Reviewed by: Grace Howard
11 Birmingham-area events to kick off the new school year
Reading time: 5 minutes

Summer is winding down for students across the Greater Birmingham Area. The good news is there’s still time to make some fun memories at the many family-friendly back-school events popping up around town.
Read on for school supply drives, exciting games and activities—plus an event offering students free haircuts!
1. Back to School Bash @ Sara Beth’s Gymnasts, Chelsea
- What: This fun community event will be filled with games, giveaways, souvenirs, treats and free play inside the gym at Sara Beth’s Gymnasts. It’s also a great time to sign your kiddo up for gymnastics. Bonus: The first 50 to register for the event + attend received a free goodie bag.
- When: Saturday, July 26 | 11AM-1PM
- Cost: Free admission | Must register to play at the gym
- Details
2. Pure Intention Giving Back To School Extravaganza @ Center Point Community Center + Library
- What: You won’t want to miss out on this first annual back-to-school extravaganza. There will be free school supplies and free haircuts available along with local food trucks, moonwalks and more family-friendly activities.
- When: Saturday, July 26 | 12-3PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
3. Beyond Backpacks Back to School Drive + Fundraiser @ Majestic ULTRA Lounge
- What: Want to help ensure local students have all the essentials this school year? Take part in this purpose-filled day of giving by donating to help stock the Student Resource Pantry for Birmingham City Schools. During the event, there will be music, connection and community, with the opportunity to donate. Donations will be accepted now through July 26—here’s a list of items being collected + how to give.
- When: Saturday, July 26 | 2-6PM
- Cost: Free admission until 4PM | $10 after 4PM
- Details
4. Back-to-School Kids’ Pancake Brunch @ Ruby Sunshine, Homewood

- What: Kick off the school year with a tasty celebration at Ruby Sunshine in Homewood. Enjoy a free kids’ pancake entree with the purchase of an adult entree, edible decorations for DIY pancake fun and bookmark crafting kits (available while supplies last).
- When: Wednesday, July 30 | 7AM-2PM
- Cost: Based on items ordered
- Details
5. Back to School Bonanza @ Homewood Public Library
- What: You won’t be able to resist this back-to-school bonanza filled with giveaways (first come, first serve), games and more. All ages are welcome! Be sure to sign up for a library card while you’re there and check out some must-reads for the year ahead.
- When: Tuesday, July 29 | 10:30AM-12PM
- Cost: Free
- Details
6. Back to School Scavenger Hunt @ Titusville Library
- What: Kids will love this adventure-filled scavenger hunt at the Titusville Library. There are a few storybook characters who don’t want to go back to school this year and are hiding throughout the library. If you can find all 10 so they can get ready for school, you’ll win a prize!
- When: Friday, August 1-Friday, August 29 | Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM
- Cost: Free
- Details
7. Woodlawn’s First Friday Back to School Bash @ Woodlawn Marketplace

- What: Mark your family calendar for a great evening in the heart of Woodlawn. The agenda is stacked across the district—check out:
- Delicious food + a game night at Slutty Vegan
- An art activity with Bare Hands Inc. in Woodlawn Marketplace
- A concert with Mason Music at Woodlawn Theatre
- Back-to-school pics with SubUrban Creative
- A backpack giveaway with Momtage
- And more!
- When: Saturday, August 1 | 5PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
8. Back to School Supply Giveaway @ Palmerdale Baptist Church, Pinson
- What: If your family could use a little help getting school supplies this year, be sure to attend this event. Palmderdale Cross Baptist Church in Pinson is giving away essential school supplies—completely free! Just stop by, grab what you need and begin the new school year ready to learn.
- When: Saturday, August 2 | 2-4PM
- Cost: Free
- Details
9. Back to School Bash & Supply @ Deerfoot Church of Christ, Trussville
- What: This gathering is perfect for those living in or around Trussville to enjoy some end of summer community fun. There will be bouncy houses, snow cones, hot dogs, face painting and a school supply giveaway. You can only win if you’re there, so make plans to attend!
- When: Saturday, August 2 | 11AM-1PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
10. Back to School Bash @ Putter Up, Pelham
- What: Before the school bell rings, swing by Putter Up in Pelham for one final round of mini golf with the fam. During their back-to-school event, you’ll get to try for a hole-in-one on their brand-new indoor course and receive a free ice cream sandwich (while supplies last!) when you leave.
- When: Saturday, August 2 | 4-7PM
- Cost: $14.99 (ages 12+) | $9.99 (ages 4-11)
- Details
11. Birmingham Back to School Craft + Vendor Market @ Riverchase Galleria
- What: Celebrate the new school year at this exciting market at the Galleria. There will be local vendors, school supplies, seasonal treats and must-haves for students, parents and teachers.
- When:
- Saturday, August 2 | 11AM-8PM
- Sunday, August 3 | 12-6PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
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