FREE School Supplies Events in Minnesota 2025

Your kids can get more ready for back to school with help from one of these free school supplies events happening in Minnesota! There are opportunities for your kids to get a free backpack, supplies to fill it and have some back-to-school fun.

Back to school is almost here! While new school supplies can be fun for kids, it can be stressful for parents who have to buy all those supplies. Thanks to a suggestion from my friend Enza at EnzasBargains.com we thought we should round up some of the places you can get some free school supplies this year.

Make back to school a little easier when your kids get FREE school supplies from one of these 2025 events being held in Minnesota. 

NOTE: If you know of any events we have missed, please let us know!

Anoka

School Aged Clothing Swap – Saturday, August 9 (11 am – 3 pm)
Anoka City Hall – 2015 First Ave, Anoka

Drop off your child’s gently used clothing at R Marketplace in advance (August 5-8) and receive a ticket to the event to “shop” for new-to-you items. Starting at 1 pm, the event opens to everyone interested in finding back-to-school clothing.

Brooklyn Center

Back to School Backpack Giveaway – Saturday, August 16 (3 – 5 pm)
Brooklyn United Methodist Church – 7200 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center

Free backpacks filled with school supplies. To receive a backpack, children must be present at the event.

Back to School Event – Thursday, August 21 (6 – 8 pm)
Firehouse Park – 6535 N Bryant Ave, Brooklyn Center

Free backpacks and school supplies for kids, plus food, music, and resources for families. Stay for the Movie in the Park that will start at dusk.

Barbeque & Back-to-School Backpack Drive – Saturday, August 23 (12 pm)
Earle Brown Center – 6040 Earle Brown Dr, Brooklyn Center

Free backpacks filled with school supplies, authentic African BBQ, face painting and fun for the whole family, and community resources from Hennepin County. Reserve your backpack by scanning the QR code available here.

Brooklyn Park

Back 2 School BBQ – Saturday, August 16 (11 am – 5pm)
Park Center High School – 7300 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park

Celebrate the end of summer and get ready for the academic season ahead with delicious food, exciting games, and plenty of opportunities to connect with your community. This is a free event, but registration is required. Attendees will receive backpacks filled with school supplies on a first come, first served basis. 3,000 are available.

Back to School Bash – Thursday, August 21 (5 – 8 pm)
Community Activity Center – 5600 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park

Celebrate summer at Back to School Bash. All ages are invited to enjoy FREE food, backpacks, games, resources, and more.

Burnsville

School-A-Palooza – Saturday, August 16 (8:30 am – 12:30 pm)
Berean Baptist Burnsville Campus – 309 CR 42 E, Burnsville

Help your school-age kids “shop” for many of the items necessary to help them be successful this school year (backpacks, supplies, shoes, etc.). Then stay for breakfast and fun kids’ activities. This event focuses on families living in Dakota and Scott Counties. Supplies are limited and are first come, first served.

Community Outreach & Food Drive – Saturday, August 16 (10 am – 5 pm)
Pentecost Fire Assembly of God – 1950 W 136th St, Burnsville

Stop by to receive free packaged foods, school supplies, hygiene products, utensils, and more while supplies last.

Butterfield

Back to School Bash – Thursday, August 21 (2 – 3 pm)
Butterfield Library – 111 2nd St N, Butterfield

Come play Back to School BINGO, win prizes, and get excited about the new school year. For kids in grades K-6.

Chaska

Back-to-School Resource Fair – Wednesday, August 13 (2 – 6 pm)
Chaska Middle School East – 1600 Park Ridge Dr,

Haircut vouchers to Sweet Salons and free backpacks will be available while supplies last. There will also be information about transportation, technology, health services, nutrition services, and more.

Columbia Heights

Cuts with a Cop – Saturday, August 30 (1 – 4 pm)
Moler Barber School – 785 53rd Ave E, Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights Public Schools students can receive a free haircut and have the opportunity to visit with their CHPD officers at this event.

Coon Rapids

Backpack Squad Distribution – Tuesday, August 26 (5 – 7 pm)
Walmart – 13020 Riverdale Dr NW, Coon Rapids

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Cottage Grove

Free Back to School Supplies – Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31
Kingston Park – 9195 75th St S, Cottage Grove

Stop by the BLITZ Flag Football tent during the 2025 Annual HOT Labor Day Tournament and receive free notebooks, pencils, crayons, and sticky notes while supplies last. Students must be present, or parents can pick up supplies for two students.

