As families prepare for the return to class, a variety of back-to-school events across San Antonio offer free school supplies, health services and more resources to help students start the year off right.
Some events will also offer essentials like school uniforms and fresh haircuts. Watch out for updates to the Report’s resource list.
Scroll down to find a list of start dates for area schools.
Know of one we missed? Email diego@sareport.org with the details.
Saturday, July 19
Southeast Baptist Church Back to School Bash
Free school supplies while they last, plus carnival-style games and access to the church’s clothing closet. Community outreach vendors will be on site, and students must be present to receive supplies.
When: Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Southeast Baptist Church, 2414 South W.W. White Rd., San Antonio, TX 78222
Families can enjoy free games, activities, face painting, and performances, plus a special visit from PBS Kids’ Rosie. KLRN will give away 800 backpacks and school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. A resource fair and an educator station with supplies will also be available.
When: Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Historic Old Hwy 90 San Antonio, TX 78227
IDEA Backpacks for Bright Futures
The first 500 children at each event will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies. Events are open to all school-aged children in the community. Kids must be present with a guardian. Local vendors and registration assistance for IDEA schools will also be available.
Locations and times:
IDEA Mays Academy
1210 Horal Dr., San Antonio, TX 78245
Saturday, July 19, noon to 2 p.m.
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IDEA Eastside Academy
2519 Martin Luther King Dr., San Antonio, TX 78203
Saturday, July 26, noon to 2 p.m.
IDEA Ewing Halsell Academy
2523 W. Ansley Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78224
Saturday, Aug. 2, noon to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23
Enjoy free school supplies, hot dogs, games and helpful back-to-school resources. Food trucks with treats for purchase will also be available. Open to families, students, and the community.
When: Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Judson High School, 9142 Farm-To-Market Rd 78, Converse, TX 78109
Friday, July 25
Happy Kids Foundation: Back 2 School Bash
Free regular haircuts for kids ages 8–15, plus backpacks and school supplies while they last.
When: Saturday, July 25, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Maria’s Beauty Salon, 6203 Binz Engleman Rd., San Antonio, TX
Saturday, July 26
Boerne ISD – Back to School Resource Rally
Get ready for the school year with registration help, free school supply sign-ups, immunizations, vision screenings, transportation info and family resources. The event will also include a BISD job fair and appearances from dozens of local organizations and service providers, including CommuniCare, H-E-B, San Antonio Food Bank, ABCD Pediatrics and many more.
When: Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: 238 Lohmann St., Boerne, TX
A Fresh Foundation Back to School Bash
Free Chick-fil-A gift card for the first 100 students who sign up (must be present). Includes complimentary haircuts, free food, music, raffles, SA Food Bank distributions, manicures and free vaccinations with registration. Call 830-333-9589 by July 18 to register.
When: Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 402 W. Dewey Place, San Antonio, TX 78212
Elevate and Educate Back to School Wellness Fair
Free backpacks and supplies for children ages 5–18, plus wellness screenings, community resource tents, games, food, music and raffles every 30 minutes. Focused on both mental and physical health as kids head into the new school year.
When: Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 8550 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240
Alice Angels’ 5th Annual Back 2 School Bash
Free school supplies, food, music, raffles, games and more. Children of all ages are welcome, but must be present to receive supplies. First come, first served.
When: Saturday, July 26, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1518 Steves Ave., San Antonio, TX 78210
Hill Country Samaritans Back to School Bash
Free backpacks, school supplies, health services, haircuts, crafts, games, food and music. Open to public, private and homeschool students registered in Bandera County. Students must be present to receive supplies. Shuttle parking available.
When: Saturday, July 26, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 11225 PR 37, Lakehills, TX 782063
Sunday, July 27
Mendoza’s 4th Annual Back to School Giveaway
While supplies last, 1,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies, plus free food, drinks and haircuts for children.
When: Sunday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 4018 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78223
Center for Refugee Services Annual School Backpack Distribution
Free backpacks and school supplies for Pre-K through 12th grade students. Distribution runs through Aug. 1. Volunteers and donations are welcome during the week.
