JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4JAX wants to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming school year.
We’ll be covering topics on The Morning Show leading up to the start of school in August, and below we’ve compiled a county-by-county list of back-to-school events offering giveaways for those in need of school supplies and other items.
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Clay County
Emmanuel Project Back-to-School Free Well Visits | July 17-18: Backpack giveaways, haircuts, food distribution and more. Free school physicals & sports physicals for children without health insurance provided by Emmanuel Project. The event runs from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, and from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Friday, July 18, at Community Church Keystone Heights on Palmetto Avenue. For more info, click here.
Back-to-School Outreach | Friday, July 25: Come join a back-to-school event in Clay County from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Friday, July 25, the Salvation Army of Clay Couny in Middleburg. It offers free hot dogs, snow cones, hair cuts, and backpacks with age-appropriate supplies (while supplies last). Vendors provide valuable information and services for Clay County families. Click here for more information.
Back-to-School Bash 2025 | Saturday, July 26: St. Johns River State College and Thrasher Horne Center are hosting a Back-to-School Bash to provide students with backpacks, school supplies, and clothing at no charge to empower them and provide them with what they need for a successful school year. The event will take place from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Thrasher-Horne Center at St. Johns River State College. For more information, click here.
Military Appreciation Back to School Bash | Saturday, July 26: All active serving military members, veterans and their families are invited to First Coast YMCA in Fleming Island to participate in fun activities and pick up a backpack full of supplies for the upcoming school year. It takes place from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. To find out more information, click here.
Back-to-School Block Party | Tuesday, July 29: Come join the Back-to-School Block Party from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at the Clay High School Gym Parking Lot. The event will help support families who could benefit from some extra back-to-school resources this year. For more information, click here.
Free Back-to-School Photo Session | Saturday, Aug. 2: Middleburg is offering a free back-to-school photo session. It’s open to students of all ages, digital photos will be provided at no cost, and it offers a free back-to-school-themed setup. It’s first-come, first-served. The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about this event, click here.
Back-to-School Giveaway | Saturday, Aug. 2: School supplies will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis for students in grades K-12 at the Middleburg Civic Association from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Palmetto Street. Students must be present to receive supplies. For more information, click here.
Back-to-School Bash | Saturday, Aug. 2: Get ready for the FIRST EVER Back-to-School Bash brought to you by Oakleaf Pop-Up! From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Oakleaf Baptist Church in Orange Park. Click here for more info.
A 70s Back-to-School Bash | Saturday, Aug. 2: The Orange Park Mall is offering a back-to-school event with a day of fun and fashion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2. The event offers a craft station, face painting, music, and prizes. Find out more about this event here.
Back-to-School Supply Drive | Sunday, Aug. 3: Daniel Total Man Inc in partnership with The Church of One Inc, is hosting a Back-to-School Supply Drive from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3 on Smith Street in Orange Park. They are giving away backpacks with supplies free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Children must be present to receive a backpack. Monetary donations and supplies are being accepted. Sponsorships are also being accepted. For more information, click here.
Trinity Community Church Back-to-School Bash | Sunday, Aug. 3: Families, come on out to Trinity Community Church of Fleming Island’s back-to-school bash from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3. There will be an obstacle course for the older kids, a bounce house and coloring table for the younger kids, and snacks, snow cones and bingo for all. For more info, click here.
Back-to-School Splash Bash | Saturday, Aug. 16: Two double water slides, bounce house, food, popsicles, games, face painting, music, giveaways, fellowship and a special devotional from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs. For more information, click here.
Columbia County
Movin’ & Groovin’ Back-to-School Event | Saturday, July 26: Lake City Mall is excited to welcome families back for the return of its Movin’ & Groovin’ Back-to-School Event from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. The high-energy day filled with fun, community engagement, and everything you need to jumpstart the school year is free, and guests can also enter to win a gift basket packed with must-have items to keep them Movin’ and Groovin’ into the new school year. Click here for more information.
Duval County
2025 Back to School Community Event | Saturday, July 21: This back-to-school event offers free games, music and food from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Victory Park. For more information, click here.
Back-to-School Community Day | Friday, July 25: This event offers free food, face painting, and back-to-school supplies, starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 25, on Herring Road. For more information, click here.
