Back-to-School Events - Free Backpacks, Supplies, Giveaways & Family Fun! 🎒🖍️

👟 Ready to kick off the new school year? Whether you're looking for free backpacks, school supplies, health resources, haircuts, family fun, or community celebrations, Northwest Indiana has plenty of back-to-school events to help families prepare.

We've rounded up giveaways and activities happening across the Region, with many events offering free supplies while they last.

🚨 Many backpack and school supply giveaways are available while supplies last. Arriving early is recommended.

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🎒 3rd Annual Back to School Fest
GARY
July 25
🕜 9-11am
✨ FREE backpack giveaways, haircuts, music, local healthcare, food trucks & more
Click for Details

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🎒 Life Sanctuary Back to School Community Event
MERRILLVILLE
July 25
🕜 12-2pm
✨ FREE backpacks & school supplies (Pre-K – 5th grade), bounce houses, games, giveaways, food
Click for Details

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🎒 Tye's Bounce Parties 4th Annual Back to School Bash
HOBART
July 27
🕜 3-6pm
✨ FREE backpacks & school supplies while supplies last, bounce houses, foam party, photo booth, meals for kids, raffles & more
Click for Details

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🎒 Fresh County Market Back to School Fair
GARY
July 29
🕜 3-6pm
✨ FREE backpacks & school supplies, giveaways, community resources, raffles, prizes, food, music & games
Click for Details

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🎒 K-POP RUMI Back to School Karaoke & Brunch Meet & Greet
CROWN POINT
August 1
🕜 10am-1pm
💵✨ FREE K-Pop drawstring backpack, accessories & school supplies with paid admission (ticketed event)
Click for Details

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🎒 Back to School Bash
HOBART
August 1
🕜 10:30am-12pm
✨ FREE shoes (K - 5th grade), foam party, snow cones, inflatables, games, hot dogs & more
Click for Details

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🎒 2nd Annual Back to School Carnival
MERRILLVILLE
August 1
🕜 11am-1pm
✨ FREE school supplies (Pre-K – 6th grade), food, free resources, fun for all
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
CHESTERTON
August 3
🕜 10am-12pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
PORTAGE
August 3
🕜 2-4pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
MERRILLVILLE
August 4
🕜 10am-12pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
LAKE STATION
August 4
🕜 2-4pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
DEMOTTE
August 5
🕜 10am-12pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
CROWN POINT
August 5
🕜 2-4pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
GARY
August 6
🕜 10am-12pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
HAMMOND
August 6
🕜 2-4pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 LifeWise Academy Back to School Bash
LA PORTE
August 6
🕜 3-7pm
✨ FREE backpacks, school supplies, toiletries, pizza
Click for Details

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🎒 Northshore Health Centers National Health Centers Week
LA PORTE
August 7
🕜 10am-12pm
✨ FREE backpacks for the first 50 children, while supplies last, health resources & blood pressure screenings
Click for Details

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🎒 Lake Ridge Volunteer Fire Dept Back 2 School Bash
GARY
August 8
🕜 12-4pm
✨ FREE school supplies, carnival style games, concessions, meet local heroes & tour fire trucks
Click for Details

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🎒 New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church Back to School Bash & Community Health Fair
GARY
August 8
🕜 10am-2pm
✨ FREE back to school supplies, children's activities, health screens, wellness information
Click for Details

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🎒 City-Wide Back to School Rally
MICHIGAN CITY
August 8
🕜 11am-3pm
✨ FREE school supplies, vaccinations, games, food & fun
🚨 For Michigan City & MCAS families, guardians will be asked for ID
Click for Details

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🎒 The Father's Heart Church Back to School Event
GARY
August 15
🕜 11am-3pm
✨ FREE backpacks, school supplies, giveaways, food, bouncy houses, basketball contest, live entertainment
Click for Details

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🎒 Back to School Bash
MICHIGAN CITY
August 16
🕜 1-5pm
✨ FREE school supply giveaway, barbers for boys, stylists for girls, food, music, games, activities, giveaways & prizes
Click for Details

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🎒 Tips for Back to School brought to you by Northshore Health Centers
✨ All school-aged children who have a wellness visit or sports physical are eligible to get a FREE backpack filled with school supplies
Click for Details

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𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦:
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