When: July 30–Aug. 2
Where: 8600 Wurzbach Rd., Suite 802, San Antonio, TX 78240
Wednesday, July 30
Chick-Fil-A 410 and Rigsby – Backpack Giveaway
Kids 12 and under receive a free backpack filled with school supplies with any $10+ order in the drive-thru or mobile lanes. One backpack per student. The child must be present and must request the backpack. While supplies last.
When: Wednesday, July 30, 2 p.m.
Where: Chick-fil-A, 2203 SE Loop 410 Access Rd., San Antonio, TX 78220
Thursday, July 31
Mack Injury Attorneys’ Backpack Giveaway
Free entry for all kids. First 985 kids receive backpacks with school supplies.
When: Thursday, July 31, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Urban Air Trampoline Park, Bandera and 1604
Friday, Aug. 1
Westside Family YMCA Back to School Bash
The YMCA will give away 250 backpacks filled with school supplies. The event will also feature music, raffles, games and prizes for families and kids.
When: Friday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Westside Family YMCA, 2900 Ruiz St., San Antonio, TX 78228
Saturday, Aug. 2
5th Annual Back2School Bash Backpack Giveaway/Show & Shine
Free backpacks with school supplies (one per child; child must be present), plus games, food, music, vendors and a car show hosted by Classic Street Knights. Community resource giveaways and donation drop-off also available.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: 6955 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX
Monte Viejo Back to School Market
The first 100 students to get a wristband at 11 a.m. can claim a free backpack at noon (student must be present). Enjoy food trucks, local vendors, family resource booths and more while supporting small businesses.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Monte Viejo Park, 4011 Emory Oak Dr., San Antonio, TX 78223
Empower House Back to School Fair
Free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), plus community resources, music, food and refreshments. Open to all with free entry.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Lockwood Park, 801 N. Olive St., San Antonio, TX 78202
NEISD Back to School Bash at Littleton Gym
Free haircuts, school supplies, shoes, and immunizations for NEISD students (while supplies last). Parents can access Skyward Family Access support, clothes closet sign-ups, and SA Food Bank distribution from 10 to 11 a.m.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Littleton Gym (Blossom Athletic Center), 12002 Jones Maltsberger Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216
Back to School Community Giveaway at American Legion Alamo Post 2
Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, food, and music. Vendors and outreach services will be available. Students must be present to receive items. First come, first served; registration is at capacity but walk-ups are welcome.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 3518 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78201
BiblioTech EDU Back to School Jam
A family-friendly event with free school supplies (while supplies last), interactive kids’ activities, community resource booths, and family support services.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 626 N. Flores St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Fiesta Youth Back to School Bash
This free, family-friendly event includes a DJ, entertainment, games, nonprofit resource booths, raffles, and free school supplies while supplies last.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Woodlawn Park Gymnasium, 219 Alexander Ave., San Antonio, TX 78201
UT Health SA Back to School Health and Wellness Fair
Enjoy free school supplies, community resources, an “Ask a Doc” Q&A and fun kids’ activities with prizes. Open to the public.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: San Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 1730 Dahlgreen Ave., San Antonio, TX 78237
Housing Authority of Bexar County Back to School Supply Drive
Free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last. Families must remain in their vehicles, and children must be present to receive a backpack. No registration required.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, noon to 2 p.m.
Where: 1954 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78202
Last Chance Ministries Back to School Event at Rosedale Park
Free backpacks and school supplies (with registration), plus live music, games, food and more.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: 303 Dartmouth St., San Antonio, TX 78237
Presidential Ink Back to School Event
Free backpacks with school supplies, gift cards, and haircuts for boys and girls — plus food, music and treats. While supplies last.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Presidential Ink, 5442 Evers Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Bexar County Military & Veterans Services Back to School Giveaway
Free pre-filled backpacks for veteran families. Must bring Veteran ID or DD214, and child must be present. First come, first served.
Where: Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., Balcones Heights, TX 78201
When: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m.
PicaPica Plaza Back to School Event
Wristbands for free backpacks will be distributed at 9:30 a.m., and backpacks handed out at 11 a.m. (child must be present). Free haircut vouchers available while supplies last. Includes community and parent resource fair.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: PicaPica Plaza, 910 SE Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78214
Friday, Aug. 8
Good Samaritan Community Services Back to School Bash
Free school supplies, haircuts, and community resources available while supplies last.
