Ten North Texas back-to-school fairs giving away free backpacks full of supplies

Brayden Garcia
Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg

The first day of school is only two weeks away for many and there’s plenty of places to get free supplies or information on the upcoming school year.

Fort Worth and Arlington children go back to school Aug. 15. Tarrant County Public Health is hosting a string of events in August for kids needing school require vaccinations.

Back-to-school events start as early as this weekend. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Fort Worth ISD resource fair #1 — Aug. 5

Sponsored by Fort Worth school board District 9 trustee Roxanne Martinez, families are welcome to a back-to-school resource fair at Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School.

The event is an opportunity to promote community engagement, pride and excitement, for the upcoming school year. Families can expect services such as online registration support, backpack/book giveaways, district and community resources, immunizations, music, games and a food truck.

  • When: 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 5

  • Where: 1411 Maydell St., Fort Worth

  • Cost: Free

Arlington ISD back-to-school kickoff — Aug. 6

Arlington ISD is hosting a backpack giveaway where students can take home a bag filled with school supplies and information on immunizations, health screenings and haircuts.

The backpack giveaway is at AT&T Stadium and requires tickets. The tickets are free, but parents need to register online for entry into the event to pickup a backpack. Parents can register online here.

  • When: There are three times to choose from when registering: 8-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon

  • Where: 705 N Collins St., Arlington

  • Cost: Free

Mansfield ISD back-to-school bash — Aug. 6

Mansfield ISD is hosting its annual back-to-school bash this Saturday at the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts.

The district will be giving out over 4,000 backpacks and 1,500 pairs of shoes. Haircuts and health services will also be available, including free immunizations. No registration is required for the event, but parents should have their children’s student IDs handy for check-in on arrival.

  • When: 7:30 a.m.- noon on Aug. 6

  • Where: 1110 W. Debbie Lane, Mansfield

  • Cost: Free

Fort Worth LGBTQ group back-to-school bash — Aug. 6

The LGTBQ Saves youth organization is hosting a back-to-school bash in Fort Worth.

Assorted school and hygiene supplies are available, along with a clothing swap for those who would like to change out used clothes with new/gently used gender-affirming clothing. The event is free, but organizers ask families to RSVP to make sure enough supplies will be on hand.

  • When: 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 6

  • Where: 1959 Sandy Lane, Fort Worth

  • Cost: Free

Fort Worth child center back-to-school bash — Aug. 6

Ordered Steps Learning Center in Fort Worth is hosting its first back-to-school bash Saturday.

Families can expect free school supplies, food, games and prizes, crafts, a bounce house and tours of the child care center.

  • When: 9 a.m.- noon on Aug. 6

  • Where: 7451 Chapel Ave. suite 7455, Fort Worth

  • Cost: Free

Arlington nonprofit back-to-school giveaway — Aug. 6

Seasons of Change is welcoming families to a back-to-school giveaway Saturday in Arlington.

The nonprofit’s theme for the event is Christmas in August, with free backpacks, shoes and household items available for families.

  • When: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Aug. 6

  • Where: 2100 Southeast Parkway, Arlington

  • Cost: Free

Fort Worth church school supply giveaway — Aug. 7

The Chosen Vessel Church in Fort Worth is hosting “Back 2 School Bash” Sunday.

Free school supplies will be available for elementary, middle, high school and college students, along with free haircuts and community resources. A live DJ, food trucks and prayer booth, will also be at the afternoon event.

  • When: 1-3 p.m. on Aug. 7

  • Where: 4650 Campus Drive, Fort Worth

  • Cost: Free

Fort Worth ISD resource fair #2 — Aug. 13

Fort Worth ISD will host another resource fair for families at Polytechnic High School.

The event is an opportunity to promote community engagement, pride and excitement, for the upcoming school year. Families can expect services such as online registration support, backpack/book giveaways, district and community resources, immunizations, music, games and a food truck.

  • When: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Aug. 13

  • Where: 1300 Conner Ave, Fort Worth

  • Cost: Free

Fort Worth church back-to-school fair — Aug. 13

St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth is hosting a back-to-school fair.

Families can expect free haircuts and school supplies giveaways, face painting and more activities.

  • When: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Aug. 13

  • Where: 5500 E. Berry St., Fort Worth

  • Cost: Free

City of Grand Prairie backpack drive-thru giveaway — Aug. 13

The city of Grand Prairie is hosting a drive-thru backpack giveaway at the Dalworth Recreation Center.

Families will drive through the Stanton Garden parking lot and receive backpacks filled with school supplies. No registration is needed for the event and there’s a two backpack limit per vehicle.

  • When: 10 a.m.- noon on Aug. 13

  • Where: 2012 Spikes St., Grand Prairie

  • Cost: Free

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