Back to School 2026 | Giveaways, health fairs and more to get ready for a new school year | Community Events

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With students heading back to class across Kentuckiana, community organizations, churches and businesses are hosting events, health fairs and giveaways to help you get ready for a new school year.

Below is a list events being held over the next few weeks. More events will be added as they are announced.

Kentucky:

Back-to-School Bash

The Jella McDonald's organization will host a free community back-to-school event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the McDonalds located at 6400 Greenwood Road in Louisville.

There will be free giveaways and resources, from backpacks with school supplies, to haircuts, hygiene items, books and more.

To learn more, click here.

Back-to-School Bash presented by 88.5 WJIE

A back-to-school bash will be held at The Grove Amphitheater at 7 p.m. Friday, July 31, presented by 88.5 WJIE and The Sound 105.5 and 94.7. Jordan St. Cyr will be live during the event. There will be live music, food trucks, bounce houses, water slides, school supplies and more. It is a ticketed event. Tickets cost $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Kids 10 and under get in free with a paid adult ticket. Attendees must register. To learn more or to sign up, click here.

Hammer Backpack Giveaway

Thousands of local students have the opportunity to get a new backpack for the upcoming school year at the fourth annual Hammer's Great Backpack Giveaway, hosted by layers from Isaac & Isaac.

The free event is happening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in the Fan Zone at Lynn Family Stadium. Thousands of backpacks will be filled with essential school supplies, and will be given out while supplies last. Children must be present to get a backpack.

To learn more, click here.

Backpack Giveaway at First Gethsemane Church

First Gethsemane Church will host a Backpack Giveaway from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. The first-come, first-served event will include a backpack giveaway, health screenings, school supplies, community resources and mental health awareness. It's in partnership with Walgreens, the Neighborhood Place and Aetna. For more information, including how to donate to the event, click here.

2026 Back-to-School Bash at New Birth Church of Louisville

New Birth Church of Louisville will host a back-to-school event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at the church on Cane Run Road. The free event includes free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, free health services, haircuts, a dance part, cotton candy, therapy dogs, JCPS Bus Finder assistance, a petting zoo and more. To learn more, click here.

Free Back-to-School Supply Giveaway by Afrikana Community Center

Louisville's Afrikana Community Center will host a back-to-school supply giveaway from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, while supplies last. Backpacks and supplies are first-come, first-served. Organizers will give away one backpack and school supplies per child, and children must be present to receive the supplies. The center is located at 3050 West Broadway in Louisville. To learn more, click here.

2026 Back-to-School Bash presented by Joe Hayden Real Estate

Get back-to-school ready with games, music and fun from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. In addition to giveaways, there will be a bounce house, Kona Ice, face painting, music, refreshments and more. Organizers are asking those wishing to attend to register to ensure there are enough supplies.

The event will be held at 10525 Timberwood Circle, Blue Ridge Manor. To learn more or reserve a spot, click here.

Back-to-School hosted by Pearsons Funeral Home

Pearson's Funeral Home will host a free community event ahead of the new school year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on Breckenridge Lane. The free event includes a bounce house with a slide and ball pit, carnival games, children's entertainment and more. To learn more, click here.

Indiana:

Kids Health Day - Back to School Readiness Fair

St. Marks United Church of Christ will host its annual back to school fair from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the church on East Spring Street in downtown New Albany.

The fair provides free health services and community resources, including immunizations, sports physicals, vision screenings, hearing screenings, free haircuts, school supplies and backpacks while supplies last, back-to-school clothes and a free lunch.

For more information, click here.

Back-to-School Bash at Parkway Southern Baptist Church

Parkway Southern Baptist Church will host a back-to-school bash from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the church on Corydon Pike in New Albany. The first-year event will include games, food, school supplies and more. To learn more, click here.

Back-to-School Bash at Graceland Church Uptown

Graceland Church Uptown is hosting a back-to-school bash from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at 825 Thomas Street in New Albany.

The free event will include free backpacks while supplies last, backpack decorating, school supplies, clothing, haircuts, food boxes and more.

To learn more, click here.

School Rocks Backpack Giveaway by Round Room

For a 14th year, Round Room, LLC, will give away $3 million worth of free backpacks to "ease some of the financial burden that many face during this season." It's scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at several locations across the area. Locations include: