As we wrap up another summer, it’s time to wave goodbye to pool days and cookouts and say hello to books and backpacks. With kids heading back into the classroom (August 24 for Baltimore City and Aug. 31 for Baltimore County public schools), these local community events—offering with fresh haircuts, classroom supplies, and youth mentorship—are here to help your students step into the school year strong. Most are free and include giveaways, but be sure to check details to confirm times, locations, and registration requirements.
School Supply Drives
8/29: Boost Mobile Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway
If you’re around Eastpoint Mall, swing by Boost Mobile to pick up a free backpack. Students must be accompanied by an adult and can receive one no-purchase-necessary backpack while supplies last. 7816 Eastpoint Mall. 2-4 p.m.
8/29: Family Development & Samaritan Foundation Back-to-School Drive
Get ready for the school year with this one-stop-shop event from FDSF in Columbia, which works to make sure local youth have the resources to succeed year-round. There will be free school supplies, games and activities, refreshments, and plenty of community connection. The first 200 families to attend will receive a free backpack. 9033 Red Branch Rd., Columbia. 2-5 p.m.
8/30: Built to Brand Back-to-School Community Day
Head to Brick Bistro in Hampden to join the folks with Built to Brand—committed to helping kids return to school with confidence—for free hairstyles and haircuts from local barbers and salons. Along with hair services, there will be free backpacks and school supplies, snacks, and fun raffles to enter. Registration is required for haircut appointments, which will be first-come, first-served. 4001 Falls Rd. Hair services available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Activities and snacks from 1-4 p.m.
End-of-Summer Fun
8/29: West North Avenue Farmers Market Back-to-School Celebration
The West North Avenue Farmers Market is ringing in the new school year with a special family day. Shop, eat, and support local purveyors while connecting with neighbors and enjoying live entertainment and family-friendly activities. The market will also offer community resources. 1370 W North Ave. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
8/29: Back-to-School Bash Community Market
More than 40 local businesses and organizations will be present at this Columbia celebration hosted by the community champions with Tip & Mary Events. There will be something for the whole family with a live DJ, character entertainment, a kids zone, and local vendors. They will be giving out free school supplies while supplies last, so you can check items off your list before getting the kiddos back on the bus. 5885 Robert Oliver Pl., Columbia. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
8/30: Kleen Barbers Back-to-School Bash
School preparation meets end-of-summer vibes at this back-to-school bash in Rosedale. Local students are invited for free haircuts, Kona Ice snowballs, and school supplies while they last. There will also be music, food and drinks, giveaways, and more. 8665 Pulaski Highway, Suite 116, Rosedale. 10 a.m.-2 p.m
Wellness & Arts
8/29: Third-Annual Children’s Veg Fest
What better way to kick off the school year than by practicing mindfulness? At the third-annual Children’s Veg Fest at The Weinberg Y in Waverly, sample plant-based food, participate in a kid-friendly cooking demo to get some new ideas for packed lunch, or practice some yoga. The goal is to prepare the whole family for a healthy, happy school year. 900 E 33rd St. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
8/29: Back-to-School Parent Workshop
This season, Pilgrim Christian Day School is working with the Behavioral Health Professionals Collective to ensure parents are equipped to help their kids navigate the stresses of back-to-school. Mental health professionals will share practical tips for supporting your child’s mental health and open a dialogue on bullying in school. Spanish-language interpretation will be available. 7200 Liberty Rd. 10-11 a.m.
9/1: Teen Craft: Back-to-School Vision Boarding
Enter the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s historic Hampden Branch for a free after-school craft. The library will guide teens in making a personalized collage to help visualize their goals for the new school year. Youth will be able to flex their creative muscles and envision success each time they look at their masterpiece. 3641 Falls Rd. 3-4 p.m.
If you’re able to gift supplies and looking for an ongoing donation drive, the Baltimore County Public Library will be collecting everything from crayons and colored pencils to folders, dividers, and three-ring binders at all of its 18 branches through Sept. 13. More info, here.
Additional reporting by Joyce Sampson