One of our favorite times of the year is back! Every summer, communities across Northeast Louisiana come together to help students head back to school with confidence, and this year is no exception.
The fun actually starts in early July, when organizations like Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana kick off the season with incredible events. Their annual Super Saturday: Backpack Giveaway provided nearly 400 backpacks filled with school supplies, helping hundreds of local children get a strong start to the new school year. We are so grateful to the Children's Coalition and the many businesses, volunteers, and community partners who make events like this possible.
But that's just the beginning!
Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe has rounded up a mile-long list of back-to-school events happening throughout Northeast Louisiana. From backpack and school supply giveaways to free haircuts, community festivals, food, games, inflatables, health resources, and family fun, something is happening almost every weekend.
Grab your calendar, make your plans, and check out the complete list below. You won't want to miss these amazing opportunities to help your family start the school year off right!
Bonekrusher Youth Program Presents TKO Bullying Back-to-School Supply Giveaway
Friday, August 7, 2026
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bonekrusher Boxing Gym
3307 Renwick St.
Monroe, LA
Families attending the TKO Bullying Back-to-School Supply Giveaway can receive free school supplies while enjoying a variety of community resources and activities. The event will feature free haircuts, health and wellness resources, blood pressure checks, sports and outdoor games, and free BBQ plates.
The event is hosted by the Bonekrusher Youth Program and is designed to help local students head back to school with the supplies and support they need for a successful school year.
Additional Information:
Sponsors are still needed, and vendor space is available for $40.
Contact:
Sammie Crawford
(318) 789-6692
Zion Community Outreach Ministries Back to School Bash
Friday, August 7
6:00 PM
Youth Explosion
Saturday, August 8
10:00 AM
Back-to-School Giveaways
Willie Davis Recreation Center
116 Cox Ferry Road, Farmerville, LA
Join Zion Community Outreach Ministries for a two-day Back-to-School Bash designed to help students and families prepare for a successful school year.
The weekend will feature:
- Back-to-school giveaways
- School supplies
- Fun activities
- Food
- Music
- And more!
Community vendors are encouraged to participate by hosting a table, sharing resources, and supporting local families as students head back to school.
Backpacks & Backspins Back-to-School Fun Day
Saturday, August 8, 2026
8:30–9:30 AM
Heard Stadium at ULM
FREE
Serve and Return Louisiana invites families to the 2nd Annual Backpacks & Backspins Back-to-School Fun Day for a morning of school readiness and active fun!
Children will receive free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, and participants can enjoy a free tennis clinic designed to introduce kids to the sport in a fun and encouraging environment.
Registration is required, and families must complete a waiver before attending. Be sure to sign up early, as supplies are limited.
Event Highlights:
- Free backpacks (while supplies last)
- Free school supplies
- Free tennis clinic
- Family-friendly event
- Registration and waiver required
Please Complete Waiver to Participate: Release Forms
COOKIDS 4th Annual Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 8, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Downtown Rayville
FREE
Families are invited to the COOKIDS 4th Annual Back to School Bash, a free community event designed to help students start the school year with confidence. School supplies will be available for up to 300 students while supplies last.
Don't miss the 1st Annual Kid Expo, where local young entrepreneurs will showcase and sell their products. Every child vendor keeps 100% of their sales, making this a great opportunity to support youth entrepreneurship while shopping unique, kid-created items.
Bring the family for a morning of community, encouragement, and back-to-school fun as COOKIDS continues its mission of empowering today's children for a brighter tomorrow.
Town of Richwood Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 8, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Richwood Park
2917 Robinson Road, Richwood, LA
The Town of Richwood invites families to its annual Back to School Bash, a fun-filled community celebration to help students get ready for the new school year.
Families can enjoy:
- Bookbag and school supply giveaway
- Jumpers
- Waterslide
- Games
- Prizes
- Live music with a DJ
- Community vendors
- And more!
A special "Dunk-the-Mayor" Scholarship Fundraiser will also take place during the event. Test your aim and see if you can send the mayor into the dunk tank! The cost is $5 for three throws, with all proceeds benefiting the Town of Richwood's "Dollars for Scholars" Scholarship Fund.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Charlotte Rainwater at (318) 325-4328 or charlotte@townofrichwood.com.
