Back-to-School Events Around Austin
Backpacks? Check. Pencils? Sharpened. Kid energy levels? Still stuck in summer mode.
If you’re looking to ease your family into the school year with a little more fun and a lot less stress, we’ve rounded up a bunch of back-to-school events happening around Austin. From free supply giveaways to craft markets and community bashes, these events are the perfect way to celebrate the season and stock up on everything your kiddo needs to start strong. Whether you’re after a last dose of summer fun or just need to make sure someone else is handing out the glue sticks, there’s something here for everyone.
Check out our list of back-to-school events coming up in the next couple of weeks and kick start your kiddo’s school year with a ton of fun and a chance to interact with your community!
Back To School Giveaway
- Location: Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, Austin, TX
- Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- What’s Up: Hosted by Urban Alchemy and Back Outside Organization, this family-friendly giveaway offers free backpacks and school supplies while they last. Plus, parents can connect with community organizations providing health services, tutoring, and even bike & helmet giveaways.
Austin Back to School Craft & Vendor Market
- Location: Fareground, 111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
- Date: Saturday & Sunday, August 9–10, 2025 | Noon – 8:00 PM
- What’s Up: A festive mini‑market to kick off fall: shop local crafts, grab back-to-school décor or snacks, and enjoy makers, food vendors, and creative inspiration—free admission.
Back to School Bash at St. Elmo Springdale
- Location: St. Elmo Brewing Co. – Springdale, Austin, TX
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- What’s Up: Celebrate with storytime, crafts, live kids’ music, and even free haircuts from Birds Barbershop. Plus a kid-friendly “Kid’s Corner” and juice/coffee—fun and functional.
2025 Back Outside — Back-to-School Kickback
- Location: Walter E. Long Municipal Park, 8601 Decker Ln, Austin, TX
- Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 2:00PM
- What’s Up: A community street‑party style kickoff with free school supplies, games, music, face-painting, and vendor booths. It’s a relaxed, playful way to wrap up summer with all the family festivity.
Back-to-School Bash at Body Lab TX
- Location: Body Lab TX, 21300 State Hwy 71, Spicewood, TX
- Date: Sunday, August 10th
- What’s Up: Expect music, movement, games, treats, a bounce house, clothing swap, and more, plus a chance to meet our instructors, tour the studio, and get excited about the season ahead.
Fresh Start Bash — Drive‑Thru Giveaway in Hutto
- Location: Next Salon Gallery, 3333 Co Rd 119, Hutto, TX
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 11 AM–1 PM
- What’s Up: Hosted by Next Salon Gallery with Brilliant Moments Event Planning, this event provides up to 3 free backpacks per household (up to supply limits), plus local business promos and giveaways via a drive-thru pickup. Registration encouraged.
Fresh Start Back to School Drive‑Thru
- Location: Travis County Sheriff’s Office parking lot, 5555 Airport Blvd, Austin
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- What’s Up: First‑come, first‑served school supplies for the first 100 K–12 students. Just drive through—deputies will hand supplies right to your window. Simple, efficient, and community driven.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back to School Giveaway | Aug 9 | Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex | Free backpacks, supplies, community resource booths |
| Craft & Vendor Market | Aug 9–10 | Fareground, Downtown Austin | Crafts, local makers, food vendors |
| Back to School Kickback (Back Outside) | Aug 10 | Walter E. Long Municipal Park | Music, games, vendor booths, school supplies |
| Back to School Bash at Body Lab TX | Aug 11 | Body Lab TX in Spicewood | Bounce house, trial classes, performances & more |
| Back to School Bash at St. Elmo Springdale | Aug 16 | St. Elmo Brewing – Springdale | Storytime, crafts, kids’ music, haircuts |
| Fresh Start Bash (Hutto drive-thru) | Aug 16 | Next Salon Gallery, Hutto, TX | Free backpacks, local discounts, drive-thru setup |
| Fresh Start Back to School (County Sheriff) | Aug 17 | Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Austin | Drive-thru supply pickup for first 100 students |
These Austin-area events offer every family a chance to ease into the school year with support and fun whether that’s grabbing supplies, enjoying community connection, or letting your kiddos play before the routine starts. And if you’re juggling work before AISD classes begin Tuesday, August 18, these events provide some much-appreciated prep time and resource access.
Looking for something else? You can find more recommendations on the Recess events page!
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean instant chaos. These community events make it easy to check off your list, connect with other families, and squeeze in one more memory before the bell rings. Keep an eye on Recess for more ways to make the school year smoother, more fun, and (dare we say it?) a little more magical for both you and your kiddo.
If you’re looking for more family fun, Recess has plenty more programs, classes, and events ready when you are.
