DC Back-to-School Events 2026
District agencies and community organizations will be hosting back-to-school events throughout August and September, and Mayor Bowser is inviting students, families and educators to join in on the fun!
DC Public Library: Back to School Events
Kick off the new school year with the DC Public Library. Throughout August, libraries across the District are hosting free back-to-school events featuring bookbags, school supplies, games, crafts, face painting, live entertainment, wellness resources, and more. Families can also sign up for a free library card, an essential tool for accessing books, homework help, digital resources, and year-round learning opportunities. Whether your child is starting preschool, entering kindergarten, or preparing for graduation, the library offers resources and programs to support learners of all ages throughout the school year.
Featured Events:
- Thursday, August 6 at 12:00 p.m.: 14th Annual Back to School Bash, Bellevue/William O. Lockridge Library
- Monday, August 10 to Tuesday, August 12: Little Learners: Get Ready for Preschool!, Cleveland Park Library
- Thursday, August 13 at 3:00 p.m.: Back 2 School Bookbag Giveaway and Community Wellness Day, Capitol View Library
- Thursday, Aug. 13 at 3:00 p.m.: Back to School Party, Parklands-Turner Library
- Saturday, August 15 at 1:00 p.m.: 2nd Annual Back to School Bash Francis A. Gregory Library
- Sunday, August 16 at 1:00 p.m.: Back to School Festival Woodridge Library
DYRS Back2School Event
As students and families prepare for the new school year, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services is bringing the community together for the Back2School event, a day of fun, resources, and support. From free backpacks and school supplies to uniforms, haircuts, food, and family-friendly activities, this event is designed to help students enroll for the upcoming school year and build a strong support network with government agencies, community partners, and local schools.
When: Friday, August 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Where: The Fields at RFK Campus, 401 Oklahoma Ave NE
For more information, contact Tiffany N. Tatum, Social Service Officer, at 202-304-5742 or [email protected].
Youth Sports Day at the Fields at RFK
Fight For Children's Youth Sports Day is a free back-to-school event on Saturday, August 15 at the RFK fields, featuring afterschool sports programs focused on education, health, and mentoring, along with games, food trucks, and family entertainment.
When: Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: The Fields at RFK
Back to School Sunday Movie Matinee: Elio at Anacostia Neighborhood Library
Kick off the school year with a screening of Disney Pixar's Elio at Anacostia Neighborhood Library! This back-to-school movie matinee is geared toward kids up to age 12 (children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult).
When: Sunday, August 23 at 1:30 p.m. (runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes)
Where: Anacostia Neighborhood Library, Meeting Room 2
Hill Family Biking: Back to School Ride
Join the Hill Family Biking Back to School Ride on Saturday, August 29 from 4–6:30 PM for a 4-mile progressive bike tour through Capitol Hill schools, in partnership with DPR and School Within School – Washington, DC. The ride wraps up with a school year kickoff block party featuring a foam party with a DJ, a giant chalk mural, free cookies, a balance bike course, food trucks, and a raffle.
When: Saturday, August 29 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: School Within School, 920 F St NE