As the new school year approaches, local organizations and businesses across Alachua County are working to help students and families gear up for success.
From free backpack giveaways and haircuts to community carnivals and fashion shows, a full lineup of back-to-school events are scheduled throughout August.
Back-to-School Celebration PEAK Literacy
Where: Residences at Oakview, 1515 NW 10th St., Gainesville
When: Friday, August 7, 2026, from noon – 4 p.m.
What to Know: A community event hosted to help families prepare for a successful school year. Features free school supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis (while supplies last).
Local organizations and community partners will be on-site to share educational resources and support options. Attendees can visit tables like PEAK Literacy to learn more about programs helping children build strong reading skills.
Features and Activities:
- Free haircuts
- Gaming bus (Elite Gamers Entertainment)
- Health bus
- Petting zoo
- Barbecue
- Live music by DJ ELO
- Entertainment and community resources
Book + Art Faire at AUK
Where: The AUK Market and Protocol Gallery, 2031 NW 6th St., Gainesville
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
What to Know: This is the third annual Back-to-School Book + Art Faire, hosted by The AUK Market. The event is free to attend and open to the public.
Features and Activities:
- Local Gainesville authors
- Back-to-school swag
- Tarot readings
- Specialty local items and artisan products
- Coffee, pastries, and mimosas
- Good tunes and music throughout the space
Back 2 School Bash by Palms Medical Group
Where: Palms Medical Group, 200 SW 62nd Blvd., Gainesville
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. – noon
What to Know: Hosted by Palms Medical Group at their Gainesville location to help students and families get ready for the upcoming school year.
Free sports physicals are available for student-athletes across all Palms Medical Group locations (appointments can be scheduled at www.palmsmg.org).
Features and Activities:
- Free backpacks and school supplies
- Food from Bite Down BBQ food truck
- Kona Ice treats
- Games and entertainment
Alachua Police Department Back 2 School Giveaway
Where: Legacy Park, 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. – noon
What to Know: Hosted by the Alachua Police Department to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year. Backpacks are limited to one per child, and the child must be present to receive one.
Each child who receives a backpack will also get a free kids pizza voucher from Blaze Pizza.
Features and Activities:
- Free backpacks and school supplies
- Free kids pizza voucher from Blaze Pizza
- Free food and drinks
- Child fingerprinting services
Back to School Community Closet
Where: Destiny Community Church, 20820 W. Newberry Road, Newberry
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
What to Know: Hosted by Honored: Mothers & Daughters of Destiny, this fifth annual event provides free items to help students start the school year with confidence. Everything is free and open to everyone in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Features and Activities:
- Clothing for children and teens
- School supplies
- Toiletries and hygiene items
Homeschool Resource Fair
Where: Alachua County Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave., Gainesville
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
What to Know: Enjoy an afternoon filled with information, fun activities and community connections.
Features and Activities:
- Information from local organizations offering academic support, volunteer posts, extracurricular activities, field trip destinations and more.
Back to School Fair
Where: Kanapaha Veterans Memorial Park, West Park
When: Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10 a.m.
What to Know: Hosted by Carolina Kids Co-op: Gainesville, this offers a fun-filled community event bringing families and local businesses together to celebrate the new school year and support Alachua County organizations.
Features and Activities:
- Local business and vendor meet-and-greets
- Community resources and services
- Family networking and networking with local organizations
Back-to-School Community Carnival
Where: CityLight Church, Gainesville
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026, starting at 12 p.m. (Sunday Worship Services at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.)
What to Know: A free, fun-filled event for the whole family hosted by CityLight Church to celebrate the start of the school year. Special experience for kids nursery through 5th grade available during worship services (CityLight Kids).
Features and Activities:
- Carnival games
- Free lunch
- Kona Ice
- Train rides
- Inflatables
- Face painting
Back to School Bash at Dillard’s
Where: Dillard’s in The Oaks Mall, Gainesville
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 (fashion show begins at 1:00 p.m.)
What to Know: Get ready for the new school year with a fashion show featuring the latest styles for students of every age. Models of all ages are welcome to sign up by calling Dillard’s at (352) 331-1455. Supports Alachua County Public Schools through a new school supply drive.
Features and Activities:
- Back to School Fashion Show
- School supply donation drop-off
- Meet deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
- Explore a real patrol vehicle
Donate Back-to-School Supplies (Family Promise of Gainesville)
Where: Family Promise Office (Tue–Thu, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or Amazon Online Wishlist
When: Ongoing leading up to August 10
What to Know: Family Promise of Gainesville is accepting supply donations to help local families ease the financial burden of summer energy bills, childcare and reduced work hours. Businesses or churches can also host local supply drives with pickup options available.
Details:
- Backpack, folder and 3-ring binder donations
- Amazon Wishlist purchasing options
- Hosted supply drive opportunities for businesses and churches
School Supplies & Period Poverty Drive
Where: Greater Giving Office (drop off items by Associate Care desk)
When: August – September 2026
What to Know: Greater Giving is collecting essential school supplies and period products throughout August and September to help remove barriers so students can focus on learning with confidence.
Details:
- Collection of school supplies (backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, markers, rulers, folders, highlighters)
- Collection of period and hygiene products (pads, tampons, panty liners, period underwear, wipes, heat pads, travel-size hygiene items)
Back to School BBQ
Where: Pine Meadows Community, 2626 E. University Avenue, Gainesville
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
What to Know: Hosted by Gainesville Housing Authority and Dare to Be Different Youth Empowerment Org. A major summer community event bringing neighbors together for food, fun and school preparation.
Features and Activities:
- Free BBQ and refreshments
- Free backpacks and school supplies
- Self-care and hygiene items
- Games, activities and prizes
- Giveaways throughout the event
- Special surprise for incoming and recent high school graduates
Free Back to School Haircuts
Where: Melrose United Methodist Church, 5807 Hampton St., Melrose
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
What to Know: Hosted by Gator Bait Sports Grill & Lake Region Kiwanis to help community students look and feel their best for a great school year. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment needed.
Features and Activities:
- Free back-to-school haircuts for students
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