The cost of school supplies and clothes have skyrocketed this year, but that doesn’t mean your student has to miss out on the latest styles.
Here’s a list of resources to help your child start the year off right without putting a strain on your wallet.
Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair returns with 20,000 free backpacks
The Mayor’s Back to School & Health Fair will take place Saturday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Houston. This annual event helps economically disadvantaged elementary students and their families get ready for the school year.
Organizers will distribute 20,000 free backpacks filled with supplies. Families can also access free health services, including dental sealants, vision and mental health screenings, and routine immunizations.
The fair also offers connections to social services and community agencies.
Baytown Back-to-School Bash
The Bangladeshi American Business Association (BABA) is partnering with Baytown Mayor Charles Johnson to throw the “Baytown Back-to-School Bash.”
Attendees will have access to like backpacks stocked with school supplies.
The event will be held on Aug. 2, 2025, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Robert E. Lee School, 1809 Market St, Baytown, TX 77520.
Keep an eye on Babausa [website] for more information on pre-registration and the event location.
Target Back-To-School sale
Target is hosting a major back-to-school event from now until Aug. 2 in-store and online. Aptly called “Back to School-idays,” this sale is offering up to 30% in discounts on backpacks, kids’ apparel, and more.
The deals don’t end there. Visit your local Target for the chance to enter exclusive giveaways for shoelace kits, school-themed patches and monogrammed bath wraps.
The retailer is also participating in tax-free weekend, which starts on Friday, Aug. 8 and ends Monday, Aug. 10.
Local dealerships giving away backpacks at 3 free events
More than 1,100 elementary students across Greater Houston will receive free school supplies this summer thanks to a community-powered initiative led by Ken Garff Automotive Group. Volunteers from eight local dealerships are hosting three giveaway events in July and August to help ease the back-to-school financial burden for families.
Sing for school supplies at Mega Karaoke DJ Center
Get ready for school with a twist at Mega Karaoke DJ Center’s Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 14929 Westpark Drive, Ste A200 in Houston.
Here’s how it works: sing a song and receive a free backpack filled with school essentials like notebooks, pencils, crayons, and more. The event is perfect for elementary to middle school students and promises fun for the whole family.
Free drive-thru backpack giveaway in Cypress
Cypress Assistance Ministries is hosting a drive-thru Back to School Backpack and Supply Giveaway on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 13002 Cypress N. Houston Road.
The event is open to Cy-Fair ISD students and includes a free backpack filled with school supplies, plus a clothing voucher. Families must bring a government-issued photo ID or proof of address.
Learn more at facebook.com/cypressassistance.
Back 2 School Fest 2025 offers free supplies, live music
Phoenix Rising Records invites families to the Back 2 School Fest on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 11397 Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston.
This free event features a school supply giveaway (while supplies last), live music, and educational activities aimed at inspiring children to get excited about learning. Students must be present to receive supplies, and reservations for school supplies will only be held during the first hour. Donations to support the event are welcome.
Free backpack giveaway and fun at Gillman Nissan in Rosenberg
Gillman Nissan is hosting a Back to School Backpack Event on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 26001 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg.
Families can receive free backpacks filled with school supplies, enjoy food, and participate in fun activities during the three-hour event.
Children’s Lighthouse hosting Back to School Bash in Katy
Families are invited to the Children’s Lighthouse Back to School Bash on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 19607 Clay Road in Katy.
This free event will feature school supply giveaways, prizes, and local vendors. Admission is free and open to the public.
More details available at facebook.com/cllcclayrd.
Humble Middle School hosts free backpack and supply giveaway
Humble Middle School invites HMS-zoned and nearby students to a Back to School Supply Giveaway on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. at 11207 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble.
Families can pick up free backpacks filled with school supplies (one per child; children must be present). The event also features food trucks, local vendors, music, raffles, and games. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
YMCA Back to School Bash with games, food, and free backpacks
The Holcomb Family YMCA is hosting a Back to School Bash on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. at 5201 Imperial Promenade Drive in Spring.
The event is free and open to the public, featuring games, food trucks, vendors, and music from a live DJ. Families in need can request a free backpack by calling the YMCA or visiting the front desk in advance.
More info at facebook.com/holcombymca
Missouri City hosts 6th Annual Back 2 School Mega Fest
The Landmark Community Center in Missouri City will welcome families for the 6th Annual Back 2 School Mega Fest on Aug. 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
This lively community event offers free backpacks, school and hygiene supplies, athletic physical vouchers, haircuts, and more on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Kids and parents can enjoy DJ music, face painting, moonwalks, raffle prizes, and a variety of food and apparel vendors.
Parents must accompany children to the event, which aims to help students start the school year with confidence and success.
Baytown Community Center hosting free Back-to-School Fair
The City of Baytown and Communities In Schools of Baytown are teaming up for the Annual Back to School Fair, open to all students enrolled in Goose Creek CISD. The event will take place Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. to noon (or while supplies last) at the Baytown Community Center, 2407 Market St.
Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents must provide their student’s ID number via the Parent Portal to receive a backpack. In addition to free supplies, families can connect with local community resources on-site. No pre-registration required.
Free Back to School Bash at Urban Air with unlimited jump time
Macaroni KID Greater NW Houston is hosting a fun-filled Back to School Bash on Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Urban Air Adventure Park, 20502 Hempstead Road, Ste. 110.
The event includes unlimited jump time, face painting, snow cones, kids’ games, local vendors, and back-to-school essentials. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Learn more or sign up at facebook.com/mackidgreaternwhouston.
Back to School Community Fair with free haircuts and more
Living Word Church is hosting a free Back to School Community Fair on Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 16607 Clay Road in Houston.
The event offers free haircuts, manicures, a health fair, bounce houses, food trucks, and other family-friendly activities.
Webster health fair offers free haircuts, eye exams, and more
The MultiCultural Center in Webster is hosting a free Back to School Health Fair on Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at 951 Tristar Drive.
Attendees can take advantage of free haircuts, eye exams, CPR certification, and Narcan training, along with tips on staying healthy and active during the school year.
More details and registration available at eventbrite.com.