From Campus to Classroom: Stories That Shape Education
- Large number of free events across metro Atlanta offering backpacks, school supplies, and on-site resources for students and families.
- Events feature family-friendly activities: food, live entertainment, games, health screenings, haircuts, and attractions like the Union City laser light show.
- Local agencies collaborate annually, with programs like It Takes a Village, county sheriffs, schools, churches, and community partners offering coordinated support.
Here’s a look at back-to-school events happening in your area ahead of the new school year.
ATLANTA — With the new school year fast approaching, back-to-school events are in full swing across metro Atlanta.
Here’s a look at fun events happening to prepare for the 2025-26 school year.
Shoot Hoops Not Guns Back-2-School Bash – July 18
From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hoyt Smith Center, 3444 N. Fulton Ave, Atlanta
This event, which focuses on violence prevention, will include a youth and celebrity basketball game, free food, games and prizes. There will also be a car show.
Drive-thru School Supplies Giveaway – July 18
From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Wolf Creek Library, 3100 Enon Road SW, Atlanta
This event is a part of the 11th Annual “It Takes a Village” Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, organized by Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington Jr. in collaboration with various partners.
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Back-to-School Giveaway – July 19
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Villages at Carver Family YMCA, Atlanta
It’s the fourth annual back-to-school giveaway hosted by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Families can join them for live entertainment, food, games and prizes.
Douglas County Back-to-School Kick-Off – July 19
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Legacy Arena, 9030 Georgia 5, Douglasville
The Douglas County School System’s annual bash will offer students food, games and complimentary backpacks with school supplies.
Haralson County’s Rebel Fest – July 19
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Haralson County High School, 1655 GA-120, Tallapoosa
This event will feature games, crafts, food and treats for families. Students will also be offered free haircuts.
Union City Light Up the Night Festival & Back-to-School Bash – July 19
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ronald Bridges & Nature Trail, 5047 Union Street, Union City
This family-friendly festival invites the community to come together and illuminate the night sky, featuring a laser light show. There will also be backpack and school supplies giveaways.
Unashamed Back-to-School Bash – July 19
From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Excel Church, 1151 Flat Shoals Road SE, Conyers
This event will feature games, food, live music, free school supplies, face painting, bounce houses, photo ops and more.
Get ready to kick off the new school year with a bang! Whether you’re a student, parent, or part of the community, this event is for YOU!
Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Back-to-School Bash – July 19
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville
The family-friendly event is open to all Gwinnett residents. It will include free book bags and school supplies, health screenings, activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and a car show.
All In Decatur Back-to-School Bash – July 24
From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Decatur High School gymnasium
This community event promises a fun-filled afternoon of music, food trucks, surprise giveaways, games and activities for all ages. This year’s event will also feature performances from the DHS band and cheerleaders and the student-formed band Honorary Institute of Phunk. People are invited to also sample and provide feedback on new lunch menu items.
Drive-thru School Supplies Giveaway – July 24
From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fairburn Hobgood-Palmer Library, 60 Valley View Drive, Fairburn
This event is a part of the 11th Annual “It Takes a Village” Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, organized by Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington Jr. in collaboration with various partners.
School Supplies Giveaway and College Book Scholarships Presentations – July 25
From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fairburn Hobgood-Palmer Library, 60 Valley View Drive, Fairburn
This event is a part of the 11th Annual “It Takes a Village” Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, organized by Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington Jr. in collaboration with various partners.
Back-to-School Cobb Community Event – July 26
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Calloway Dr SW, Marietta
This event, hosted by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and Artportunity Knocks, aims to support students, families and educators with resources. It will feature various zones for toddlers, kids, teens, parents and educators. The event also includes concessions.
In The Layne Bag ‘n Swag Back-2-School Giveaway – July 26
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grace Church, 675 Holt Rd NE, Marietta
This event promises freebies, food and school supplies. Attendees are encouraged to bring towels for water activities. There will be bounce houses, basketball and much more.
Rockdale Back-to-School Bash – July 26
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wheeler Park, 1400 Parker Rd SE, Conyers
Festivities will be held on the lawn at Wheeler Park and feature activities, giveaways and entertainment.
Atlanta Public Schools Back-to-School Festival – Aug. 2
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium, Lakewood Ave SE, Atlanta
Exclusively for APS families, this year’s event will provide free school supplies and resources for students.
Annual Back-to-School Bash – Aug. 3
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trillion Dollar Beauti Bar, 3400 McClure Bridge Road, Duluth
Alongside the reopening of Trillion Dollar Beauti Bar, students and families can come out for a fun back-to-school festival. This event features the store’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, a backpack and school supplies giveaway, beauty and wellness tips, educational support sessions, local vendors, and live entertainment.
Powder Springs Back-to-School Fair – Aug. 3
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Quality Solutions Global, 4033 Louise St., Powder Springs
This community fair will feature school resources and activities for students and families.
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