From free backpacks to school supplies and health fairs, here’s where families can find back-to-school help across the Houston area.
HOUSTON — Families across the Houston area can find free back-to-school events before classes begin, offering backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, health screenings and other resources for students. KHOU 11 is compiling a list of giveaways and community events happening across the region and will continue updating this guide throughout the summer.
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Houston’s 19th Annual Back to School Drive, Health Fair & Business Expo
Location: PlazAmericas Mall (Second Floor), 201 Sharpstown Center, Houston
Backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)ImmunizationsMedical screeningsHealth and wellness resourcesFamily activities and giveaways
Houston’s 19th Annual Back to School Drive, Health Fair & Business Expo is expected to draw about 15,000 people and distribute 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies. More than 80 community organizations, nonprofits and businesses will be on hand to provide health services, food assistance, community resources and information for families preparing for the new school year.
Tejano Center Back-to-School Summer Bash
Location: RYSS Academy at Pasadena, 1062 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena
Backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)Vaccinations for children 18 and youngerDental screeningsHealth screeningsSnacksFamily activities
Hosted by Tejano Center and Texas Children’s Health Plan, the Back-to-School Summer Bash helps families prepare for the new school year with free health services, school supplies and community resources.
Encouragement Temple’s Backpack Blessings
Location: Encouragement Temple Ministries, 4714 FM 1960 Road W., Houston
Cost: Free (Registration required)
Backpacks (while supplies last)School suppliesCommunity support and encouragement
Encouragement Temple Ministries is hosting its annual Backpack Blessings giveaway to help students in kindergarten through 12th grade prepare for the 2026-27 school year. Registered students who attend with a parent or legal guardian can receive a free backpack and school supplies while quantities last. Supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair
Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston
Cost: Free (Registration required)
Backpacks with school suppliesRoutine immunizationsDental screenings and sealantsVision screeningsMental health screeningsHealth and social service resources
The Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair is one of Houston’s largest annual back-to-school events, serving economically disadvantaged elementary school students and their families. Organizers plan to distribute 20,000 backpacks filled with school supplies while connecting families with free health screenings, immunizations and community resources.
Spring ISD Back to School Expo
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Dekaney High School, 22351 Imperial Valley Drive, Houston
School suppliesHaircutsHearing screeningsVision screeningsHouston Food Bank distribution (while supplies last)
Spring ISD’s annual Back to School Expo connects families with district staff and community partners to help students prepare for the new school year. Families can receive assistance with school registration, pre-K language testing and completing the district’s required Annual Student Update. The event is open to all families, including those interested in enrolling their children in Spring ISD schools.
Back to School Bash
Location: Booker T. Washington Park, Conroe
Cost: Free (Registration required)
Backpacks (while supplies last)School suppliesFoodGift cardsSnow conesFace paintingGames
Hosted by Spearhead Missions, the Back to School Bash offers free school supplies and family-friendly activities to help students prepare for the upcoming school year. Children ages 5 to 17 must be registered and present to receive backpacks and supplies, which will be distributed while supplies last. Organizers ask families to register children in advance.
Cypress Assistance Ministries Back-to-School Supply Giveaway
Location: Cypress Assistance Ministries, 13002 Cypress N. Houston Road, Cypress
Backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last)Clothing voucher for each student
Cypress Assistance Ministries is hosting a drive-thru back-to-school giveaway for families with students enrolled in Cy-Fair ISD. Eligible families can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies and a clothing voucher for each student while supplies last. Participants must remain in their vehicles and bring a government-issued photo ID or proof of address to receive supplies.
Back to School Resource Fair
Location: Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center, 8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress
Backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)VaccinationsBack-to-school resources
Harris County Precinct 4 is hosting a free Back to School Resource Fair to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. The event will include a backpack and school supply giveaway, vaccinations and additional community resources to help students head back to class ready for the first day.
12th Annual Rock-In-Hood
Back to School Event
Location: Evan E. Worthing High School, 9215 Scott St., Houston
School suppliesBackpacksSchool uniformsHaircutsBraided hairstylesPhysicalsEye exams
The Boykins Youth Foundation, in partnership with the Rock-In-Hood Foundation and Madlineman Foundation, is hosting its 12th annual back-to-school supply drive to help students prepare for the upcoming school year. Families can receive free school essentials, health services and grooming services while supplies last. Organizers encourage families to preregister for services before attending.
Registration: Available online.
Back-to-School Immunizations & Ice Cream
Location: Freed Community Center, Houston
Back-to-school immunizationsIce creamHealth information
Families can enjoy a free ice cream social while getting children ready for the new school year with no-cost immunizations provided by Harris County Public Health. Vaccines are available through the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net programs for eligible children, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, enrolled in Medicaid or enrolled in CHIP.
Back-to-School Backpack Drive & Free Wash Day
Time: Backpack pickup: 8 a.m. to noon • Free laundry: 7 a.m. to noon
Location: Wash Bodega, 6604 W. Bellfort Ave., Houston
Cost: Free (Registration required)
Backpacks with school supplies (while supplies last)Free washer and dryer useWaterBilingual assistance
Families can receive one of 500 backpacks filled with school supplies while taking advantage of free laundry service during this community event in southwest Houston. Organizers will offer timed pickup windows to reduce wait times, and no income documentation is required. Registration is encouraged, and families who register will receive a designated pickup time.
Back 2 School Daze School Supply Drive
Location: Houston Texans YMCA, Houston
School supplies for K-12 students (while supplies last)Haircuts and groomingSnacks and meals (while supplies last)Games and giveawaysCommunity resources
Back 2 School Daze is an annual community event hosted by the BE Impactful Foundation and local partners to help students prepare for the new school year. Families can pick up free school supplies, enjoy food and activities, and connect with community organizations offering resources and support. No registration is required to attend, but organizers encourage families to RSVP. Students must be present to receive school supplies.
COHAP Outreach Corporation Back-to-School Bash & Community Job Fair
Location: Texas Southern University Health & Physical Education Building, 3000 Wheeler Ave., Houston
BackpacksSchool suppliesShoes and socksHygiene kitsHaircutsHair braiding
COHAP Outreach Corporation’s annual Back-to-School Bash combines a school supply giveaway with a community job fair, connecting families with educational, health and workforce resources. The event will also feature scholarship opportunities, live entertainment, family activities and appearances by community organizations. Retired San Francisco 49ers player Mike Holmes, president of the NFL Alumni Houston Chapter, is scheduled to attend as a special guest.
Have a free back-to-school event to add to this list? Send the details to hgalvan@khou.com