of all ages. Local organizations will also be on-site providing information about after-school programs and family services.
Back to School Drive Orlando
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: 7649 W Colonial Dr. #110, Orlando
Families attending this community event can receive free backpacks and school supplies while connecting with organizations that serve Central Florida students year-round. The event often features children’s activities, food vendors, entertainment, and educational resources designed to help families start the school year on the right foot. Registration may be required for some giveaways.
18th Annual Kids of HOPE Back-to-School Bash
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Location: Hope Helps, Oviedo
Designed to support Seminole County families, the Kids of HOPE Back-to-School Bash distributes backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies to qualifying students. Families who register can also connect with local organizations offering educational assistance and family support. The annual program helps ensure students begin the school year prepared for success.
Arrive early, bring your child if required for giveaways, and check each event’s registration requirements before attending. Many organizations also recommend bringing proof of residency or school enrollment if requested. With a little planning, these community celebrations can make heading back to school easier and a lot more fun.
