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! 

End of Summer Foam Party

Join DPR on the last Friday before school starts! Let's go out with a splash. 

• When: Friday, August 21 at 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street NW
• Register: End of Summer Foam Party

Back to School Sunday Movie Matinee

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
• Register: dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16893597

Clap Our Students Back to School

Monday, August 24 is the first day of school in DC, and Mayor Bowser is asking residents, community members, and businesses to help send students off for a great year. From 7:45 to 9:00 AM, volunteers will gather outside schools in all eight wards to cheer DC Public School and DC Public Charter School students in with spirit tunnels, signs, pom poms, and high fives as they kick off the 2026–2027 school year.

• When: Monday, August 24, 7:45 a.m
• Where: Public schools in all 8 wards
• Register: Residents can sign up and tell us which school they will attend at s.dc.gov/ClapThemBack2026

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
• Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hill-family-biking-back-to-school-ride-tickets-1804016113759

More events are on the way — check back for updates. Meanwhile, head to summer.dc.gov for family-friendly summer activities, and dpr.events for DPR programming like outdoor movie nights and Late Night Hype.