Crystal

Free Backpack and School Supplies – Saturday, August 23 (4 – 9 pm)
Becker Park – 5530 Douglas Dr N, Crystal

Free backpacks and school supplies, plus snacks, music, and a photo booth experience. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Darfur

Back to School Bash – Tuesday, August 12 (4 – 5 pm)
Darfur Library – 200 Adrian St, Darfur

Come play Back to School BINGO, win prizes, and get excited about the new school year. For kids in grades K-6.

Eagan

Back to School – Thursday, August 21 (12 pm)
Pocket Park – 3340 Central Park Village Dr, Eagan

Bring the kids and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at Central Park Commons! This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer and get excited for the school year ahead.

Elk River

Back-to-School Backpack Event – August 18 to 22
Main Street Family Resource Center – 400 Jackson St NW, Elk River

Sherburne County families can pick up free backpacks, get a free back-to-school haircut, check out community resources, and get some fun giveaways during this week-long event. Each day will feature different partners, services, and opportunities. Reserve your backpack here.

Backpack Squad Distribution – Monday, August 25 (5 – 7 pm)
Cub Foods – 19216 Freeport Ave, Elk River

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Elmore

Back to School Drive – Saturday, August 30 (10 am – 1 pm)
Heartland Retreat & Rental Hall – 203 E North St, Elmore

Free kids clothes, shoes, and school supplies. If you’d like to donate in advance, donations are accepted at their two donations sites through August 28.

Fergus Falls

End of Summer Party – Friday, August 22 (3 – 7 pm)
Spies Riverfront Park – 117 S Union Ave, Fergus Falls

Free backpacks and school supplies available while supplies last for families in need. Children must be present to receive supplies. Please try to bring your child’s school supply list if you can. There will also be free games, face painting, and more as well as three food trucks and unique vendors.

Forest Lake

School Supply Swap – Wednesday, August 6 (4:30 – 6:30 pm)
North Environmental Center – 6065 Headwaters Pkwy, Forest Lake

The swap is free and open to everyone. Donations are not required to get items during the event. Items remaining after the event will be donated locally.

Fridley

Cuts with a Cop – Saturday, August 30 (1 – 4 pm)
Moler Barber School – 785 53rd Ave NE, Fridley

All Columbia Heights Public School students can receive a free haircut and have the opportunity to visit with CHPD officers.

Glencoe

School Supply Distribution Program – register by August 1
Lincoln Elementary School – 1621 16th E, Glencoe

Each student picks out a backpack and then selects items needed from their school supplies list with the help of a volunteer. Assistance is also available for Chromebook rentals for the school year. You must register in advance, then you will receive a postcard with information needed to pick up your school supplies.

Hastings

School Supply Assistance – opens August 4
Hastings Family Service – 301 2nd St E, Hastings

Families living in ISD 200 who need assistance with the cost of school supplies can register for school supply assistance. You’ll have an in-person appointment that requires registration and some documentation. Distribution dates are August 19 – 22.

Hutchinson

School Supply Distribution Program – register by August 1
Tiger Elementary – 805 School Rd SW, Hutchinson

Each student picks out a backpack and then selects items needed from their school supplies list with the help of a volunteer. Assistance is also available for Chromebook rentals for the school year. You must register in advance, then you will receive a postcard with information needed to pick up your school supplies.

Lakeville

Ready, Set, Achieve – Thursday, August 21 (12 – 4 pm)
Lakeville North High School – 19600 Ipava Ave, Lakeville

Students enrolled in Lakeville Area Schools can attend this event to receive free school supplies, immunizations, community resources, and more.

Landfall

Back-to-School Event – Thursday, August 14 (4:30 – 7:30 pm)
Sunset Park – 1-11 Aspen Way, Landfall

Free food, activities, and school supply distribution. Vaccinations will be offered to underinsured and uninsured individuals of all ages.

Le Sueur

Free School Supplies – Wednesday, August 13 (5 – 7 pm)
United Methodist Church of Le Sueur – 730 S 6th St, Le Sueur

Available for grades K-12; stop by and pick up a free bag of school supplies.

Lewisville

Back to School Bash – Friday, August 8 (3 – 4 pm)
Lewisville – 129 W Lewis St, Lewisville

Come play Back to School BINGO, win prizes, and get excited about the new school year. For kids in grades K-6.

