Allegheny County caregivers with children who are starting school later this month can choose from several upcoming back-to-school events that include backpack giveaways and fun activities.
Sto-Rox Back-to-School Event
A back-to-school event will be held on Friday, August 14 at the Sto-Rox Football Field in Mckees Rocks.
The event will run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will include performances by the Little Viking Cheerleaders and Father Ryans Arts Center Dancing Soldiers. It will also include community kick ball, a potato bag race, a Bounce house, face painting, hair cuts, nails, free book bags, produce, hot dogs and hamburgers, games, prizes, and entertainment.
Free book bags will be available. The football field is located at 1105 Valley Street in McKees Rocks.
Kindergarten Here I Come
Rising kindergartners and their families can explore arts activities and gather educational resources during this event, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 15, at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
Kindergarten Here I Come is free for fall 2026 kindergarten students and one accompanying caregiver.
Some of the activities at the event include:
- Climbing aboard a real school bus and meeting a cross guard
- Trying readiness skills activities such as shoelace tying and zippering
- Getting resources on everything from vaccinations and library assets to healthy lunches
- Seeing “Rhea the Great Detective and the Case of the Mrs. Bearington,” an interactive children’s play that will perform at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 12:15 p.m. in the Art Studio
- Making backpack key chains and friendship bracelets
- Exploring the Children’s Museum
Pittsburgh Friends
Pittsburgh Friends will hold a back-to-school event that features free backpacks and school supplies on Sunday, August 17 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Monroeville Community Park – Pavilion #2.
The event will include free backpacks and school supplies, games, food, giveaways, encouragement for families and students, and support from more than 15 community churches and partners.
Wilkinsburg Borough School District Block Party and Luau
The Wilkinsburg Borough School District will hold its Community Back to School Block Party and Summer Luau on Thursday, August 20. The event, which runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Turner Intermediate (1833 Laketon Road), is a community celebration designed to bring students, families, staff, and community partners together to kick off the new school year.
With a vibrant Hawaiian luau theme, the event will feature music, games, food, educational resources, giveaways, and interactive activities that promote school pride, strengthen family engagement, and build positive relationships before the first day of school.
The goal of the event is to create an atmosphere where every child feels excited, supported, and connected to their school community while providing families with access to valuable community resources.
Those interested in attending can RSVP now.
