The countdown to back-to-school season is officially on! Whether you're savoring the last days of summer or already had the first day of school jitters on behalf of your little one, now’s the time to get ahead of the game. In this post, we’re rounding up some fun and helpful back-to-school events happening in our community that you won’t want to miss. These events involve free giveaways, community resources - or both. To stay most up-to-date, be sure to bookmark our
community calendar.
Be sure to double-check the time, date, and location before you head out—event details can change, and weather might affect plans.
If you would like to print this list out for your home or car, head HERE.
Preschool Palooza
Children’s Museum of Cleveland (3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115)
Friday, Aug 1 | 4–7 PM
Preschool-aged children (ages 3–4) welcome—free museum admission, games, food, prizes, and resources. Registration required.
Come say hello to the Bright Beginnings team at this event.
Back to School Carnival (Tower City)
Skylight Park at Tower City (230 W. Huron St., Cleveland)
Saturday, Aug 2 | 10 AM–7 PM
First 1,000 students receive stuffed bookbags (first come, first served), + rides, games, face painting, food.
Pinecrest Play Days – Back to School Bash
Pinecrest, Orange Village (200 Park Ave., Orange Village, OH 44122))
Saturday, Aug 2 | 11 AM–2 PM
Free family fun with giveaways, activities, entertainment, and exhibitors like Mad Science and Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank.
Cuyahoga County Family Fun Day
Public Square, Downtown Cleveland
Tuesday, Aug 5 | 11 AM–2:30 PM
Free backpacks (while supplies last), games, music, face painting, and 70+ community resources.
**Come say hello to the Bright Beginnings team at this event!
Spanish American Committee Back to School Fair
One Hope NEO (3202 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109)
Saturday, Aug 6 | 1–6 PM
Free vaccines, haircuts, food, and more. Pre-register by calling 216-961-2100.
**Come say hello to the Bright Beginnings team at this event!
Back to School Community Festival
The Gardens of Fairfax (9014 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44106)
Wednesday, Aug 6 | 1–5 PM
Free school supplies, physicals, bounce house, games, and more.
Malachi Center Back to School Event
Malachi Center (2416 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland, 44113)
Thursday, Aug 8 | 3–6 PM
Free first-day outfits for ages 5–18; food provided. Registration required—guardian and child must attend.
Lead Safe Cleveland Family Fun Day
Britt Oval (2722 Martin Luther King Jr Dr., Cleveland, OH 44104)
Satuday, Aug 9 | Noon–3 PM
Free lead-safe resources, as well as free food, music, games, and prizes.
**Come say hello to the Bright Beginnings team at this event!
Esperanza Back to School Celebration
Max Hayes High School (2211 W. 65th St., Cleveland)
Saturday, Aug 9 | 9 AM–Noon
Free backpacks and supplies (child must be present), plus games, music, and resources.
All City Back to School Festival
Cleveland Public Auditorium (500 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland)
Saturday, Aug 9 | 9 AM–Noon
Free school supplies, haircuts, physicals, resources, and free parking.
Hand Up Ministries Back to School Giveaway
Willson United Methodist Church (9226 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44108)
Saturday, Aug 9 | Noon–2 PM
Free backpacks, school supplies, and access to a community resource fair.
Power of 3 School Supply Giveaway
Cleveland Heights Library (2345 Lee Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH 44118)
Saturday, Aug 9 | 1–4 PM
Free school supplies—child and guardian must be present.
Bounce Back Bunch: Resiliency Town
Woodland Branch Library (5906 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, OH 44104)
Week of Aug 11 | 10–11 AM or 1–2 PM
Pre-K emotional-skills program. Complete all sessions to receive a $50 Walmart gift card.
Pearlz Inc. Back-to-School Event
Collinwood Recreation Center (16300 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44110)
Friday, Aug 16 | 1–4 PM
Free backpacks, games, food, music, and community fun.
Back to School with Pride
Colors+ Youth Center (21430 Lorain Rd. #400, Fairview Park, OH 44126)
Saturday, Aug 16 | 1–4 PM
Free backpacks and supplies (while supplies last), pencil pouch decorating, arts & crafts, games, and prizes.
Back to School Bash (Refuge Cleveland)
RefugeCleveland (4505 Broadview Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109)
Saturday, Aug 16 | Noon–2 PM
Free school supplies (while they last), plus a bounce house and snacks like popcorn & snow cones.
School readiness programs worth mentioning:
Parents as Teachers program at Bright Beginnings (school readiness/school success through home visiting)
Kindergarten Club through the Cuyahoga County Public Library
SPARK Ohio Kindergarten Readiness Program
About the Author:
Heather Sakai has been a member of the Bright Beginnings team since early 2022, serving as the Social Media Engagement Coordinator. She holds a Master of Science in Social Service Administration and a Master of Arts in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University. Heather brings experience in social work and mood disorders research, marketing and social media, as well as dance instruction for children and adults in both the United States and abroad. Passionate about connecting people through social media, Heather strives to make it a safe space to ask questions, be vulnerable, and share successes and struggles. She is also the administrator of Cuyahoga Parents Connect and warmly invites you to join if you are a parent or caregiver of a child from birth to kindergarten, or if you are expecting a child.