Back to School Pep Rally

The City of Irondale is inviting students, families, and educators to kick off the new school year at its annual Back to School Pep Rally, presented by Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr., on Tuesday, August 4th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Irondale City Hall.

The free community celebration is designed to get students excited for the school year while connecting families with valuable educational resources, community organizations, and opportunities for future success.

This year’s event will feature free school supplies and giveaways, food trucks, community resource booths, games, DJ Maverick, and performances by the Shades Valley High School Band and Cheerleaders. Students will also have the opportunity to meet Shades Valley High School athletes and enter to win spirit packs.

For the first time, the City of Irondale will introduce a College & Career Zone, bringing together colleges, universities, skilled trades, military representatives, and career training organizations to help students of all ages begin exploring their future. Participating organizations include Alabama State University, Jacksonville State University, Jefferson State Community College, Lawson State Community College, Miles College, Samford University, Wallace State Community College, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Collat School of Business, Winonah School of Cosmetology, Birmingham Barber & Style School, the Academy of Craft Training, IBEW Local 136, and representatives from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

Families will also learn more about the City of Irondale’s Education & Youth Fund, which provides grants to local teachers to support innovative classroom projects, as well as the newly formed Irondale Education Focus Group, comprised of parents from each school.

Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. said the event reflects the City’s commitment to investing in students and creating opportunities for every young person to succeed.

“Preparing students for success takes an entire community. By bringing together our schools, colleges, businesses, and community partners, we’re showing our students that Irondale is committed to supporting them every step of the way. We want every family to leave this event excited about the school year and confident about the opportunities ahead.”  — Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr.

Students are encouraged to wear their school colors and join the community for an evening celebrating education, school spirit, and opportunity.

Event Details

What: Irondale Back to School Pep Rally
When: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Irondale City Hall, 101 20th Street South, Irondale, AL 35210

The event is free and open to the public.