Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

backtoschool

Back To School
Menu
Tech Help

DC Back-to-School Events

Photo of a foot race

DC Back-to-School Events 2025

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!  

DPR Roving Leader Backpack Giveaway
Join the Department of Parks and Recreation Roving Leaders program for two backpack giveaways in August. Free bags are limited to 3-17 year-old students, and are first come, first served, while supplies last. Both the student and their parent or guardian must be present.

DPR Roving Leader Backpack Giveaway

Brentwood Recreation Center

Kennedy Recreation Center

 

HSO Back to School Bash at Noyes Park
The DC Highway Safety Office is holding a Back to School Bash at Noyes Park to gear up for the school year. There will be free bicycle helmets, giveaways, ice cream, and more.

Brookland Flyer v3.jpg

  • When: Saturday, August 16 from 10 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Noyes Park, 10th and Franklin Street NE
 
 
DPR Back to School Drive
Join the Department of Parks and Recreation and Cure the Streets for a backpack giveaway event at Petworth Recreation Center. There will also be moon bounces and free food. Backpacks are first come, first served, while supplies last!

Back to School drive.png


Back to School Party at Parklands-Turner Library
Celebrate the end of summer and kick off the school year with a fun-filled party! Enjoy games, crafts, music, back-to-school giveaways and sweet treats as we wrap up a summer of reading and fun.

Back to School Party at Parklands-Turner Library

  • When: Wednesday, August 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm
  • Where: Parklands-Turner Library, 1547 Alabama Avenue SE
  • More information: here

 

DCPS Back to School Information Session
Join Chancellor Ferebee and DC Public Schools leadership for a virtual event with important updates on the upcoming school year.

DCPS Back to School Information Session

 

Back to School Community Day at Capitol View Library   
Join us for Capitol View Library's 3rd Annual Back to School Community Day event for the whole family to help kick off the new school year. Activities will be taking place both inside and outside the library (weather permitting). Come spend the day with your community, hope to see you there!

Back to School Community Day at Capitol View Library

  • When: Thursday, August 21 from 3 to 7 pm
  • Where: Capitol View Library, 5001 Central Avenue SE
  • More information: here

 

DPR Boost Up Backpack Giveaway
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Boost Camp is holding a backpack giveaway at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. Backpacks are first come, first served, while supplies last!

Boost up backpack giveaway.png
 


DYRS Back to School Event
The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) invites you to a Back to School event where families and students can meet with DYRS staff, community partners and local schools. They’ll also be offering free backpacks, school supplies and uniforms, and there will be free haircuts, food and games.

DYRS Back to School Event

  • When: Friday, August 22 from 12 to 5 pm
  • Where: The Fields at the RFK Campus, 401 Oklahoma Avenue NE
  • For more information please contact: [email protected]


Back to School Uniform Swap at Lamond-Riggs Library
Have your kids outgrown their school uniforms? Switching schools? Join the Lamond-Riggs Library Back to School Uniform Swap! Bring clean, gently used uniforms for students ages 3-16. Leave ready for the new school year!

Back to School Uniform Swap at Lamond-Riggs Library

  • When: Saturday, August 23 from 2:30 to 5:30 pm
  • Where: Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
  • Find more information: here


DHS Book Bag & Supplies Drive
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is holding a Book Bag and Supplies Drive for families and young people supported by DHS programs. Contributions are needed by Friday, August 22.

DHS Book Bag & Supplies Drive Aug 22

How to Contribute:
1.    Visit https://bit.ly/dhsschooldrive25 and add items to your Amazon cart
2.    Purchase and ship items directly to DHS, or ship items to your home and deliver them to a DHS drop-off location.

DHS Drop Off Locations:

  • DHS HQ: 64 New York Avenue NE (West Lobby)
  • Anacostia Service Center: 2100 MLK Jr. Avenue SE
  • Congress Heights Service Center: 4049 South Capitol Street SW
  • Fort Davis Service Center: 3851 Alabama Avenue SE
  • H Street Service Center: 645 H Street NE
  • Taylor Street Service Center: 1207 Taylor Street NW

For more information, contact: [email protected]