Madelia

Back to School Bash – Saturday, August 16 (10:30 – 11:30 am)
Madelia Library – 23 1st St NW, Madelia

Come play Back to School BINGO, win prizes, and get excited about the new school year. For kids in grades K-6.

Mankato

Back to School Community Fair – Thursday, August 14 (11 am – 2 pm)
The Salvation Army – 700 S Riverfront Dr, Mankato

Shoe Truck, free backpacks, Family Store vouchers, free lunch, and more. For students attending Blue Earth County and North Mankato schools only. Families must register the day of the event to be eligible for vouchers, backpacks, and shoes.

Maple Grove

Backpack Squad Distribution – Friday, August 29 (5 – 7 pm)
Target – 15300 Grove Cir N, Maple Grove

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Milaca

Operation Community Connect – Thursday, August 7 (10 am – 1 pm)
Milaca Public Schools – 500 Hwy 23, Milaca

Pick up school supplies and winter boots for children ages Pre-K through 12th grade. Children must be present. There will also be a meal served on-site along with a healthy meal bag to send home. Open to all Mille Lacs County residents.

Minneapolis

Back to School Jamboree – Wednesday, August 6 (3 – 7 pm)
V3 Sports – 701 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis

This event will include distribution of free school supplies to students in need, opportunities to engage with local law enforcement officers, educational and interactive activities for all ages, access to community resources and information, and enjoyable food and music.

Back to School Event – Wednesday, August 13 (12 – 5 pm)
EMERGE Career & Technology Center – 1834 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis

Stop by for a afternoon of family, food, fun and free school supplies for youth.

Back to School School Supply Giveaway and Community Event – Friday, August 15 (4 – 7 pm)
Phyllis Wheatley Community Center – 1301 10th Ave N, Minneapolis

Free food and music, games and activities, and community resources. Register by scanning the QR code linked here.

The Day of Dignity – Saturday, August 16 (12 – 4 pm)
Al-Maa’uun Twin Cities – 1729 N Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis

This is an opportunity for those in need to receive essentials like food, hygiene products, and school supplies in a safe, welcoming space. They also link people to local services fo housing, jobs, education, and health. You are asked to register in advance. School backpacks are limited to 3 per household and the children must be present.

Back to School Giveaway – Saturday, August 16 (1 – 4 pm)
Sanctuary Covenant Church – 2018 Aldrich Ave N, Minneapolis

Free school supplies, books, food, and more while supplies last.

Back-To-School Carnival – Saturday, August 16 (1 – 5 pm)
North Commons Park – 1813 N James Ave, Minneapolis

This family-friendly event provides 1500 students with backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Plus, enjoy free food, games, and entertainment, health screenings and wellness resources, and more. Reserve your backpack by filling out the form here.

Ice Cream Social & School Supply Giveaway – Friday, August 22 (6 – 7:30 pm)
Creekview Park – 5001 N Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis

Free ice cream, free school supplies, free jazzercise class, silent disco, face painting, outdoor games, child lead testing, Metro Transit new bus route info, and more.

Minnetonka

Back to School Program – registration now open
ResourceWest – 13231 Minnetonka Dr, Minnetonka

Students in the West Metro area can apply to receive new backpacks with grade-appropriate school supplies tailored for children from elementary through high school.

To qualify, your child must attend a school in the Hopkins School District or Minnetonka School District or live in Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Shorewood, or Woodland. You’ll make an appointment and bring information for each child registered as well as identification.

Back to School Shop Day – Sunday, August 3 (1 pm)
God’s Closet at Minnetonka Christian Academy – 3500 Williston Rd, Minnetonka

At this Shop Day event, you can pick up free clothing and backpacks to get ready for the new school year. Snacks, activities, and crafts will also be available. Backpacks available while supplies last. Kids must be present to receive a backpack OR each family will receive one backpack.

Monticello

Back 2 School Bash – Wednesday, August 20 (3 – 6 pm)
Monticello Middle School – 302 Washington St, Monticello

This fun community event will have food trucks, emergency vehicles, bounce houses, and much more. They’ll also be handing out free school supplies at the event. Please bring a non-perishable food item donation for the Monticello Help Center.

Backpack Squad Distribution – Wednesday, August 27 (5 – 7 pm)
Target – 1447 E 7th St, Monticello

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Mountain Lake

Kids Fest – Friday, August 15 (3 – 7 pm)
Mountain Lake City Park – 367 10th St N, Mountain Lake

Students ages pre-K through grade 6 can enjoy free food and activities and go home with a backpack filled with school supplies. This event is sponsored by Center Point Church and local businesses.

