Free Back to School Events Happening Across Southern Indiana and Western Kentucky

With my daughter's fair right around the corner, we're well aware that summer is flying by and school will be here before you know it. No offense to my daughter's school or teachers, but I think I'm less ready for her to go back than she is. School makes life a lot busier for me. I have to make breakfast in the morning, help with homework, make sure she goes to bed at a decent hour, and coordinate schedules. I'm just not ready!

Back to School Shopping Can Get Expensive

Then there's the whole back to school madness. You have to buy clothes, shoes, a backpack, 2,449 No. 2 pencils, an aubergine-colored notebook with exactly 101 lines on each page, a box of 67 crayons that somehow is only sold at Menards, a four-ring binder, and erasers made from old car tires. Okay, maybe not exactly, but it always feels like a scavenger hunt for a bunch of oddly specific supplies.

And it can get really expensive. For some families, there just isn't room in the budget for back to school shopping.

a group of crayons lined up in a row

Organizations Are Helping Local Families

Luckily, several local organizations are stepping up to help by providing free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, clothing, and other resources to help students start the school year off right

Annual Back to School Backpack and Free Haircut and Style Event

Date: Friday, August 1
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Healing the Brokenhearted Ministries - 1250 Powell Street, Henderson, KY
Details:  This event is open to all school-age children. Children can receive a backpack filled with school supplies, free clothing from 4 Good Community Bus, and a haircut. Hair must be washed and blow dried. It must also be taken down. Beauticians will not have extra time to wash, dry, or take down hair before the appointment. God's Grill and the Henderson Fire Department will be on hand as well.

Back to School Blessings by Love the 812

Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Refuge Christian Church - 8566 Telephone Rd, Chandler, IN
Details: Love the 812, The Refuge Christian Church, and TRCC Kids are hosting this free back to school event for students in grades K through 12. Children must be present to receive free school supplies and a free haircut. Supplies and haircuts will be available on a first come, first served basis. The event is open to the public.

Back to School Haircut Event by Foil It Up
Date: Sunday, August 2
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Foil It Up - 107 E State St, Princeton, IN
Details: Foil It Up is hosting a free back-to-school haircut event for students of all ages and all hair types. This event is designed to help students head into the new school year feeling fresh and confident. Free haircuts will be available on a first come, first served basis. Appointments are not required but are recommended to help reduce wait times and reserve a spot. The event is open to the public.

Contact: 812-215-6721

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Back to School Bash by Hair Hero
Date: Tuesday, August 5
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hair Hero - 118 W State St, Princeton, IN 47670

Details: Hair Hero is hosting a free Back to School Bash for Gibson County families and students. The event features free haircuts, free school supplies, temporary tattoos, games, and Throwing Snow treats. This fun, family-friendly event is open to the public and designed to help students get ready for the new school year with confidence and community support. Supplies and services will be available while they last, on a first come, first served basis.

Back to School Backpack Bash
Date: Friday, August 1
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Lafayette Park - Princeton, IN
Details: The Oasis and the City of Princeton are hosting a back-to-school supply distribution event for North Gibson students entering grades K through 8. Students should bring their own backpack and will check in upon arrival to receive a supply list before going through the distribution line to pick up needed school items. If a student does not have a backpack, one will be provided while supplies last.

This is a limited-supply event, and organizers cannot guarantee every student will receive all items on their list. Students must be present and accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate. The event is open to the public.

Volunteer or donation inquiries can be directed to Emily at office@theoasisprinceton.com or Janelle at mayor@princetoncity.com

School Supplies Event by First Baptist Church of Elberfeld
Date: Saturday, August 1
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: First Baptist Church of Elberfeld - 8344 N St Johns Rd, Elberfeld, IN 47613
Details: First Baptist Church of Elberfeld is hosting a free school supplies event for students and families in the community. This event is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year by providing school supplies while they last. Supplies will be available on a first come, first served basis. The event is open to the public.

Educator Appreciation Night by The Hoffman House, Kat McNeal and Leslie Burton
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Hoffman House - 703 2nd St, Henderson, KY 42420
Details: The Hoffman House, Kat McNeal, and Leslie Burton are hosting an evening dedicated to celebrating educators and school staff in the community. This free appreciation event is open to all school employees, including teachers, administrators, librarians, counselors, paraprofessionals, office staff, custodians, cafeteria staff, and bus drivers.

Guests can enjoy teacher supply kit giveaways, door prizes, local vendor discounts, an on-site food truck, and sweet treats. The event is designed as a community thank-you celebration before the start of the new school year and provides a chance for educators to connect and relax together. Admission is free and open to eligible school staff.

Back to School Bash at Myriad Brewing Company
Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Myriad Brewing Company - 8245 E High Pointe Dr, Newburgh, IN 47630
Details: Warrick Humane Society and Myriad Brewing Company are hosting a Back to School Bash fundraiser benefiting shelter pets. This family-friendly event features entry by donation, with all proceeds supporting Warrick Humane Society.

Guests can enjoy a petting zoo with goats, chickens, and pigs from Bubbles and Paws, goat photo opportunities with Mariah McClain Photography, animal feed cups, puppy snuggles for donations, live music by Between the Frets, and a food truck from Mother Truckers Pizza. Additional activities include face painting, glitter tattoos, and local retail booths, with portions of proceeds benefiting the shelter.

The event is open to the public and designed as a community celebration with animals, music, and fundraising fun.

To add your event to the list, please email evansville.dme@townsquaremedia.com.