Education

Here’s where, when you can get free back to school supplies in DFW this weekend

Stock up on school supplies and other back-to-school prep items this weekend in North Texas.
Stock up on school supplies and other back-to-school prep items this weekend in North Texas. Star-Telegram Archives

Back-to-school season is officially here and communities are stepping up across North Texas to make sure students are ready.

From backpack drives to family festivals, this weekend is packed with ways to celebrate the end of summer and ease into the school year.

Whether you’re in Dallas, Fort Worth, or Arlington, there’s something happening nearby to help families get prepared without spending a lot or driving too far.

Here’s the breakdown of back-to-school events happening in North Texas this weekend, Aug. 8-10.


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Fort Worth

Tarrant County Back to School Roundup

This annual roundup offers more than just backpacks. Families can access free school supplies, haircuts, vision and dental screenings, and connect with local service providers all in one spot.

Date: Friday, Aug. 8

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Tarrant County College South Campus, 5301 Campus Drive

For more information visit www.backtoschoolroundup.org.

Free Haircut & Supplies Event

Does your child need a fresh cut before their first day? Riverside Barber and Beauty Institute is giving away free haircuts and school supplies to all students from Pre-K through 12th grade. While you wait, enjoy food, vendor booths, and entertainment. This event is first come, first served.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9

Time: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: Riverside Barber & Beauty Institute, 707 N. Riverside Drive

For more information visit www.rbbitx.com

Back to School Bash

This family-friendly bash includes free school supplies, yard games, vendors, and more. Hosted by Riverside Community Center, the event offers a casual way to gear up for the new school year while enjoying the outdoors.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Riverside Park, 501 Oakhurst Scenic Drive

For more information visit the Riverside Community Center Facebook Page.

Back to School Drive & Carnival

Come for the school supplies, stay for the carnival. This evening event includes free backpacks, haircuts, and fun activities for the whole family. It’s a great way to wrap up your weekend with both resources and community connection.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9

Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Fellowship of Love Outreach, 1500 Circle Park Blvd.

For more information visit Fellowship of Love Outreach’s Facebook events page.

Mindful Back to School Drive

Start the school year with intention. This donation-based event by Bumble Bee Yoga invites the community to give back by bringing school supplies and offers raffles, yoga passes, and prizes in return. Open to students, parents, and educators alike.

Date: Sunday, Aug. 10

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Bumble Bee Yoga Community, 2712 Weisenberger St.

For more information visit Eventbrite.com

Arlington

Back-to-School Block Party

This block party hosted by The Fade Room barber shop is all about giving back. The first 25 kids will receive free haircuts, and families can enjoy live music, food, a school supply giveaway, and even a chance to win a TV.

Date: Friday, Aug. 9

Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

Location: The Fade Room, 805 W. Park Row Drive Suite A

For more information visit the block party’s Facebook events page.

Power of Helping Hands Back-to-School Event

This large-scale event features free backpacks, food vendors, face painting, music and local resources. It’s a one-stop-shop for fun and prep.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9

Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 1126 S Bowen Rd.

For more information visit the event’s Facebook events page.

Teen Back-to-School Bash

Teens ages 13–19 are invited to hang out, grab free school supplies, compete in games, and end the evening with Havdalah at this event hosted by the DFW Messianic Jewish Cultural Center.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9

Time: 6:30p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Messianic Jewish Cultural Center, 619 W. Main St., Suite C

For more information visit the event’s Facebook events page.

Teachers Day Out Pop-Up Market

This relaxing market is dedicated to teachers and anyone looking for a fun shopping day. Browse books, beauty products, jewelry, candles and more while enjoying your favorite coffee shop treats at Inclusion Coffee.

Date: Sunday, Aug. 10

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Inclusion Coffee, 101 East Abram St. #110

For more information visit the event’s page at Eventbrite.com.

Dallas

Fireside Back to School Bash

This free event includes backpacks, school supplies, In-N-Out burgers, vendor booths, and valuable family resources. Children ages 5–17 must be present to receive supplies.

Date: Friday, Aug. 8

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Fireside Recreation Center, 8601 Fireside Drive

For more information visit the event’s Facebook events page.

MLK Back to School Festival (Drive-Thru)

This drive-thru event offers free backpacks and supplies for children. No registration required, just show up early with your students in the car. Limit two families per car, four kids per family.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9

Time: Starts at 9 a.m.

Location: MLK Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd.

For more information visit www.dallasmlkcenter.com.

Dallas County Back to School Vaccination Event

Make sure your student is up-to-date on vaccinations. Walk-ins are welcome, or appointments can be made online. A parent or guardian must be present.

Schedule an appointment with Dallas County Health and Human Services by clicking here.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: Dallas County Health, 2377 N. Stemmons Fwy.

For more information visit the event’s Facebook events page.

Motivate the City Back to School Bash

With more than 2,500 backpacks available, this event organized by Dallas Parks and Recreation features live performances, free physicals, haircuts, food trucks, and games.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 9

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Juanita Craft Rec Center, 4500 Spring Ave.

For more information visit Dallasparks.org.

Main Street VIP Bazaar Back to School Bash

End your weekend with an evening market featuring local vendors, a bounce house, food, school supplies and community giveaways.

Date: Sunday, Aug. 10

Time: 6p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: Main Street Garden Park, 1902 Main St.

For more information visit the event’s Facebook Events page.

Tiffani Jackson
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Tiffani is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions about life in North Texas. Tiffani mainly writes about Texas laws and health news.
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