Backpacks, Supplies & One Last Burst of Summer Fun

Back-to-School Events and Giveaways Across the Harrisburg, Hershey and Cumberland Valley Areas

Find free school supplies, backpack giveaways, family celebrations and community events designed to help local kids start the new school year feeling ready.

Whether you have five kids or just one extremely opinionated kindergartener, back-to-school season hits hard. And let’s be honest: it is not just the kids who need to emotionally prepare.

You are juggling mysteriously changing shoe sizes, supply lists that appear to have been written in hieroglyphics and the sudden realization that someone expects you to label every single crayon.

The good news? You do not have to do it alone. Communities throughout the Harrisburg and West Shore, Hershey and Hummelstown, Elizabethtown and Lititz, and Carlisle through Shippensburg areas are hosting free family events, backpack giveaways and last-chance summer celebrations to help everyone gear up for the big first day.

From bounce houses and barbershop pop-ups to sensory-friendly activities and school-supply giveaways that do not require a second mortgage, we are gathering the best local opportunities to help your family feel mostly ready.

Find Events Across Our Macaroni KID Village

Parent Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and send it to your favorite parent group before someone else claims the last spot at the free sneaker giveaway. We will continue adding events and giveaways as new details are announced.

Back-to-School Events and Supply Giveaways

Browse upcoming events throughout the Cumberland Valley and greater Hershey and Harrisburg areas. Select an event to see its complete details.

Know About Another Back-to-School Event?

Our calendar grows throughout the season. If your school, nonprofit, municipality or community organization is hosting a local back-to-school celebration or supply giveaway, please submit it to the Macaroni KID calendar serving your community.