FREE School Supplies Events in Minnesota 2026

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.

Make back to school a little easier when your kids get FREE school supplies from one of these 2026 events being held in Minnesota. While many of these are in the Twin Cities, we’ve rounded up others around the state.

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

Multiple Locations

Wireless Zone’s annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway is on Sunday, July 26 with multiple locations in Minnesota offering free backpacks to students of all ages. Student must be with you at the event. One backpack per student. While supplies last on a first come, first served basis.

Brooklyn Center

Back to School Event – Thursday, August 27 (6 – 8 pm)
Centennial Park – 6301 Shingle Creek Pkway, Brooklyn Center

We’ll have a limited number of backpacks available for students (child must be present to get backpack/supplies), along with plenty of food, games, treats, and a variety of vendors and community resources. It’s a great opportunity to prepare for the new school year and connect with local organizations. Stick around after the event for a movie in the park at sundown.

Brooklyn Park

Back 2 School BBQ – Saturday, August 15 (11 am – 5 pm)
Park Center High School – 7300 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park

We’re giving away over 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, along with exciting giveaways, community resources, activities for all ages, live DJ, and so much more. Of course, we’ll also be serving our signature FREE BBQ because no Honored 2 Help event would be complete without good food and great people.

Back to School Bash – Thursday, August 20 (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 15 (8:30 am – 12:30 pm)
Berean Baptist Burnsville Campus – 309 CR 42 E, Burnsville

School-A-Palooza is a unique opportunity to connect with our community, whether you’re receiving support or helping make the event possible. If you live in Dakota or Scott Counties and your family could benefit from back-to-school assistance, we invite you to register your kids to receive backpacks, shoes, school essentials, and more.

Back to School – Bless Burnsville – Saturday, August 29 (11 am – 7 pm)
Sky Oaks Elementary School – 100 E 134th St, Burnsville

Free school supplies and back-to-school resources for families — part of the Bless Burnsville celebration. Get ready for the school year! Pick up free school supplies and back-to-school resources for your family.

Caledonia

Back to School Fair – Thursday, July 30 (1 – 7 pm)
Immanuel Lutheran Church – 419 E Grove St, Caledonia

Back to School Fair with free school supply giveaway and lots of information for kids and their families. Student must be present to get free supplies. Or bring proper documents to prove you have school age children. Serving all schools in Houston County Minnesota.

Chaska

Back-to-School Resource Fair – Tuesday, August 11 (2 – 6 pm)
Chaska Middle School West – 140 Engler Blvd, Chaska

Free backpacks (while supplies last). Connect and ask questions from representatives from transportation, health services, student enrollment, nutrition services, high school activities and athletics, community education, and much more.Visit our community partners to learn more about the services they provide our students and families!

Circle Pines

Back to School Free Swap – Wednesday, August 5 (10 am – 12 pm)
Centennial Library – 100 Civic Heights Cir, Circle Pines

Join us on Wednesday, August 5 from 10:00am–Noon at the Centennial Library Community Room for a free community swap designed to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year. Families are invited to browse and take what they need at no cost. Available items may include: children’s clothing, children’s shoes & snow boots, backpacks, lunchboxes, and period care kits.

Columbia Heights

Cuts with a Cop – Saturday, August 29 (12 – 4 pm)
Moler Barber School – 785 53rd Ave E, Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights Public Schools students will receive a free haircut and have the opportunity to visit with their CHPD officers,

Coon Rapids

Backpack Squad Distribution – Tuesday, August 18 (6 – 8 pm)
Location TBD – 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.

Darfur

Back to School Bingo – Thursday, August 13 (4:30 – 5:30 pm)
Darfur Library – 200 Adrian St, Darfur

School age kids are invited to come to the library for BINGO! Small prizes for the winners!

Edina

School Supply Swap – Saturday, August 15 (10 am – 12 pm)
South View Middle School – 4725 South View Ln, Edina

The City of Edina is teaming up with Edina Give and Go and Edina Community Education to collect new or gently used items such as pens and pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, folders, binders, composition books, scissors and rulers. Backpacks in good condition also are sought. Items should be appropriate for students in kindergarten through high school. No clothing or gear will be accepted.

Elk River

Back-to-School Backpack Event – Saturday, August 8 (11 am – 3 pm)
Boys and Girls Club – 905 6th St NW, Elk River

For residents of Sherburne County and/or ISD 728. Join us for our 2nd Annual Community Backpack Event and help your family get ready for a successful school year! This free community event brings together school supplies, essential resources, and community partners to support local families as they head back to school. Reserve your backpack here.

Backpack Squad Distribution – Thursday, August 20 (6 – 8 pm)
Royal Supply Inc. – 19031 Triangle Rd NW Ste B, 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 – Thursday, August 6 (5 – 7 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 4.

Forest Lake

School Supply Swap – Wednesday, August 5 (5 – 7 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.

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.

Golden Valley

Back to School Success – August 10 to 13
PRISM – 1220 Zane Ave N, Golden Valley

Our goal is to help students start the school year prepared and confident by providing the essential materials they need for success. Families living in Robbinsdale, New Hope, Crystal, Plymouth, and Golden Valley are eligible to sign up to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies. Children must be entering K-12, must live in your home, and must be verified prior to registration.

