The 2026-2027 school year is just around the corner, and local organizations are rolling out the red carpet to help students start the year on the right foot. Across the region, communities are coming together to provide free school supplies haircuts, and engaging activities to ensure every child has what they need to succeed.
These back-to-school events are more than just supply drives; they are vibrant community gatherings designed to foster a sense of belonging and excitement for the new academic year. From free haircuts to bouncy houses and cookouts these events offer a comprehensive package of support for students and their families.
Key Back-to-School Events in 2026
The 2026 back-to-school season is packed with events that cater to students of all ages. Here are some of the standout events that are making a difference:
Hawk Law Group’s Bookbag Bash
On July 11, 2026 the Hawk Law Group will host its annual Bookbag Bash at the Bell Auditorium. This event, running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., will provide free school supplies to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The event will also feature a DJ, photo booths, and character meet-and-greets, making it a fun-filled day for the whole family.
Victory Baptist Church’s Back to School Bash
Also on July 11, 2026 Victory Baptist Church will host a Back to School Bash at Summerfield Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will offer free school supplies haircuts, a cookout, and bouncy houses, creating a festive atmosphere for students and their families.
Risen Church’s School Supply Giveaway
Risen Church will host a School Supply Giveaway on July 11, 2026 starting at 12 p.m. at 670 E. Robinson Avenue in Grovetown. This event is designed to ensure that every student has the necessary supplies to begin the school year with confidence.
OneMcCormick Back 2 School Bash
The OneMcCormick Back 2 School Bash will take place on July 18, 2026 at the Paul Dennis Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will distribute free school supplies while supplies last, providing a valuable resource for local students.
Chandler Law Firm’s Fit 4 School Event
Chandler Law Firm will host a Fit 4 School event for Aiken County students on July 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 621 Trolley Line Road in Graniteville. This event will feature food, entertainment, and free school supplies including backpacks, writing utensils, and notebooks.
Roy Warner Park’s Back to School Bash
On July 19, 2026 Roy Warner Park will host a Back to School Bash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will include music, food, free clothes, bounce houses, haircuts, and more, creating a lively and supportive environment for students.
McDuffie County Dispatch’s First Annual Giveaway
McDuffie County Dispatch will host its first annual back-to-school giveaway on July 23, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 761 Public Safety Drive in Thomson. This event will provide free school supplies to students in the community.
Old Pork Place’s Bookbag Giveaway
A bookbag giveaway will be held at Old Pork Place on July 25, 2026 at 10 a.m. Organizers will be giving away free bookbags and school supplies while supplies last.
Harlem VFW’s Back to School Supply Giveaway
The Harlem VFW will hold a Back to School Supply Giveaway on July 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 330 E Milledgeville Road. This event will provide essential school supplies to local students.
Grovetown’s National Night Out Back-to-School Bash
Grovetown officials will hold a National Night Out Back-to-School Bash 2026 on July 31, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Liberty Park Community Center. This event will feature free school supplies free food, vendors, a live DJ, activities, Pelican’s SnoBalls, free haircuts, and an appearance by the Wellstar AirCare helicopter.
Additional Community Support
In addition to the major events, several other organizations are contributing to the back-to-school efforts. New Beginnings Impact Ministries, People Helping People AUG, Kids Street Urgent Care, and El-Shaddai Worship Center are among the groups hosting events on July 11, 2026. These events will offer free school supplies clothes, shoes, refreshments, and family resources.
Guiding Path Enrichment Center will host an event on July 18, 2026 featuring food trucks, face painting, crafts, and free bookbags and school supplies. The CSRA Mega Back to School Bash on July 25, 2026 will provide backpacks, supplies, and family resources, with partners and donations still being sought.
Road to Greatness LLC will host a supply bash on July 25, 2026 at Diamond Lakes Elementary, offering a DJ, photo booth, gaming truck, free braiding, and haircuts. Together We Give will host a supply giveaway on the same day, featuring a shoe giveaway, free BBQ, haircuts, and raffles.
The Coolie Myrick Foundation in Thomson will host a supply drive on July 25, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon. The HUB will host an event on the same day, offering backpacks with supplies, free vision screenings, food, and story time. Greater Young Zion Baptist Church will host a supply giveaway on August 1, 2026 providing book bags with supplies, non-perishable items, free food and drinks, and free haircuts.
These events highlight the incredible support and generosity of local communities, ensuring that every student has the tools and resources they need to succeed in the upcoming school year.