Northside Community Involvement Inc. Back-to-School Giveaway | Saturday, July 26: Northside Community invites you to their 4th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway, which is a community celebration focused on fun, support, and student success. The event takes place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. For more information, click here.
Backpack Giveaway | Saturday, July 26: The event takes place on Saturday, July 26, at 10 a.m. It will be held while supplies last, so make sure to arrive early. Every school-age child must be present to receive a backpack. Along with free backpacks and school supplies, they will also offer free vision screenings by Vision Today. Kids will also receive a free coupon for a haircut. For more information, click here.
Family Fun Fest at the Ramona Flea Market | Saturday, July 26: This event, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, includes fun, shopping, community vibes, and much more. Bring the whole family and explore everything the market has to offer, like a dunk tank, bounce house, waterslide, live music, dancing, school supplies and much more. To learn more about this event, click here.
Back2School Give-a-way | Sunday, July 27: Music, food, face painting, fun and raffles will be available at the 6th annual Motorcycle Clubs Community event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, at A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park in Jacksonville. Kids who are present can receive a free backpack.
The Big Give | Saturday, Aug. 2: This is a free event for families in the community with free haircuts and school supplies for all students K-12, free groceries, food, and a photo op for all families. The event is from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2. For more information, click here.
Back-to-School Fuel the Future | Saturday, Aug. 2: This is a family-friendly event featuring free school supply giveaways, fun activities, and resources to help students start the school year strong. The event takes place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Florida Blue Jacksonville (Town Center and North Jacksonville). Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to participate and there is no cost to attend. To find out more information and how to get tickets, click here.
Beaches Back-to-School Bash | Saturday, Aug. 2: Children will have the chance to choose a free new backpack, gather essential school supplies and pick out books to read at the 2025 Beaches Back-to-School Bash, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Carver Center at 777 5th Ave. South, in Jacksonville Beach. There will also be food vendors, music, a bounce house and more.
Back-to-School Luau | Saturday, Aug. 2: Get ready for a free luau party at the Outdoor Pool to start the back-to-school season, hosted by NAS Jax. The event, from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, is open to all personnel who have military access. Each guest (non-MWR patrons) must pay $5. It is not open to the public. It offers a photo booth and backpack giveaways while supplies last. For more information, click here.
Back2School Community Day | Sunday, Aug. 3: Free backpacks, school supplies, hair cuts, food distribution, face painting, vision screening, quick braids and more will be available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3 at 6400 Atlantic Blvd.
Back-to-School Haircuts & Carnival | Saturday, Aug. 9: New Hope Assembly is hosting a back-to-school, family-fun event for any K-12 students who live in Duval County. The event is from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9. More details will be provided in the future, but for now, click here to find out more about the event.
Back-to-School Drive | Saturday, Aug. 9: The 5th annual Back-to-School Drive presented by Shine on the Spot Auto Detailing and Get Right Entertainment will be from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 737 Jessie St. in Jacksonville. Book bags, school supplies, music, free food and more.
DJ Squally and Rai Back-to-School Giveaway | Saturday, Aug. 9: The event’s lineup begins at 12 p.m. on Aug. 9. The supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. No supplies will be held or reserved, and each child is eligible for one book bag. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
Baggett Law’s 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway | Saturday, Aug. 9: Baggett Law is hosting a backpack giveaway at Twin Lakes Academy Elementary from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9. The free giveaway event will include backpacks and supplies, fun activities and prizes, treats, and more. Click here for more information.
Kids Sip and Paint: Back-to-School Edition | Saturday, Aug. 16: Trap & Paint is offering a fun-filled Kids Sip and Paint event to start the new school year. It includes snacks, painting materials, and sparkling cider. You’re asked to bring your creativity as you get ready to have a blast while creating your masterpiece. The event takes place from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16. Click here for more information.
Flagler County
Back-to-School Jam | Saturday, Aug. 2: Kick off the new school year with energy and excitement at the Flagler Schools Back to School Jam from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Flagler Palm Coast High School Gym in Palm Coast. For more info, click here.
Nassau County
Bounce Back to School Family Event | Saturday, July 26: This event is a free family family-friendly event celebration that’s designed to help Nassau County students and families this year. It offers a backpack giveaway, health screening physicals and much more. It takes place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at the Peck Center Gymnasium. For more information, click here.
