Inside: A list of events giving out free school supplies to Charleston-area kids for the 2026 back-to-school season. Many also include entertainment and extras like free haircuts.
As summer winds down and the school year approaches, families across the Lowcountry are gearing up to make sure their children are prepared for a successful start. Thankfully, Charleston and surrounding communities are coming together to support students in a big way.
From free backpacks and school supplies to haircuts, food, and family fun, local organizations are hosting a series of Back-to-School Bash events that make preparation a breeze — and a celebration! Whether you’re in North Charleston, Goose Creek, or Downtown, there’s a free event near you designed to equip kids and uplift families.
Here’s a roundup of the best free back-to-school giveaways happening this season. Dates below reflect the latest information from each organizer; we’ll confirm any remaining details as they’re announced.
Are you hosting an event you’d like us to add? Please email Maria.
Backpacks for Bright Futures
Presented by: The American Lung Association & Local Community Partners
Where: James Simons Montessori School, 741 King Street, Charleston
When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
At this 4th annual event, students of all grade levels can pick up a free backpack stuffed to the brim with essential school supplies. In addition to the gear, medical professionals will be on-site to answer lung health and asthma questions, hand out great educational materials, and connect families with helpful local health resources.
Backpacks for Bright Futures
Every 1 Voice Matters Back to School Bash
Presented by Every 1 Voice Matters, in partnership with Acts of Kindness, the North Charleston Police Department, and M.A.D. USA
CCSD District 4 Stadium, 3659 W Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
August 1st, 2026, 12 – 3 pm
A large community giveaway that has previously included free bookbags filled with supplies, brand-new sneakers, school uniforms, free haircuts, academic assessments, free eye exams and eyeglasses, and free food, plus games, jump castles, a game truck, train rides, and more. Some items (such as sneakers) require advance registration.
Event details
Lincoln Back to School Kickoff
Presented by: Charleston County Parks
Where: Lincoln Recreation Center, 714 Lincoln Rd, McClellanville, SC 29458
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
If you are located a bit further up the coast, this is a fantastic option for families in the northern part of the county. Charleston County Parks is hosting a completely free community celebration featuring a dedicated school supply giveaway, jump castles, face painting, and a live DJ. Food will also be available for purchase, making it a perfect afternoon out.
Lincoln Back to School Kickoff
OneBerkeley Back to School Festival (Moncks Corner)
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Moncks Corner Regional Recreation Complex (418 E Main St, Moncks Corner, SC 29461)
Hosted by the Berkeley County School District, this massive festival is giving away 3,000 pre-filled bookbags stuffed with school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis (children must be present). It also features jump castles, face painters, games, live performances, and free food.
Berkeley County School District Event Announcement
Goose Creek Recreation Kids Fest (Goose Creek)
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Central Creek Park (Goose Creek, SC 29445)
This evening back-to-school celebration offers free school supplies alongside food trucks, kids’ activities, and games at Goose Creek’s flagship inclusive park.
City of Goose Creek Event Page
Pack the Back
Presented by the Elizabeth Gamble Foundation & Elite Tax Group, in partnership with Flight Adventure Park
Flight Adventure Park, 8551 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC
Friday, August 7, 2026, 4:30–8 pm,
Free backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts, community resources, vendors, giveaways, and family activities. The event serves school-aged children across the Tri-County area (Charleston, Berkeley & Dorchester); students must be present to receive supplies. Registration is required to receive supplies.
Foundation website
NCPD “It’s Cool to Be in School” Fun Day
Presented by: North Charleston Police Department
Where: North Charleston Sports Complex, 1455 Monitor St, North Charleston, SC 29405
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Back for its 18th year, this massive community event is a local favorite. NCPD officers will be distributing free backpacks and school supplies tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students. The event also features local barbers and stylists providing free haircuts on-site, a live DJ, games, face painting, and free food for the kids.
NCPD It’s Cool to be in School Fund Day
City of Charleston First Day Festival
Charleston Gaillard Center and Liberty Square, Downtown Charleston, SC
Sunday, August 9th, 1–4 pm
This free, family-friendly event has run since 2003 and offers a pre-packed bag of school supplies for each child (children must be present; limit one bag per child), a community resource fair, and free admission to the South Carolina Aquarium during festival hours.
First Day Festival
Lowcountry 4-H Convention Back-to-School Giveaway
Presented by: Lowcountry 4-H
Where: Citadel Mall, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Held right inside the Citadel Mall, this event pairs a handy back-to-school supply giveaway with the regional 4-H convention. It’s a great opportunity for families to grab needed resources for the classroom while exploring interactive youth workshops, club booths, and project displays.
Lowcountry 4-H Convention Back-to-School Giveaway
Back to School DAE
Presented by the DAE Foundation
City Gym (Arthur W. Christopher Community Center), 265 Fishburne Street, Downtown Charleston, SC
TBA
Free school supplies to help fill students’ backpacks, free pizza from Paisano’s Pizza, and a basketball open-gym shoot-around led by the DAE Foundation’s Jermel President. A gently-used sporting equipment swap will be set up so families can pass along outgrown shoes, bats, gloves, balls, and racquets to students who need them.
Event details
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Charleston’s free back-to-school events happen?
Most take place in early-to-mid August, in the weeks just before Charleston County School District classes begin.
Where can families get free school supplies in Charleston?
Downtown Charleston hosts the Back to School DAE event at the City Gym on Fishburne Street and the City of Charleston’s First Day Festival at the Gaillard Center, while North Charleston hosts Pack the Back at Flight Adventure Park and the Every 1 Voice Matters Back to School Bash at the District 4 Stadium.
Do I need to register for the giveaways?
It varies by event. Pack the Back requires registration to receive supplies, and giveaways with limited sneakers or uniforms often require advance sign-up. Other events hand out supplies first-come, first-served while supplies last, so arriving early helps.