New Prague

School Supplies Giveaway – Monday, August 4 (6 pm)
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – 1300 Main St E, New Prague

All are welcome to this giveaway of general school supplies for elementary-age students. First come, first served while supplies last.

Newport

School Supply Giveaway and Community Meal – Wednesday, August 5 (4:30 pm)
Newport United Methodist Church – 1596 11th Ave, Newport

Backpacks and school supplies available. Bring your school list and shop for your supplies.
At 6 pm you can enjoy a free meal – spaghetti is on the menu!

Northfield

Operation Backpack – mid-July through early August
Northfield Community Resource Center – 1651 Jefferson Pkwy, Northfield

This is a free community-based resource for Northfield School District students. Register for a reminder postcard that you will bring in the day of the drive for distribution of a free backpack and school supplies.

Oakdale

Back-to-School Event – Thursday, August 21 (4:30 – 6:30 pm)
Richard Walton Park – 1584 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale

Free haircuts, school supplies/resources, and more. Vaccinations will be offered to underinsured and uninsured individuals of all ages.

Onamia

Operation Community Connect – Tuesday, August 19 (10 am – 1 pm)
Onamia Elementary Gym – 35465 125th Ave, Onamia

Pick up school supplies and winter boots for children ages Pre-K through 12th grade. Children must be present. There will also be a meal served on-site along with a healthy meal bag to send home. Open to all Mille Lacs County residents.

Princeton

Backpack Squad Distribution – Thursday, August 28 (5 – 7 pm)
Coborn’s – 1100 7th Ave, Princeton

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Richfield

Unity in the Community – Thursday, August 14 (4 – 7 pm)
Richfield Community Band Shell – 636 E 66th St, Richfield

Free school supplies along with actitivies, arts and crafts, performances, a resource fair, ice cream, and more. Children must be present to receive school supplies.

Robbinsdale

Back 2 School Party – Sunday, August 17 (1 – 3 pm)
The Gathering Community Church – 3620 43rd Ave N, Robbinsdale

At this event, you can get backpacks and school supplies, clothing items, and haircuts for your kids – all free. They’ll also have food, games for kids, face painting, and more. Everyone is welcome, but they ask that you RSVP so they can appropriately plan.

Rochester

Back to School Block Party and Parade – Saturday, August 16 (12 – 4 pm)
Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Park – 1738 E Center St, Rochester

Families can enjoy free food, haircuts, school supplies, and family activities. Kids must be present to receive supplies.

Rogers

Back-to-School Giveaway – Saturday, July 26 (12 – 3 pm)
Rogers Library – 21300 John Milless Dr, Rogers

Children in the community can receive free backpacks filled with essential school supplies while supplies last.

School Supplies – visit in August
CROSS Services – 12915 Weinand Circle, Rogers

Families in need can stop by CROSS Services to shop for their child(ren) in August. Children will receive a backpack full of school supplies. Picture ID, proof of address, and proof of guardianship are required. This is available for families who live in the service area of Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo, and Rogers.

Roseville

School Supply Swap – Saturday, August 2 (10 am – 1 pm)
Ramsey County Environmental Center – 1700 Kent St, Roseville

Pick up gently used school supplies for free! This family friendly event helps reduce waste and support students by rehoming markers, backpacks and other supplies with plenty of life left. Please do not bring donated supplies to the event on August 2. Donations will be accepted starting July 1 until August 1.

Back to School Spingo – Sunday, August 24 (10 am – 12 pm)
Smash Park Roseville – 1721 Cty Rd C, Roseville

Sharpen those pencils and your spingo skills! Play Back to School Spingo where kiddos can win awesome school supplies and kick off the year in style. Free admission for all ages.

St. James

Back to School Bash – Thursday, August 14 (4 – 6 pm)
St. James Library – 125 5th St S, St. James

Come play Back to School BINGO, win prizes, and get excited about the new school year. For kids in grades K-6.

St. Louis Park

STEP Back to School Program – July 11 to August 11

Children who live in St. Louis Park or attend a St. Louis Park school can receive school supplies through the STEP Back to School Program. You can complete the registration form online or call to register during business hours.