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 1600 Saltillo St., San Antonio, TX 78207
Autism Community Network Back to School Celebration
Free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), plus music, food, games, and local vendors — all in a sensory- and relationally-safe environment.
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Where: 535 Bandera Road San Antonio, TX 78228
Frost Bank Back to School Ice Cream Social
Celebrate the school year with free ice cream, music, and school supplies (while supplies last). Open to the public.
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 3803 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78229
Saturday, Aug. 9
Kingdom Culture Church Back to School Bash
Free school supplies, snacks, haircuts, nail painting, and a snack bar. Open to all students and families.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, noon to 2 p.m.
Where: 9200 Broadway St., Suite #124, San Antonio, TX 78251
PACC: Back to School Bash for Children
Celebrate the start of the school year with free school supplies, games, snacks, drumming, and more. Open to the public and hosted by the Pan-African Cultural Community.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, noon to 2 p.m.
Where: 3455 Martin Luther King Dr., San Antonio, TX
District 2 Annual Back2School Fest at the DoSeum
Free backpacks with grade-level supplies for children who live or attend school in District 2 (proof of address required). Free food and community resource vendors on-site.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Sunday, Aug. 10
The Bearded Plumber Shoe Giveaway at WSS
250 pairs of brand-new shoes (any pair in store) will be given away to students only — first come, first served. Students must be present and accompanied by a parent.
When: Saturday, Aug. 10, 8 a.m.
Where: WSS, 2801 Nogalitos St., San Antonio, TX 78225
Backpacks hang from the wall in a 5th grade classroom at Promesa Academy. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
Back to School Dates
Public school districts
- Alamo Heights ISD: Monday, August 12
- Boerne ISD: Monday, August 12
- Comal ISD: Tuesday, August 20
- East Central ISD: Wednesday, August 7
- Edgewood ISD: Tuesday, August 13
- Floresville ISD: Wednesday, August 14
- Fort Sam Houston ISD: Wednesday, August 14
- Harlandale ISD: Monday, August 12
- Judson ISD: Wednesday, August 14
- Lackland ISD: Monday, August 12
- La Vernia ISD: Monday, August 5
- Lytle ISD: Tuesday, August 13
- Marion ISD: Tuesday, August 13
- Medina Valley ISD: Tuesday, August 13
- New Braunfels ISD: Tuesday, August 20
- North East ISD: Monday, August 12
- Northside ISD: Monday, August 19
- Poteet ISD: Thursday, August 8
- Randolph Field ISD: Wednesday, August 14
- San Antonio ISD: Tuesday, August 13
- Schertz-Cibolo Universal City ISD: Thursday, August 15
- Seguin ISD: Thursday, August 15
- Somerset ISD: Monday, August 19
- South San Antonio ISD: Monday, August 12
- Southside ISD: Monday, August 12
- Southwest ISD: Monday, August 19
Private and Charter schools
- BASIS Texas Charter Schools: Monday, August 12
- Bexar County Academy Charter School: Monday, August 12
- Essence Preparatory Charter School: Tuesday, August 13
- Founders Classical Academy of Schertz: Thursday, August 15
- George Gervin Academy: Monday, August 19
- Great Hearts Academy – Texas: Tuesday, August 13
- Harmony Public Schools – South Texas: Monday, August 12
- IDEA Public Schools: Tuesday, August 13
- Jubilee Academies: Monday, August 12
- KIPP Texas Public Schools: Monday, August 12
- New Frontiers Public Schools: Monday, August 19
- Por Vida Academy: Monday, August 19
- Prelude Preparatory School: Monday, August 12
- Premier High School San Antonio: Monday, August 19
- Promesa Academy Charter School: Monday, August 5
- Royal Public Schools: Monday, August 12
- School of Science & Technology (SST): Wednesday, August 7
- Somerset Academies of Texas: Monday, August 19
- Southwest Preparatory School: Monday, August 12
- Texans Can Academies San Antonio: Thursday, August 8
- The Gathering Place: Tuesday, August 13
- Triumph Public High Schools: Monday, August 12
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