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The school year is quickly approaching. To help families start the academic year off right, organizations across Milwaukee are hosting a series of back-to-school parties and giveaways.
Whether you’re looking for free school supplies, food, face painting, hair braiding, health checkups or more, these events offer a wide range of resources for families.
Got an event we missed? Tell us in the comments or email us here.
School Choice Wisconsin School Supply Giveaway: Sunday, Aug. 3
From noon until supplies run out, School Choice Wisconsin will hand out free bundles of school supplies to students from kindergarten to eighth grade at Desatar Ministry, 1170 W. Windlake Ave. Students must be present with a parent to receive supplies. More information here.
Sharon Seventh-Day Adventist Back-to-School Rally: Sunday, Aug. 3
Join Sharon Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2389 N. Teutonia Ave., for free haircuts, food, raffles and prayer from noon to 3 p.m. More information here.
Wellpoint Care Network Back-to-School Bash: Thursday, Aug. 7
Wellpoint Care Network is hosting its fourth annual back-to-school bash at 8901 W. Capitol Drive from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with free backpacks, resources, food and more. Children must be present to receive a backpack. More information here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Back-to-School Festival: Saturday, Aug. 9
Get free backpacks and school supplies, educational resources, health screenings and more from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the King Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St. More information here.
WisDems School Supply Giveaway: Saturday, Aug. 9
Wisconsin Democrats are hosting school supply giveaways at their north and south offices from noon to 4 p.m. Registration is strongly encouraged. Supplies are free while they last.
North Side: 8405 W. Lisbon Ave.
South Side: 2999 S. Delaware Ave.
Odua Association in Milwaukee Back-to-School Giveaway: Wednesday, Aug. 13
Back to school bags and supplies will be distributed at Johnson’s Park from 2-6 p.m. For more information you can call 414-552-6618 or 414-349-1876.
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center Back-to-School Event: Thursday, Aug. 14
Native students can get free backpacks and supplies, food, frozen treats and games at the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center back-to-school event from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Attendees must provide proof of 2025-26 school registration, tribal ID or proof of descendant and a state ID from parent or guardian. More information here.
Crossroads Church of God Back-to-School Bash: Saturday, Aug. 16
Crossroads Church of God is offering free backpacks, food and more from noon to 3 p.m. at its back-to-school bash at 8001 W. Capitol Drive. More information here.
Stay Educated Back-to-School Bash: Saturday, Aug. 16
Life Redefined MKE and StayPressd MKE are hosting a back-to-school bash with free school supplies, a bounce house, live music and more at Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. Students can enter a raffle to win an iPad. More information here.
Humbled Hearts Childhood Development Center Back to School: Saturday, Aug. 23
Humbled Hearts is turning its center into a “magical Candyland.” Parents can register their kids in early childhood care or education and pick up free bookbags, enjoy face painting and more at 1 p.m. The center is located at 6003 N. Teutonia Ave. Suite A. More information here.
Cain’s Window Cleaning Back-to-School Car Show: Saturday, Aug. 23
Cain’s Window Cleaning is hosting its third annual back-to-school car show with free school supplies, hair braiding, horse rides and resource tables including one with autism-friendly activities. The show is from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McGovern Park, 5400 N 51st Blvd. More information here.
Wisconsin Democrats School Supply Giveaway: Saturday, Aug. 23
Wisconsin Democrats are hosting a second set of backpack giveaways at their north and south offices from noon to 4 p.m. Registration is strongly encouraged to ensure they have supplies.
North Side: 8405 W. Lisbon Ave.
South Side: 2999 S. Delaware Ave.
Fourth Annual First Day Fits: Saturday, Aug. 23
First Day Fits will offer free new outfits for youths, food, face painting, games and more at Sherman Park, 3000 N. Sherman Blvd., from noon to 3 p.m. More information here.
Milwaukee Police Department District 7 Back to School Festival: Sunday, Aug. 24
From noon to 4 p.m., Milwaukee Police Department District 7 will host its third annual back-to-school festival with free food, school supplies, book bag and bike raffles, hair braiding and more. Children must be present to enter the raffles. The festival is at Indigenous Peoples’ Park, 7301 W Courtland Ave. More information here.
Platinum Cellular Back to School Bash: Tuesday, Aug. 26
Platinum Cellular is giving away 300 backpacks filled with schools and summer treats at their back-to-school bash. The event takes place at 4241 W. Capitol Drive from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information here. Call (414) 873-2461 for additional details.
Team HAVOC Backpack Giveaway: Sunday, Aug. 31
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Team HAVOC will give away backpacks and free school supplies at Clarke Square Park, 2330 W. Vieau Place. The giveaway is part of an International Overdose Awareness Day event. More information here.