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It’s almost time for the 2024-25 school year to begin, and that means one thing: Lots of back-to-school activities in Detroit are underway. They range from activities that give children a final few doses of fun before they head back to the classroom to events that provide free backpacks, school supplies, and other important things kids need to get the school year started successfully.
Below are just some of the upcoming back to school events. Know of others that aren’t on our list? Email us at detroit.tips@chalkbeat.org. (Keep in mind that in most cases, free supplies are available until they run out.)
Saturday, Aug. 3
- Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Where: 11301 Greiner St; corner of Greiner and Beland Street
- What: Free school supplies, food, games, music, local vendor sales. Books will also be available through the Little Free Library. Sponsored by Grace to GROW..
Back-to-School Health & Wellness Block Party
- Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: 27800 George Merrelli Dr, Warren
- What to expect: Prizes, free backpacks and school supplies, a DJ, yoga, line dance lessons, hula hoop fitness, BMX bike tricks, bounce houses, free haircuts for boys, food truck, info on college admissions and scholarship opportunities, and health, wellness, and education information. Sponsored by UAW Region 1 and UAW Region 1 – Women’s Council.
- Time: 1-4 p.m.
- Where: 15031 Dexter Ave., Union Grace Church
- What to expect: Free school supplies, food, fun, and games. Event is for K-12 students.
ARISE Detroit! Neighborhoods Day
- Time: All day
- Where: Various locations across Detroit
- What to expect: The annual Neighborhood Day event features a number of community events sponsored by various organizations across the city. Many of those events include school supply giveaways. You can find a full list of activities on the east side, as well as events on the west side.
Aug. 3-Sept. 11
Back-to-school expos, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Time: Times vary. See link above
- Where: Schools across DPSCD
- What to expect: Every DPSCD school is hosting a back to school expo. Activities vary by location (see the link above). But the expos include everything from face painting and games to giveaways and music.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
- Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: 23500 W. 7 Mile Road, Greater Grace Temple
- What to expect: The event is for students in grades K-6 and includes carnival game rides, face painting, free vision screenings/eyeglasses, backpacks, immunizations, and school supplies.
Aug. 16
- Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
- Where: 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- What to expect: Event includes face painting, bounce houses, music, lunch, crafts, and giveaways of backpacks and school supplies. Sponsored by Assured Family Services.
Aug. 16-Sept. 21
Brilliant Detroit back-to-school events
- Time: See the above link for more detailed information
- Where: Various locations across Detroit
- What to expect: Some of these events include free school supplies, some offer fun activities. You’ll need to check the link above to find the location closest to you.
Saturday, Aug. 24
- Time: 3-6 p.m.
- Where: 13319 W. 7 Mile Road, Detroit
- What to expect: Gift cards for school clothes, school supplies, and more. Event is sponsored by BlackKollar Family.
Sunday, Aug. 25
- Time: 2-6 p.m.
- Where: 5555 Conner, Detroit
- What to expect: Hair styling, manicures, eyebrow arching, facials, makeup tutorials, food, raffles, door prizes. Event is sponsored by Destined for Greatness and is for girls ages 11-17. You must register at the link above.
Lori Higgins is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at lhiggins@chalkbeat.org.