Back to School Events in Central KY

YMCA Back to School Rallies
July 27, 2024
9:30 am – 12:30 pm

The rallies provide elementary, middle and high school students with free full-size backpacks and school supplies. Each site distributes supplies for all grade levels. The Back to School Rallies is an initiative of the Y, which has served as the central coordinator of this event since 2011. Since that time, more than 52,000 backpacks have been given out to children in Central Kentucky communities.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Registration will be in-person, the day of the event
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Registration and sign-up
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Music, games, food, and more
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Backpack distribution

Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning
Back to School Bash
Saturday, July 27, 2024 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Free

Join us for a celebration of going back to school! Children will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies and a new book to start the year! We will also have face painting by Dynamic Face Painters, carnival games provided by Thompson Catering, children’s crafts provided by On the Move Art Studio, stilt walking, balloon twisting, and juggling by Best Party Ever as well as music and free food.

Backpacks will be distributed to kids in grades K-12. The event is geared toward elementary and middle school children. Supplies are limited.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact Youth Programs & Volunteer Director, Jonathan Hall, at jhall@carnegiecenterlex.org.

Back 2 School Bash 2024 is sponsored by Quantrell Subaru, Kentucky, LG&E and KU Foundation, William Stamps Farish Fund, Kentucky Social Welfare Foundation and Clark Raising Hope

Back to School Fun at the Gardenside Community Market
August 7, 2024
4 pm – 7 pm

Everyone is invited to join the Greater Gardenside Association (GGA) to celebrate Back to School season and National Farmers Market Week on August 7 from 4-7:00 pm in Gardenside Plaza, 1729 Alexandria Drive, Lexington, Kentucky. Here’s what to expect:

Lots of children’s activities, including an inflatable, On the Move Art Studio, Girl Scouts, Lexington Public Library, Red Oaks Forest School, a fire truck, and more.
GGA is giving away free books and school supplies.
UK HealthCare’s Retail Pharmacy team will have immunizations for adults and children.
Local teacher and musician Aaron Ferral will play fun tunes for the whole family.
Shop for delicious fresh fruits and vegetables from the Lexington Farmers Market, including sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and peaches.
Local artisans and crafters bring handcrafted jewelry and scrumptious cupcakes.
Collect great information and resources from organizations like Fayette County Public Schools, CivicLex, Live Green Lex, Parks & Recreation, UK Sports Medicine Research, and more.
Take home ready-made food from Everest Indian and Nepali Restaurant, Milolo African Cuisine, and El Café Bubble Tea, and homemade chicken salad from San’s Healthy Choices.
SNAP participants can Double their Dollars up to $20 to stretch their budget, and kids under age 14 can get $5 to spend at the market on fruits and vegetables.

The Greater Gardenside Community Market takes place in Gardenside Plaza, 1729 Alexandria Drive every Wednesday from 4-7:00 pm through September 11, 2024.

DCBS Back to School
July 20, 2024
10 am – 1 pm

Families in the Lexington area can join the DCBS Southern Bluegrass Recruitment and Certification Unit for some back-to-school fun from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 20, at the Immanuel Baptist Church at 2261 Armstrong Mill Road, Lexington. For more information, contact kelly.jaramillo@ky.gov.

Back to School FREE Haircuts
August 11, 2024
Noon – 3 pm

-FREE KIDS CUTS UNDER AGE 15
-FREE HAIR BRAIDING FOR GIRLS UNDER AGE 15
-FREE FOOD
-LIVE DJ
Come join us at eXotic CutZz and get the kids fresh for back to school.
📍1070 Chinoe Rd Ste. 100, Lexington, KY 40502