Goodview

Stronger Together: A Community Back-to-School Event – Saturday, August 29 (11 am – 2 pm)
The Kickass Store – 5501 S Hwy 61, Goodview

Join us for an afternoon of community, connection, and fun as we help families get ready for a new school year! Free haircuts, free kids’ shoes (registration required), music, food, community resources, family-friendly activities, and more.

Hastings

School Supply Assistance – opens August 3
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 17 – 21.

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.

Lakeville

Ready, Set, Achieve – Thursday, August 20 (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.

Le Sueur

School Supply Handout – Wednesday, August 12 (5 – 7 pm)
United Methodist Church of Le Sueur – 730 S 6th St, Le Sueur

Free School Supply Handout. Bags available for elementary or MS/HS age students. Handout begins at 5 pm and will go until 7 PM or until all bags have been given out.

Lewisville

Back to School Bash – Wednesday, August 19 (4:30 – 5:30 pm)
Lewisville Library – 129 W Lewis St, Lewisville

School age kids are invited to come to the library for BINGO! Small prizes for the winners!

Madelia

Back to School Bash – Tuesday, August 11 (3:30 – 4:30 pm)
Madelia Library – 23 1st St NW, Madelia

School age kids are invited to come to the library for BINGO! Small prizes for the winners!

Mankato

Back to School Community Fair – Wednesday, August 12 (11 am – 1 pm)
The Salvation Army – 700 S Riverfront Dr, Mankato

Families with students attending Blue Earth County or North Mankato schools are invited to this FREE in-person event featuring: free backpacks, shoe truck, Family Store vouchers, free lunch, and so much more!

Maplewood

Back to School Supply Giveaway – Saturday, August 15 (11 am)
Maplewood Home Care – 1736 Cope Ave E Suite 2, Maplewood

We’re excited to help students start the school year off right with FREE school supplies, fun raffle giveaways, snacks, and refreshments. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day filled with excitement, giveaways, and community spirit. School supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and distributed while supplies last.

Marshall

Back to School Bash – Thursday, August 13 (5 – 7 pm)
Suite Liv’n – 400 Village Dr, Marshall

Join us as we hand out backpacks and pencil pouches FULL of school supplies to all local children/young adults that stop in! It is while supplies last, so come early and grab some beverages, and enjoy the atmosphere of our community! Games for the kids, beverages, snacks, and school supplies! What more could you need?

Milaca

Operation Community Connect – Thursday, August 13 (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 Celebration and Community Fellowship – Sunday, August 9 (1 – 3:30 pm)
Macedonia Baptist Church – Minneapolis

Free school supplies, food to eat while you enjoy games and visit with family and friends. Connect with neighbors and community members, who will be available to share information about their organization, answer questions… Come on over to Macedonia and bring your family, friends and neighbors.

Day of Service – Saturday, August 15 (12 – 4 pm)
AL Maa’uun Twin Cities – 1729 Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis

Join us for Day of Service 2026 – a powerful day of service, celebration, and community. Hosted by Al-Maa’uun, this annual event brings together families, youth, and local organizations to share resources, build connections, and uplift our neighbors. School backpacks are limited to 3 per household and the children must be present.

Back to School Bash & Backpack Giveaway – Saturday, August 15 (1 – 3:30 pm)
Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities – 3110 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis

Please note: we have a limited quantity of backpacks available – backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to registered BBBS Program Participants & Littles waiting to be matched with a Big. If supplies permit, additional backpacks and school items will be provided to siblings of registered BBBS participants and other youth near the conclusion of the event.

Back-To-School Carnival – Saturday, August 15 (1 – 5 pm)
YMCA of the North – 1711 W Broadway 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.

Back to School Event – Saturday, August 22 (12 – 4 pm)
Loring Recreation Center – Minneapolis

Get ready for the new school year with our fun-filled Back to School Bash! Join us for an afternoon of free school supplies (while supplies last – first come, first served), lively music, exciting games, and plenty of community fun. This event is perfect for kids, families, and anyone wanting to kick off the school year with a smile. Don’t miss it!

Backpacks & School Supplies – August 24 (11 am – 7:30 pm) and August 25 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)
MPS Northstar Building – 2410 Girard Ave N, Minneapolis

For MPS American Indian Students only. All students must be enrolled in MPS and have a completed Federal 506 form and/or tribal affiliation identification form on file. Free backpacks and school supplies.

Minnetonka

Back to School Program
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 16 (2 – 3:30 pm)
God’s Closet at Minnetonka Christian Academy – 3500 Williston Rd, Minnetonka

Get ready for the upcoming school year with a new backpack and clothes! Backpacks are first come, first served. While supplies last. School age children must be present to receive a backpack. Please bring bags to shop and be considerate of others, only taking what you need. Keep in mind this is a free event and we rely on donations, so there will be some sizes of clothing that have more options than others.