Military Appreciation Back to School Bash | Saturday, July 26: All active serving military members, veterans and their families are invited to First Coast YMCA in Yulee to participate in fun activities and pick up a backpack full of supplies for the upcoming school year. It takes place from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. To find out more information, click here.
Hilliard First Assembly of God Back-to-School Giveaway | Saturday, July 26: The event offers free school supplies, free clothes (from infant to older), free haircuts for kids, free snow cones (while supplies last), free car wash for parents, and adult essential bags available. There will also be prayer warriors available. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. For more information, click here.
Putnam County
Back-to-School Bash | Saturday, Aug. 9: First Baptist Pomona Park is hosting a Back-to-School Bash from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9. For more information, click here.
St. Johns County
3rd Annual Back-to-School Drive | Wednesday, July 23: The 3rd Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive happens from 12-6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, at Calvin Peete Park in St. Augustine. Help students start the school year prepared and confident. To learn more information or donate now, click here.
Back-to-School Giveaway & Pool Party | Sunday, July 27: School supplies, food, fun and music at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center on Sunday, July 27. The free event includes a giveaway from 12-2 p.m., followed by a pool party until 6 p.m.
Back-to-School Bash | Sunday, Aug. 3: There’s a back-to-school bash at Fruit Cove Baptist Church from 1-3 p.m. on Aug. 3. It will take place in the gym (on the second floor of the ROC Building). There will be pizza, Kona ice, bounce houses, carnival games, backpacks, and school supplies. For more information, click here.
Back-to-School Bash (Painting with a Twist) | Saturday, Aug. 9: Fruit Cove is offering a back-to-school bash for ages 5 and older. The family fun painting class is intended for family time; however, no infants or toddlers are allowed. The event is from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9. Click here for more information.
Union County
Community Wide Back-to-School Bash | Saturday, July 19: Free backpacks, supplies, food, giveaways, snow cones, popcorn and more at the Union County Community Wide Back-to-School Bash from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Lake Butler Middle School. For more info, click here.
Brantley County
Back-to-School Bash | Wednesday, July 23: The event gives away free school supplies. It also offers free haircuts and the chance for you to shop their clothes closet. You’ll be able to grab a hot dog after shopping. It’s at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23. For more information, click here.
BSA Back-to-School Bash | Saturday, July 26: Everyone is welcome to come to this Back-to-School Bash. There will be various activities for the kids to do. They recommend that you bring a chair. It takes place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Brantley County Parks & Recreation in Nahunta. For more information, click here.
Camden County
Kings Bay Carnival | Saturday, July 26: Sparklight, Kings Bay’s hometown internet provider, is helping families gear up for school by providing 2,000 free backpacks and school supplies at several back-to-school events, including the Kings Bay Carnival at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The event is from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at 1368 USS Benjamin Franklin Dr., Kings Bay. Families visiting the Sparklight tent can also learn about military discounts and special internet promotions.
Multi-county event
Round Room, LLC (a Verizon authorized retailer) is hosting its 13th annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway,” starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at store locations across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Families will line up at their local Verizon store to receive a free backpack. Locations are:
- 1845 S 8th St., Fernandina Beach, FL
- 1342 N Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs, FL
- 10300 Southside Blvd., Spc 2400A, Jacksonville, FL
- 13820 Old Saint Augustine Road, Ste 205, Jacksonville, FL
- 2851 County Road 210 W, Unit 117, Jacksonville, FL
- 3031 Monument Road, Unit 4, Jacksonville, FL
- 8520 Baymeadows Road, Unit 2, Jacksonville, FL
- 295 NW Commons Loop, Ste 103, Lake City, FL
- 1108 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, FL
- 641 Crosswater Pkwy, Ste G, Ponte Vedra, FL
- 2 Fairfield Blvd., Unit 1A, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
- 105 Murabella Pkwy, Ste 8, St. Augustine, FL
- 163 Palencia Village Dr., Suite 106, St. Augustine, FL
- 617 N Temple Ave., Starke, FL
- 2603 Osborne Road, Ste 100, St. Marys, GA
- 248 Retreat Village, Ste 248, St. Simons Island, GA
If you have a back-to-school event that you would like to add to list, please email webteam@wjxt.com.