Back-to-school season is almost here, and while kids are excited to swap their summer sandals for fresh sneakers, parents might be feeling the pressure of stocking up on all those school supplies. But don’t worry—there’s good news! Local organizations and businesses in Downtown Philly are stepping in to make sure no one is left behind. From backpacks bursting with supplies to pens, pencils, and everything in between, these awesome giveaways are here to make your back-to-school prep a whole lot easier (and way more fun!). In this article, we’ll share where to find the best freebies in town so your kids can head into the classroom with everything they need to rock the school year.
These Events and Giveaways are while supplies last, and event dates and times are subject to change. Please check with the vendor before heading to the event. Some require registration and that the student be present to receive the free items; check the event page for details. This page will be updated often as we find new giveaways so be sure to check back!
School District of Philadelphia Back to School Bus Tour:
- Monday, July 28, 2025*
School of the Future – 4021 Parkside Ave, Phila., PA 19104 - Friday, August 1, 2025*
Fashion District Philadelphia – 901 Market St, Phila., PA 19107 - Monday, August 4, 2025*
Martin Luther King High School – 6100 Stenton Ave, Phila., PA 19138 - Wednesday, August 6, 2025*
George Washington High School Football Field – 10175 Bustleton Ave, Phila., PA 19116 - Saturday, August 9, 2025
Citizens Bank Park – 1 Citizens Bank Way, Phila., PA 19148 - Tuesday, August 12, 2025
- Marcus Foster Memorial Stadium (Gratz Supersite) – 1627 W. Hunting Park Ave, Phila., PA 19140
- Friday, August 15, 2025
Roosevelt Mall – 2329 Cottman Ave, Phila., PA 19152
Gear Up for School Event: August 2nd, 11 am - 2 pm
Path to Greatness 8th Annual Community Day: August 2nd, 12 pm - 4 pm
St. Mark's Church Back to School Fair: August 9th, 11 am - 1:30 pm
Motivated CRC Back to School Community Fair: August 9th, 1 pm - 4 pm
Back 2 School Bookbag Giveaway: August 9th, 11 am - 3 pm
Spectrum Health Children's Health Day: August 9th, 11 am - 3 pm
Back to School Block Party presented by St. Matthew AME Church: August 9th, 12 pm - 4 pm
2nd Annual Back to School Community Block Party at Temple Women and Families Hospital: August 9th, 10 am - 2 pm
Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Funeral Directors Backpack & School Supply Giveaway: August 13th, 5 pm - 7 pm
ACHIEVEability Back to School Giveaway: August 13th, 2 pm - 5 pm
Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Funeral Directors Backpack & School Supply Giveaway: August 13th, 5 pm - 7 pm
Salvation Army Kroc Center Back to School Backpack Giveaway: August 15th, 6 pm - 8 pm
Joanna E. McClinton's Back to School Supply & Food Distribution: August 15th, 12 pm - 3 pm
House of Faith Ministries PA Back to School Giveaway: August 16th, 11 am - 3 pm
Camphor Back to School Community Day: August 16th, 11:30 am - 4 pm
Super Moms of Philadelphia Book Bag Giveaway: August 16th, 12 pm - 4 pm
Second Annual Back to School Block Party: August 16th, 12 pm - 5 pm
Braids & Backpacks: August 17th, 1 pm - 6 pm
Back to School Resource Fair & Colors of the Spectrum Autism Festival: August 20th, 12 pm - 3 pm
Back 2 School Bookbag Bash: August 21st, 2 pm - 4:30 pm
School Daze Annual Backpack Giveaway: August 23rd, 11 am - 3 pm
Back to School Community Event at The Official Truth and Life Empowerment Community Ministries Inc: September 6th, 11 am - 4 pm
Do you have information about a Back to School giveaway or community event? We'd love to include it!
Events can be submitted here.
Whether you're gearing up for the first day of school or just checking things off your back-to-school checklist, these giveaways are the perfect way to grab everything your kids need without the headache of high prices. From colorful backpacks to must-have school supplies, these events are all about spreading some back-to-school joy! Make sure to mark your calendars, show up with a smile, and let your little scholars leave with a bag full of excitement and all the tools to make this school year their best one yet!
