Indianapolis Back-to-School and Free Community Events Happening July 24–26

Indianapolis families have a full weekend of free community events, school-supply giveaways, family activities, food, health resources and back-to-school celebrations ahead.

From Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, organizations across Indianapolis and nearby Plainfield are helping families prepare for the upcoming school year. Several events include free backpacks, uniforms, haircuts, braids, meals, games, health screenings and community resources.

Here is the Indy Listed weekend guide.

Friday, July 24

Back-to-School Kickoff

The weekend begins with a family-focused back-to-school celebration at Shelbyville Road Church of Christ.

The event will take place from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at 4915 Shelbyville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237.

Families can receive free backpacks and school supplies while enjoying dinner and activities together. This is a convenient evening option for parents looking to begin the weekend by preparing their children for the school year.

Supplies may be limited, so families are encouraged to arrive early.

Saturday, July 25

Saturday has the largest number of events, with activities beginning at 9:00 AM and continuing into the evening.

Community Share — Everything Free

Ascend Bible Church will host a free community-sharing event from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at 8039 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46217.

Free clothing will be available, along with donuts and coffee. Items will be distributed while supplies last.

This event may be especially helpful for families looking for clothing and basic support before visiting one of the larger back-to-school celebrations later in the day.

Annual Back to School Giveback Event

The Hair Expo will host its Annual Back to School Giveback Event from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at 4621 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis.

Children ages 17 and younger can receive free haircuts and braids. The event will also include free food, family activities, one-penny products and a free raffle giveaway.

The extended event schedule gives families flexibility, but services such as haircuts and braids may become busy. Arriving early may help reduce wait times.

Back-to-School Bash and Grand Opening Celebration

Families in Plainfield and surrounding areas can attend a Back-to-School Bash and Grand Opening Celebration from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 1158 Edwards Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

The celebration will include giveaways, prizes, face painting, games, refreshments and family activities.

This event gives Hendricks County families another free option close to home.

Center for Leadership Development Community Day

The Center for Leadership Development will host its Community Day from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 2425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

Families can access free haircuts, student resources, food and activities. The event will also include face painting, bouncy houses and other family-friendly entertainment.

Along with helping students prepare for school, the event connects families with educational resources that may remain useful throughout the year.

Back 2 School Community Day Block Party

A Back 2 School Community Day Block Party will take place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 5640 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis.

The event will offer free food, backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, shoes and haircuts. Dental screenings will also be available.

This is one of the most resource-filled events on the weekend schedule. Families may be able to receive school materials, clothing and basic health services in one location.

Back-to-School Community Fair

The Back-to-School Community Fair will be held from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Northwestway Park, Shelter 1, 5253 W. 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

The fair will offer free school supplies, braids, children’s haircuts and community activities.

The park setting also makes this a good option for families looking to enjoy an outdoor event while connecting with local organizations.

Fathers Heart Ministries Community Day

Fathers Heart Ministries will host a Community Day from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 4560 Knollton Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228.

The event will include free haircuts, games, community resources, backpack giveaways, food and drinks.

With five hours of programming, families have a wider arrival window. Backpack availability may still be limited, so early attendance is recommended.

Family Fun and Health Fair

Downey Avenue Christian Church will host a Family Fun and Health Fair from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 111 S. Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219.

Families can enjoy a free cookout, games, face painting and children’s activities. Health checks will also be available.

This event combines entertainment with wellness services, giving parents an opportunity to connect with health resources while children enjoy the activities.

Impact Nations Church Backpack Giveaway

Impact Nations Church is also planning a backpack giveaway at 4091 Millersville Road, Indianapolis.

Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. The event time is currently listed as to be determined, so families should confirm the schedule before attending.

Sunday, July 26

Kicking in the Community Pop-Up Event

The weekend closes with Kicking in the Community from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hawthorne Park, 2404 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis.

The free afternoon event will include a chalk-art area, hopscotch, music and community resources. Families can also participate in yard games such as cornhole, giant Jenga and ring toss.

This event offers a relaxed way to close out the weekend, meet neighbors and spend time outdoors before the new week begins.

Plan Before You Go

Families attending these events should bring a bag for supplies, water for outdoor activities and any information an organization may require for registration.

Arriving early is recommended for backpacks, uniforms, shoes, haircuts and other limited services. Event times and available items may change, so families should confirm details with the hosting organization before leaving home.

Submit Your Future Free Community Events

Indy Listed wants to help more families discover free back-to-school events, giveaways, youth programs, community days, food distributions, health fairs and neighborhood resources.

Organizations, churches, schools, businesses and community leaders can submit upcoming free events through IndyListed.com.

When submitting an event, include the event name, date, start and end time, full address, description, contact information and a clear flyer. Events should be submitted as early as possible so they can be reviewed and included in future community calendars, weekend lists and social media coverage.

Visit IndyListed.com to submit your next free community or back-to-school event.

Have a positive community story, event, resource, or organization making an impact across Central Indiana? Submit your news to Indy Listed at indylisted.com and help us continue highlighting the people and programs moving our city forward.