Monticello

Back 2 School Bash – Wednesday, August 19 (3 – 6 pm)
Monticello Middle School – 302 Washington St, Monticello

This is a fun community event before another school year! We will have food trucks, emergency vehicles, bounce houses, and much more! We will also be handing out school supplies at the event.

Mountain Lake

Kids Fest – Friday, August 14 (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. There will also be an inflatable zone, foam zone, free food, a preschool zone, and more.

New Prague

School Supplies Giveaway – Monday, August 3 (6 pm)
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – 1300 Main St E, New Prague

Rain or shine, 216 backpacks loaded with generic school supplies will be handed out in a drive-thru event. All are welcome to this FREE event!

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 (August 19) for distribution of a free backpack and school supplies.

Onamia

Operation Community Connect – Tuesday, August 18 (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.

Pipestone

Back to School Backpack Giveaway – Tuesday, August 11
First Presbyterian Church – 301 2nd Ave SE, Pipestone

Students will have the opportunity to select their backpack and school supplies.

Princeton

Backpack Squad Distribution – Thursday, August 17 (6 – 8 pm)
Location TBD – 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.

Robbinsdale

Back-to-School Bash – Saturday, August 1 (12 – 4 pm)
Lakeview Terrace Park – 3769 Crystal Lake Blvd, Robbinsdale

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon as we help students get ready for the new school year! Free backpacks, school supplies, Twin Cities Metro resource packets, and snacks while supplies last. Face painting, kid-friendly temporary tattoos, and playground fun.

Back 2 School Party – Sunday, August 16 (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 – Saturday, August 15 (12 – 4 pm)
Soldiers Field Park – 244 Soldiers Field Dr SW, Rochester

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

Rogers

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.

Backpack Squad Distribution – Wednesday, August 19 (6 – 8 pm)
Jeté Dance Centre – 20401 County Rd 81 Ste 200, Rogers

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.

Roseville

School Supply Swap – Friday, August 7 (11 am – 6 pm) and Saturday, August 8 (9 am – 4 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. Drop off donations at the Environmental Center or Ramsey County Library branches during the month of July.

Educators and school employees are also encouraged to visit the swap on Monday, August 10 from 11 am – 2 pm for Educators’ Day. Educators are also welcome to visit the swap during the first two days.

St. Louis Park

STEP Back to School Program – July 20 to August 14

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 15 (9 am – 1 pm) or Tuesday, August 18 (5 – 9 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 Backpack Giveaway – Saturday, August 8 (11 am – 1 pm)
Wilder Recreation Center – 958 Jessie St, St. Paul

Join us for a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway at Wilder Recreation Center. Free food, backpacks, and school supplies will be available while supplies last. Child must be present to receive free backpack and school supplies.

Wild About Learning – Thursday, August 13 (4 – 7 pm)
Wilder Center – 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St. Paul

Join us for Wilder’s free, family-friendly back-to-school event! There will be free backpacks and school supplies, fun activities, and on-site family services. Pre-event registration is highly encouraged.

Back-to-School & Wellness Initiative – Saturday, August 15 (10 am – 3 pm)
Arlington Hills Community Center, St. Paul

Pathways to Wellness 2026 is a free community wellness and back-to-school event for families in East Saint Paul with children in grades K–12. Join us for a day focused on school readiness, family wellness, and community connection. Families will have access to community resources, wellness information, youth and family support services, and back-to-school resources in a welcoming environment.

Summer Block Party – Saturday, August 15 (11 am – 2 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, a climbing wall, and lots more.

School Supply Giveaway Event – Thursday, August 20 (2 – 4 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.

Backpack Giveaway – Thursday, August 20 (4 – 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 residency. For each child you must also bring a school ID, medical card, or social security card.

Back to School Bash – Thursday, August 20 (5 – 7 pm)
Children’s Home – 1605 Eustis St, St. Paul

The event supports youth being cared for by relatives and kinship caregivers. Each child attending will receive a backpack and essential school supplies. Families can also enjoy snacks, connect with community resources, and participate in fun activities like face painting, games, and visits with certified therapy llamas!

Fiesta Latina – Saturday, September 19 (11:30 am – 4:30 pm)
CHS Field – 360 N Broadway 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.

Sauk Rapids

Gear Up for School Block Party Event – Thursday, August 20 (4 – 6 pm)
St. Cloud Financial Credit Union – 205 2nd St N, Sauk Rapids

Join us at our Sauk Rapids branch for a fun-filled Back to School event as we celebrate the start of a new school year! This free, family-friendly event features games, food, prizes, and exciting giveaways for all ages. Whether you’re a student, parent, or community member, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and stock up on back-to-school essentials.

Shakopee

Backpacks for Success – Thursday, August 6 (3 – 5 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 – Tuesday, August 4 (2 pm)
Muir Library – 36 Main St N, Winnebago

Kids ages 5 to 12 can play Bingo and win school supplies as prizes.

Woodbury

School Supply Swap – Wednesday, August 5 (5 – 7 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.

Verizon Backpack Giveaway

Wireless Zone will be giving away free backpacks on Sunday, July 26 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 8 stores in Minnesota).

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