9th Annual Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 8, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo Pavilion
1405 Bernstein Park Road, Monroe, LA 71202
The Region 8 Community Outreach Team invites families to the 9th Annual Back to School Bash, a free community event focused on helping students start the school year ready to succeed.
Families can enjoy:
- Backpack and school supply giveaway
- Games and door prizes
- Interactive booths featuring health information and family fun
- Free food
- Activities for the whole family
The event's theme is "Prepare. Empower. Succeed!" and brings together local organizations and community partners to provide resources, support, and fun for Northeast Louisiana families.
This free event is made possible through the support of numerous community sponsors, including Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, AT&T, My Community Cares, Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana, Junior League of Monroe, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, and many other community partners.
Back to School Celebration
Saturday, August 8
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Piney Woods Christian Church
550 Hamilton Road, Downsville
Celebrate the start of a new school year at Piney Woods Christian Church's Back to School Celebration! Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and free activities before school begins.
Activities include:
- Waterslide
- Games
- Snacks
- Bookbag giveaway
This free community event is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a day of fun while helping students get ready for the new school year.
Top Notch Financial Back to School Drive
Saturday, August 8, 2026
1:00 PM
1612 Winnsboro Road, Monroe, LA 71202
Join Top Notch Financial for its Back-to-School Drive, a community event dedicated to helping students and families prepare for a successful school year.
Giveaways include:
- Food
- School supplies
- School uniforms
- Shoes
- And more!
The event is open to everyone while supplies last. Families are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the available resources.
Top Notch Financial's mission is simple: Supporting Our Kids. Building Our Future!
Consumed Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 8, 2026
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Morehouse Activity Center
9555 Marlatt Street, Bastrop, LA 71220
Join Bonne Idee Assembly for the Consumed Back to School Bash, a free community event filled with fun, food, and resources to help families celebrate the start of a new school year.
Families can enjoy:
- Free food
- Free backpacks filled with school supplies
- Hoppers and inflatables
- ATV display
- Race car display
- Games
- Music
- Family activities
- Giveaways
This event is free and open to the community. Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, fellowship, and celebration as students prepare to head back to school.
8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Expo
Saturday, August 15, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Monroe Civic Center
401 Lea Joyner Expressway, Monroe, LA 71201
The 8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Expo, themed "Moving Across Generations," is a free family event focused on health, wellness, education, and community resources for all ages.
Families can enjoy:
- Free school supplies for students
- Classroom supplies for teachers
- Kidz Zone
- Face painting
- Free art activities
- Photo booth
- Free refreshments throughout the day
- Zumba
- Cooking demonstration
Admission is free, and vendor spaces and sponsorship opportunities are available.
The event is sponsored by Ochsner Monroe and LSU Health Shreveport in partnership with Holistic Vibes.
STEM United: Back to School Festival 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Monroe Civic Center
401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe, LA 71201
Join STEM United for the Back to School Festival 2026, a free community event designed to help students and families kick off the new school year with valuable resources, health services, and hands-on STEM fun.
Families can enjoy:
- Free hairstyles
- School supplies
- Hygiene products
- Wellness Center
- Mental Health Cozy Corner
- Immunizations
- STEM/STEAM activities
- Live DJ
Community organizations are also invited to host a vendor table and connect with local families while supporting Monroe's youth.
The event is hosted by Well Woman LLC, FITNP2, Inc., and Antwine Counseling Clinic.
The Vine of Northeast Louisiana Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 22
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Vine of Northeast Louisiana
2904 Evangeline Street, Monroe, LA
Start the school year with fun at The Vine of Northeast Louisiana's Back to School Bash! Families are invited to come ready for fun at this free community celebration.
Activities and giveaways include:
- Hamburgers
- Snow cones
- Jumpers
- Diapers
- Family-friendly fun
Bring the whole family and celebrate the beginning of a new school year with food, activities, and community fellowship at The Vine of Northeast Louisiana.
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