Nicolas Hernandez grabs a backpack during a school supplies drive in 2022. With the first day of the 2026-27 school year coming up, school districts and local organizations are offering plenty of opportunities for families to get free school supplies.
Charlie Blalock/ Contributor
July is coming to a close, which means back-to-school season is in full swing.
Getting the kids ready to go back to the classroom doesn’t come cheap. Buying new batches of school supplies and backpacks can add up, but there are plenty of opportunities over the next few weeks to get free school supplies and other resources as the first day of school approaches.
Article continues below this ad
Free backpacks at IDEA Public Schools
IDEA Public Schools has four more Backpacks for Bright Futures events in San Antonio, where students can get free backpacks while supplies last. The events also give families the opportunity to hear from different resources available for them and their children. The giveaway is open to students who don’t attend an IDEA school.
July 25, 11 a.m. to 1 .pm.: IDEA Burke at 10434 Marbach Road
July 31, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: IDEA Hidden Meadow at 10138 Culebra Road
Aug. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: IDEA Judson at 13427 Judson Road
Aug. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: IDEA Walzem at 6445 Walzem Road
Joint Base San Antonio events
JBSA’s Youth Programs are holding three back-to-school events — one at each base — in the coming weeks. Students can walk away with a bag of supplies.
Article continues below this ad
July 31, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Fort Sam Houston, Building 1630
July 31, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Randolph Air Force Base, Building 584
Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Lackland Air Force Base, Building 8420
Free school supplies from CentroMed San Antonio appointments
CentroMed San Antonio posted on Facebook that the primary care provider will give free school supplies to any family that schedules a well-child visit for their child between now and Aug. 14, while supplies last. Go to centromedsa.com for more information or call 210-922-7000.
Free supplies at Cherrity Bar
Cherrity Bar, a Japanese restaurant near the Alamodome, is hosting a pop-up market on July 22, which will feature free school supplies. The event is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 302 Montana St.
Article continues below this ad
Free backpacks and supplies from the Housing Authority of Bexar County
The Housing Authority of Bexar County hosts a back-to-school drive every year, where kids can get backpacks full of “essential school supplies.” The event is on July 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the housing authority’s 1954 E. Houston St. headquarters.
Free backpacks from United Way
United Way Family Resource Center is offering free supplies-filled backpacks to the first 500 students at this July 25 event. The student themselves must be present to get the backpack. The day also features games, a photo booth, a bubble station and face painting.
Article continues below this ad
The event is at the American Red Cross at 3642 E Houston St. starting at 5:30 p.m.
San Antonio ISD back-to-school resource fair
SAISD families can get free school supplies and books at this July 25 event, as long as they as they show proof of enrollment in the district. The gathering will also have educational sessions for families, as well as food and drinks for purchase.
The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Young Men’s Leadership Academy at 415 Gabriel St..
Article continues below this ad
Free backpacks and cheap haircuts at Brooks City-Base
Brooks Business Center’s “Outdoor Market: Back to School Bash” features a backpack giveaway while supplies last, as well as $10 haircuts. Food trucks and local vendors will also be around.
The event is on July 26 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 8114 Citybase Landing.
Backpacks, supplies and produce at Palo Alto College
State Rep. Philip Cortez is advertising a back-to-school fair on Aug. 1 on the South Side. There will be free backpacks, school supplies, bags of produce and cost-friendly immunizations, according to a Facebook post.
Article continues below this ad
Then event is from 9 a.m. to noon at the Palo Alto College Performing Center, located at 1400 W. Villaret Blvd.