The 2026-27 school year is almost here, and San Antonio families still have plenty of chances to gear up for free. From backpack giveaways to full-blown resource fairs with health screenings and haircuts, local nonprofits, school districts, churches, and community organizations are stepping up across the city this summer.
Below is a roundup of San Antonio back-to-school events happening from July 29 through September 2026. Most are free, first-come, first-served, and family-friendly — just remember that children usually need to be present to receive a backpack, and supplies tend to run out fast, so arriving early is always a smart move.
Details can shift, so it’s worth double-checking event pages before you head out.
Late July Back-to-School Events in San Antonio
PicaPica Plaza Backpack & Supply Giveaway
When: Wednesday, July 29, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (health and community resources run 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Where: 910 SE Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78214
Kids in grades K-12 can pick up a free backpack filled with school supplies. Wristbands are handed out starting at 9:30 a.m., and it’s strictly first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early. Families can also connect with local health and community resource organizations on-site.
Harlandale ISD Back-to-School Bash
When: Thursday, July 30, 2 – 7 p.m. Where: Morrill Center, 5200 S. Flores St., San Antonio, TX 78214
Harlandale ISD students are invited to this free event for school supplies, immunizations, and other community resources.
San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer
When: Thursday, July 30, 4 – 6 p.m. Where: Sunset Brews, 1904 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78201
This networking mixer supports Communities in Schools San Antonio’s “Stuff the Bus” drive — admission is a new backpack or school supplies.
Floresville ISD School Supplies Distribution & Family Resource Fair
When: Friday, July 31, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Floresville Early Childhood Learning Center, 1200 5th St., Floresville, TX 78114
Open to children attending Floresville ISD. A request form must be completed before attending.
JBSA Back-to-School Supply Bash (Fort Sam Houston & Randolph)
When: Friday, July 31, 4 – 6 p.m. Where: Fort Sam Houston Youth Programs, Building 1630, and Randolph Youth Programs, Building 584
Joint Base San Antonio is hosting two supply bash events the same afternoon, offering free bags of grade-appropriate school supplies along with games and activities for kids.
IDEA Hidden Meadow Academy Backpack Giveaway
When: Friday, July 31, noon – 2 p.m. Where: IDEA Hidden Meadow Academy and College Preparatory
Part of the statewide Backpacks for Bright Futures initiative, open to all school-aged kids — not just IDEA students. The first 600 children receive a filled backpack.
Early August Back-to-School Events in San Antonio
JBSA Back-to-School Supply Bash (Lackland)
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. – noon Where: Lackland Youth Programs, Building 8420
Back-to-School Resource Fair at Palo Alto College
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m. – noon Where: Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78224
Hosted by State Rep. Philip Cortez in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, University Health, and UT Health San Antonio. Families can pick up free school supplies, low-to-no-cost immunizations, free produce bags, and enjoy family activities.
IDEA Judson Academy Backpack Giveaway
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: IDEA Judson Academy and College Preparatory
Communities in Schools San Antonio “Stuff the Bus” Donation Day
When: Saturday, Aug. 1 Where: Participating H-E-B locations citywide
CIS-SA accepts individual backpack and supply donations to support 130 schools across 15 districts and six counties.
Empower House Back-to-School Fair
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. – noon. Where: Lockwood Park, 801 N. Olive St., San Antonio, TX 78202
Offers vaccines, school supplies, free resources, and raffle prizes.
Fiesta Youth Annual Back-to-School Bash
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 12 – 2 p.m. Where: Woodlawn Lake Gymnasium, 219 Alexander St., San Antonio, TX 78201
Free backpacks and school supplies while they last, plus games, activities, and a resource fair featuring local nonprofits.
Mid-August Back-to-School Events in San Antonio
Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Back-to-School Event
When: Thursday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Wonderland Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., Balcones Heights, TX 78201
Hosted by Commissioner Justin Rodriguez and Bexar County Military & Veterans Services. Open to the public, including military members, veterans, and their families. Includes pre-filled backpacks, benefits assistance, and wellness resources.
CentroMed Free Backpack Offer
When: Ongoing through Friday, Aug. 14. Where: CentroMed clinic locations across San Antonio
Families who schedule a well-child exam at any CentroMed clinic receive a free backpack with school supplies while supplies last — no separate event date required, just book the appointment before Aug. 14.
IDEA Walzem Academy Backpack Giveaway
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: IDEA Walzem Academy and College Preparatory
District 7 Back to School Fair
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. – noon. Where: Marshall High School, 8000 Lobo Ln., San Antonio, TX 78240
The first 350 families receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, sponsored by Community First Health Plans, plus VIA bus sign-ups and community resources.
FITNP2, Inc. & Yes 2 You Back-to-School STEM Festival
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 12 – 3 p.m. Where: 8300 Pat Booker Rd., Live Oak, TX 78233
A hands-on STEM festival for students, plus free school supplies, haircuts, immunizations, and community resources.
Late August Back-to-School Events in San Antonio
210 Rise: Ready, Set, Safe!
When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 1 – 7:30 p.m. Where: 2002 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78228
Focused on youth safety and family empowerment, this event includes a supply giveaway, self-defense demonstrations, a resource fair, and live entertainment.
September Back-to-School Events in San Antonio
3rd Annual Back to School Vendor Market
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: 4226 SE Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78222
A community vendor market featuring small businesses and local resource organizations, sponsored by Community First Health Plans and benefiting a local nonprofit.
Tips for Back-to-School Events in San Antonio
- Arrive early. Most giveaways are first-come, first-served, and supplies typically run out before the event’s official end time.
- Bring your child. Many events require the student to be physically present to receive a backpack.
- Check event pages before heading out. Dates, times, and locations can change; always confirm through the organization’s official website or social media before attending.
- Look beyond backpacks. Several fairs also offer free immunizations, health screenings, haircuts, and family resources, so it’s worth going even if you already have supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these back-to-school events really free? Yes, every event listed here is free to attend, though some supplies are limited and distributed while they last.
Do I need to register in advance? Most events don’t require registration, but a few — like the Floresville ISD Family Resource Fair- ask families to complete a form beforehand. Check the specific event listing above.
What if I miss an event? New back-to-school giveaways are announced throughout the summer, so check back with local school districts, community centers, and health providers for additional pop-up events.
Have a back-to-school event happening in San Antonio that should be added to this list? Let us know so families across the city can find it.
