FREE Back-to-School Events in Lancaster County, PA

The new school year is almost here! If you're looking for ways to prepare without stretching your budget, there are several FREE back-to-school events happening throughout Lancaster County. From backpack and school supply giveaways to free haircuts, community resources, and family fun, these events are designed to help local students start the school year off strong.

Be sure to arrive early, as many giveaways are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

🎒 Paying It Forward Back-to-School Giveaway

• Date: Saturday, August 8
• Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Reservoir Park, 832 E. Orange St., Lancaster
• Cost:  FREE
• Highlights:
  • 🎒 Backpack giveaway
  • 📚 School supplies
  • 🎉 Community giveaways and activities

This community event is free to attend and helps students kick off the school year with the supplies they need. 

🎒 15th Annual Back-to-School Event

• Date:  Sunday, August 9
• Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Penn Medicine Park, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster
• Cost: FREE (Registration required)
• Eligible Students: Kindergarten–8th grade students living in the School District of Lancaster, Manheim Township, Hempfield, or Penn Manor School Districts.
• Highlights:
  • 🎒 Free backpacks
  • 📚 School supplies
  • 👕 Clothing
  • 👟 Shoes
  • ✂️ Free haircuts
  • 🎵 Music
  • 🍔 Food
  • 🎲 Games
  • 🤝 Community resources

Families must register in advance, and students must be present to receive giveaways. 

🎒 Ice Cream with a Cop & Backpack Giveaway

• Date: Saturday, August 15
• Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Ephrata Borough Hall, 124 South State Street, Ephrata, PA - Pennsylvania 17522
• Cost: FREE
• Highlights:
  • Meet members of the Ephrata Police Department,
  • Tour the Police Crime Scene Van
  • Explore a police car…all while enjoying free Udder Choice Ice Cream – supplied by the Friends of the Ephrata Police Foundation.
  • Receive a backpack and supplies for back-to-school! Coolies, coloring books, safety literature, and other items are also free.

🎒 Solanco Neighborhood Ministries Backpack Giveaway

• Date: Saturday, August 15
• Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Quarryville Elementary School, Quarryville
• Cost: FREE
• Eligible Students: Students in Kindergarten through high school who reside in the Solanco School District.
• Highlights:
  • 🎒 Free backpacks
  • 📚 School supplies

🎒 Back To School Blast 2026

• Date: Saturday, August 15
• Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Parking Lot of Life in Christ Church, 1027 Dillerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603
• Cost: FREE (Registration required)Pre-registration helps us plan for the number of people at the event, but it does NOT guarantee a backpack. 
  Check-in begins at 10:15 AM. When you arrive, check in to receive a wristband that holds your backpack. Wristbands are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
   Backpacks will be distributed near the end of the event to those wearing wristbands. We encourage families to arrive early.
• Highlights: FREE hot dog meals & ice cream,
  Quality backpacks filled with school supplies (to those with wristbands), Bounce houses & the famous Wrecking Ball, Face painting, Balloon art, Urban Air table giveaways, Live family-friendly music with Andre the Teacher

🎒 Anchored Ministries Back-to-School Program

• Date: Saturday, August 15
• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Hopewell Church, Elverson
• Cost: FREE (Registration required)
• Highlights:
  • 🎒 Free backpacks
  • 📚 School supplies
  • 👕 Clothing for students in need

This program serves eligible local families and requires advance registration. 

Know of another FREE back-to-school event?

If we've missed a free backpack giveaway, school supply event, haircut event, or community resource fair in Berks County, let us know! We'd love to add it to our calendar so even more local families can benefit.

Email me at: Emilye@macaronikid.com