Mission Event Center: The Event That Started It All
When: Monday, July 28, 6:30–9:00 PM
Where: Mission Event Center
What You’ll Get: Free backpacks (first 2,000 families!), school supplies, haircuts, health screenings, immunizations, and community resources
Bring: Your kids (they must be present) and shot records
Social Media: Tag a friend and follow their updates!
This isn’t just another handout – it’s a community coming together. The Health Plan has been partnering with local organizations from May to August, making sure South Texas families have what they need.
Houston’s Mayor’s Back 2 School Fest
When: Saturday, August 2, 2025, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston
Parking: FREE parking available at Houston Astros Lot C, 499 – 481 Saint Emanuel Street
Who: Designed to help economically disadvantaged Houston-area elementary school students (kindergarten through 5th grade) and their families
How to Sign Up: Visit houstontx.gov/btsf to register your student (pre-registration required)
What’s Special: This massive event serves 25,000 pre-registered children annually and is presented by Shell
Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair
When: Check mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com for 2025 dates
Where: Dallas area (specific location announced closer to event)
How to Apply: Visit mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com and click “Participant Application”
What You Need: Create an online account by entering your first name, last name, email, and password
Why It Matters: Major cities are making this a priority because they know families need support
San Antonio’s Community Events
Recent Example: Miller’s Pond Community Center
When: August 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (check for 2025 dates)
Where: Miller’s Pond Community Center, 6175 Pearsall Rd, San Antonio
What’s Available: Outdoor activities, school supply giveaways, free haircuts, free shoes, food, music, and community resource info
Who’s Welcome: Everyone!
Where to Find More: SATXtoday lists 10 back to school events and supply drives happening in San Antonio
Social Media: Check SATXtoday on social media for updates
Fort Worth Teams Up Big
When: Check for 2025 dates (historically held in August)
Where: Fort Worth area
Partners: Fort Worth ISD and The Potter’s House
What’s Available: Free backpacks, school supplies, health screenings, and mobile immunization units
Pro Tip: Families can register online ahead of time for backpacks and uniforms
El Paso Back-to-School Events
When: Multiple events throughout July and August 2025
Where: Various locations across El Paso and nearby Las Cruces
What’s Available: Backpacks, haircuts, health screenings, and family fun activities
Where to Find Details: ToDoElPaso.com has a comprehensive list of all events with dates, locations, and what to bring
Why These Events Are Game-Changers
Here’s what one parent told us: “School supplies add up so fast, especially with three kids. By the time you buy the fancy calculators, the specific binders, and all those glue sticks, you’re looking at $200-300 per child. These events don’t just save money – they save my sanity.”
A Houston event organizer shared: “We see families who are choosing between school supplies and groceries. Kids grow so fast that last year’s clothes don’t fit, and supplies run out with the speed of light. Events like this help families start the school year with their minds at ease, at least on this one aspect.”
The Real Impact
For Families: One less financial stress during an already expensive time of year
For Kids: They get to start school with brand-new supplies, just like their classmates
For Communities: Preparing for a new school year can be a costly event for families, so organizations and businesses around the Valley are lending a hand to those who need assistance
What’s Usually Available at These Events
Most Texas back-to-school events offer:
- Free backpacks (usually first-come, first-served)
- School supplies (pencils, notebooks, crayons, glue sticks)
- Health services (immunizations, vision screenings, sports physicals)
- Haircuts (professional stylists volunteer their time)
- Community resources (info about food banks, after-school programs, healthcare)
- Fun activities (face painting, bounce houses, games)
How to Find Events Near You
Check these sources regularly:
- Your city’s official website (.gov sites)
- Local school district websites
- Community First Health Plans blog
- Eventbrite (search “back to school” + your city)
- Local news stations’ community calendars
- Social media pages of local nonprofits
Pro tip: Many events require pre-registration, so don’t wait until the last minute!
Tax-Free Weekend Bonus
Don’t forget – Texas annual sales tax holiday, August 8–10, 2025 exempts clothing and footwear priced less than $100, as well as specified school supplies and school backpacks priced less than $100 per item from sales and use taxes. Combine that with these free events, and you’re looking at serious savings.
What’s Tax-Free August 8-10, 2025:
- Clothing and footwear under $100
- School supplies under $100 per item
- School backpacks under $100
- Even cloth and disposable face masks
The Bottom Line
These events prove that Texas communities believe every kid deserves to start the school year ready to succeed. Whether you’re in a major city or small town, there’s likely a back-to-school event happening near you.
Your next step: Start checking websites and social media now. The best events fill up fast, but the help is there if you know where to look.
Because every kid deserves to walk into their first day of school with confidence – and a brand-new backpack.