St. Michael

Project Pencils – Saturday, August 16 (9 am – 12 pm) or Tuesday, August 19 (5 – 8 pm)
St. Michael

Families who are struggling financially can fill out this form to request supplies for the next school year. Students must attend a public school in person in Wright County, Minnesota and be enrolled in Kindergarten – 12th grade. The pick-up location will be in St. Michael on the dates listed above; address will be sent via the confirmation email.

St. Paul

Back to School Supply Giveaway – Saturday, July 26 (11 am – 3 pm)
Maplewood Home Care – 1001 Johnson Pkwy, St. Paul

Free school supplies for students while supplies last.

Backpack Giveaway – Tuesday, August 12 (4:30 – 8 pm)
Merrick Community Services – 1669 Arcade St N, St. Paul

Ramsey County residents can attend this event to receive a free backpack for your child(ren), free age-appropriate school supplies, and free food. Must provide documentation to prove your residencey. For each child you must also bring a school ID, medical card, or social security card.

Back to School: Backpack Giveaway – Friday, August 15 (4 – 6 pm)
CAPRW Resource Center – 450 Syndicate St N, St. Paul

They’ll have 1,000 grade school backpacks to give away to community members (limit 2 backpacks per adult). You can also enjoy KONA Ice treats, face painting, and information about community organizations.

Summer Block Party – Saturday, August 16 (11 am – 3 pm)
Intersection of Rice & Larpenteur, St. Paul

Enjoy family fun, live music and performances, local food, giveaways, and more at the southwest corner of Rice & Larpenteur near North End Laundry. There will be vendors and booths, free youth bike helmets, live music, free back-to-school haircuts, a climbing wall, and lots more.

School Supply Giveaway Event – Thursday, August 21 (2 – 5 pm)
Merriam Park Community Center – 2000 St. Anthony Ave, St. Paul

Students will receive a backpack filled with school supplies. No sign-up needed, just stop by. First come, first served whiled supplies last.

Project Backpack – Friday, August 22 (3 – 6 pm)
West Minnehaha Recreation Center – 685 W Minnehaha Ave, St. Paul

Any K-12 student is welcome to reserve a free backpack which will be available while supplies last. In addition, families can enjoy hands-on activities, community booths, complimentary food, and fresh produce at the pickup event.

Fiesta Latina – Saturday, September 13 (11 am – 5 pm)
CLUES St. Paul – 797 E 7th St, St. Paul

Fiesta Latina is a free, family-friendly community festival celebrating Latino heritage. There are free activities for the whole family, free medical exams, a backpack giveaway, arts and crafts activities, live music, and more.

Shakopee

Backpacks for Success – Tuesday, August 12 (4 – 6 pm)
CAP Agency – 738 1st Ave E, Shakopee

Current CAP clients can sign up with CAP program staff to enroll in this program which provides children with a brand new backpack filled with supplies and books. Recipients must live in Scott, Carver, or Dakota County and have children in school (up to 12th grade).

Winnebago

Back to School Bingo – Monday, August 11 (3 pm)
Muir Library – 36 Main St N, Winnebago

Kids ages 5 and up can play Bingo and win school supplies as prizes.

Woodbury

School Supply Swap – Wednesday, August 6 (4:30 – 6:30 pm)
South Environmental Center – 4039 Cottage Grove Dr, Woodbury

The swap is free and open to everyone. Donations are not required to get items during the event. Items remaining after the event will be donated locally.

Worthington

Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway – Thursday, August 14 (9 am – 12 pm)
Westminster Presbyterian Church – 500 Stower Dr, Worthington

Open to all children of Nobles County entering grades K-5. Children must be present to receive their backpacks.

Zimmerman

Back to School Block Party – Friday, August 15 (4 – 8 pm)
Zimmerman Community Church – 12567 5th Ave N, Zimmerman

Free hot dogs, cotton candy, sno-cones, inflatables, filled backpacks, and more. Just show up!

Verizon Backpack Giveaway

Wireless Zone will be giving away free backpacks on Sunday, July 27 at 1 pm while supplies last. One free backpack per child. Check the store locator to find a participating location near you.

Another Verizon authorized retailer, TCC, will be giving away backpacks on the same date and time. You can find a participating location by searching here (there are 9 stores in Minnesota).

If you missed those dates, that’s OK! Wireless World is also giving away backpacks on Saturday, August 2 while supplies last. Start times vary by location, so you’ll want to browse the list here and call ahead to see when your local store is participating.

For more freebies and deals, be sure to visit our Minnesota Great Deals page!