As summer comes to a close, the back-to-school season kicks off in style across Chicagoland with a variety of fun and engaging events for students of all ages. From free school supplies to exciting activities like foam parties, parades and game-filled celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a community-driven fair or a chance to personalize school gear, these events are designed to bring families together and help get kids ready for the school year ahead. Here’s a roundup of some of the most exciting back-to-school events happening in Chicagoland this August, sure to make the transition from summer to school a little bit more fun!
Back-to-School Events in Chicagoland
Back to School Bash at Shedd
Aug. 2, 2025
- Address: Shedd (John G.) Park, 3660 W. 23rd St., Chicago
All ages can come out to Shedd Park for crafts, games and pizza at this event.
Back to School Extravaganza at Hamilton
Aug. 2, 2025
- Address: Hamilton (Alexander) Park, 513 W. 72nd St., Chicago
All ages can come out to Hamilton Park for free haircuts, essential school supplies, community resources, games and more.
Back 2 School Fair
Aug. 2, 2025
- Address: Association House of Chicago, 1116 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
Join Association House of Chicago for their annual Back 2 School Fair for free school supplies and backpacks, health screenings, pediatric vaccines, physicals and more.
Back to School Jam at Moore
Aug. 2, 2025
- Address: Moore (Maurice) Park, 5085 W. Adams St., Chicago
All ages can come out to Moore Park for a bookbag giveaway (while supplies last), bounce house, DJ, food and more.
2025 Back to School Health Fair
Aug. 8, 2025
- Address: South Chicago Clinic, 9119 S. Exchange Ave., Chicago
Families can come out to the South Chicago Clinic for fun activities, raffles, games, giveaways and food at this Back to School Health Fair.
Bud Billiken Parade
Aug. 9, 2025
- Address: Washington Park, 51st and Cottage, and 51st and King, Chicago
Celebrating their 96th year, the parade features floats, bands, drill teams, dance teams and more. As the second-largest U.S. parade, it unites the community and supports youth through the “Back to School” initiative. At the close of the parade, all attendees are welcomed to join in the post-parade festivities in the park.
End of Summer Celebration
Aug. 9, 2025
- Address: Brainerd Branch, 1350 W. 89th St., Chicago.
All ages can come out to Brainerd Branch to enjoy music, games, food and more. School-aged children will receive a free book bag and school supplies (while supplies last).
School Supply Soiree
Aug. 14, 2025
- Address: West Chicago Avenue Branch, 4856 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Teens and tweens ages 9-19 can come out to West Chicago Avenue Branch to personalize their school supplies. The library will have backpack charms, locker decorations, bookmarks and more.
Teens Back To School Bingo
Aug. 14, 2025
- Address: South Chicago Branch, 9055 S. Houston Ave., Chicago
Teens ages 13-19 can come out to South Chicago Branch for an hour of Bingo with back to school prizes.
Back to School Vision Boards
Aug. 15, 2025
- Address: McKinley Park Branch, 1915 W. 35th St., Chicago
Ages 6 and up can come out to McKinley Park Branch to create vision boards. Collage, craft and journal materials will be provided.
Angel Reese Foundation Giveaway
Aug. 16, 2025
- Address: Intentional Sports, 1841 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago
Come out to Intentional Sports for free, brand-new backpacks packed with essential school supplies. Join WNBA superstar Angel Reese, her mother Ms. Angel Reese and special guests for a heartfelt 30-minute on-stage conversation. For grades K-12. Registration required.
Back to School Foam Party
Aug. 17, 2025
- Address: Woodson Regional Branch, 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
All ages can come out to Woodson Regional Branch for a foam party in the library’s Reading Garden.
Teen Back to School Kickoff
Aug. 18-21, 2025
- Address: Little Italy Branch, 1336 W. Taylor St., Chicago
Teens ages 13 and up can come out to Little Italy Branch to create a back-to-school craft.
Teens’ Back to School Celebration
Aug. 19, 2025
- Address: South Chicago Branch, 9055 S. Houston Ave., Chicago
Teens ages 13 and up can come out to the South Chicago Branch to celebrate the new school year with music, games, snacks and refreshments.
Back to School Buttons
Aug. 20, 2025
- Address: Richard J. Daley Branch, 3400 S. Halsted St., Chicago
Drop in to try out our button maker and make buttons to decorate your backpack at Richard J. Daley Branch. For ages 5-12.
Back to School Video Game Party
Aug. 21, 2025
- Address: Little Village Branch, 2311 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
Ages 13 and up can enjoy video games, board games, card games and snacks.
Back to School & Open House at La Follette
Aug. 23, 2025
- Address: La Follette (Robert) Park, 1333 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago
All ages can come out to La Follette Park for free book bags, food, arts and crafts, music and more.
Back-to-School Bash
Aug. 15, 2025
- Address: Chicago Ridge Mall, 444 Chicago Ridge Mall, Chicago Ridge
Donate your old clothes to get free admission to this event. It features backpack decorating, giveaways, fun photo opportunities, snacks and more.
This article was recently published on July 30, 2025, by Chicago Parent’s Content Writer Kari Zaffarano. The post included her adding back-to-school events in Chicagoland to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and then adding the best events to this roundup. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
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