Ready for the new school year? 25 Back-to-School Events to Explore

Community Events to Help Chicago Students Prepare for the New School Year

As the new school year approaches, Chicago Public Schools students are set to return to classes on August 18. To support families and ensure a smooth transition, numerous community groups, churches, and local organizations are hosting events across the city. These gatherings offer free school supplies, backpacks, food, and other essential items to help students get ready for the upcoming academic year.

Below is a list of some of the most notable events happening in different parts of the city:

South/Southwest Side

• Back to School Rally
  Hosted by St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 2. The event will include free food, backpacks, school supplies, children’s activities, and vendors.

• Back-to-School Vision Exam Event
  Taking place at The Eye Bar Optics on August 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can receive vision exams and enjoy festival activities like a jump house and face painting.

• Arm of Faith Back to School Festival
  Held at 6701 S. Emerald Ave. on August 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event features a petting zoo, gaming truck, face painting, and bounce house for students.

• Chicago Urban League Back To School Festival
  Occurring at 4510 S. Michigan Ave. on August 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families can take part in giveaways, health resources, haircuts, and more.

• Greater Mountain of Hope Ministries and Train Up A Nation’s Back 2 School Bash
  On August 2 from noon to 2 p.m. at 5716 S. Ashland Ave., this event offers book bags, school supplies, free haircuts, food, and music.

• Beegr8t Back-to-School Youth Kickoff
  At The Learning Space on August 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes raffles, giveaways, arts and crafts, and refreshments for youth.

• Back to School Health Fair
  Taking place at the South Chicago Parking Lot on August 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Chicago Family Health Center will provide same-day physical and dental exams.

• Greater Together Back-to-School Block Party
  At the Gary Comer Youth Center on August 8 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The party features live entertainment, water activities, arts and crafts, and a backpack giveaway.

• LYD’s 4th Annual Back to School Bash
  On August 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 808 E. 61st St. Free backpacks will be distributed, along with food upon arrival.

• This is Life Back to School Bash
  At Hamilton Park on August 13 from noon to 3 p.m. The event includes activities for students and free backpacks and school supplies.

• A Cry For Our Youth Back-to-School Event
  On August 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moran (Terrance) Park. The event provides free school supplies and food for families.

• El Valor’s Back To School Event
  At Rey B. Gonzalez Children and Family Center on August 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. Free backpacks and school supplies will be available.

• The Kindness Campaign Back 2 School Bash
  On August 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 703 E. 75th St. The bash includes haircuts, backpacks, school supplies, games, pony rides, and a live magician.

• 1’s Family Annual Back to School Giveaway Picnic
  At Calumet Park Beach on August 17 at 3 p.m. Families can enjoy games, food, a book bag giveaway, and face painting.

• 102nd Anniversary Community Outreach and Back 2 School Rally
  At True Light Baptist Church on August 24 at 11 a.m. The event includes free school supplies, food, music, and local vendors.

North/Northwest Side

• 46th Ward 2nd Annual Back to School Bash
  On August 2 from noon to 4 p.m. at 4501 N. Clarendon Ave. The event includes face painting, a fire truck, mobile gaming, and beauty trucks.

• Back to School Giveaway
  At Gross Park on August 2 from noon to 3 p.m. Local Realtors will host the event with free backpacks, school supplies, and face painting.

West Side/Near West Side

• Back to School Educational Rally
  On August 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3948 W. 26th St. The event includes games, music, food, and giveaways.

• New Philadelphia Pentecostal House of Prayer Back to School Community Event
  On August 9 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at 5122 W. North Ave. The event features free book bags, food, and music.

• HOLCD Back To School Jamboree
  On August 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4650 W. Madison St. The event offers activities, games, and school supplies.

• LCHC Back to School Bash 2025
  On August 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Harmony Community Church. The event includes an inflatable basketball hoop, dry slide, and gift cards for school supplies.

• Focus Fairies Mentoring Open House & Back-to-School Bash
  On August 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Families can tour the headquarters and participate in games, face painting, and a backpack giveaway.

• Somos Arte Chicago’s Books and Backpacks
  On August 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at Humboldt Park. The event includes free books, backpacks, and arts and crafts.

• Tune-Up and Turnout: A Back-to-School Bike Ride
  On August 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stone Temple Baptist Church. Families can join an 8-mile bike ride through North Lawndale to Humboldt Park Field House.

Citywide

• Chicago Public Schools Back to School Bash
  Taking place at multiple locations from July 29 to August 7. Events are held at Columbus Park, Winnemac Park, Piotrowski Park, and Gatley Park Stadium.