Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, family events, practical resources and everything parents need for a smoother school-year launch

Last updated: July 28, 2026

Back-to-school season arrives carrying approximately 47 forms, three mysteriously specific supply lists and at least one child who has forgotten how mornings work. 🫠✏️

The good news? Southern Colorado communities are stepping up with free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, health services, family celebrations and helpful resources designed to take a little pressure off parents.

The Buzzy B has gathered the biggest upcoming events and essential information in one convenient place. Event details can change, and giveaway supplies are often limited, so always check the official event page before heading out.

🐝 Buzzy’s Quick Picks

Need the highlights without reading the whole honeycomb?

Best for free backpacks in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Backpack Bash
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Two locations, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Best all-in-one event in Pueblo

Pueblo School District 60 Back-to-School Bash
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Free backpacks, supplies, haircuts, vaccines, dental screenings and family fun.

Best for free haircuts

Pueblo Mall Back-to-School Community Event
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Free haircuts for children ages 18 and younger, plus backpacks and supplies.

Best community celebration

James Irwin Charter Schools Back-to-School Bash
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Food trucks, vendors, games, a foam party and free school supplies.

Everything Families Need for an Amazing School Year

Backpacks? ✔️
School supplies? ✔️
Teacher gifts? ✔️
Sleep schedules? ...We'll help with that too! 😊

Back-to-school season is exciting, emotional, and sometimes a little overwhelming. Between shopping, registration, sports, schedules, and squeezing in the last bit of summer fun, it can feel like there aren't enough hours in the day.

That's exactly why we created this guide.

We've gathered everything Southern Colorado families need into one place, so you can spend less time searching and more time making memories.

Inside you'll find:

🎒 Backpack Bashes & School Supply Events
✂️ Free Haircut Events
📚 School Start Dates
💻 Technology Resources
🍎 Lunch Ideas
😴 Sleep Reset Tips
🛍️ School Supply Savings
💙 Mental Health Resources
📋 Printable Checklists
...and so much more!

Whether your child is heading to preschool, kindergarten, middle school, high school, homeschool, or college, we hope this guide helps make the transition just a little easier.

From all of us at The Buzzy B...

Have an amazing school year! 💛🐝

📅 Southern Colorado School Start Dates

School District

First Day of School

Douglas County RE-1

August 11

Colorado Springs D11

August 12

Harrison D2

August 13

Widefield D3

August 12

Academy District 20

August 13

Falcon School District 49

August 4

Lewis-Palmer District 38

August 13

Fountain-Fort Carson D8

August 12

Peyton 23JT

August 13

Calhan RJ1

August 12

Woodland Park RE-2

August 13

Cripple Creek-Victor RE1

August 13

Pueblo District 60

August 13

Pueblo County District 70

August 13

🎒 Backpack Bashes & School Supply Events

🐝 Buzzy's Featured Event

Rush the Park School Supply Drive

📅 Saturday, July 25
📍 Colorado Springs

Hosted by The Buzzy B and community partners.

Families enjoyed free school supplies, superheroes, games, vendors, and community resources.

🐝 Buzzy's Featured Event

Teacher Appreciation & School Supply Event

📅 Thursday, July 30
📍 Golden Corral – Colorado Springs

Teacher appreciation, community resources, school supplies, giveaways, and family fun.

🎒 Strive to Thrive Summer Event

📅 Tuesday, July 28
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Southeast Christian Church
9650 Jordan Road
Parker, CO 80134

💲 FREE

Douglas County families can connect with local organizations and receive back-to-school resources and school supplies.

🎒 Backpack Bash – Central Colorado Springs

📅 Saturday, August 1

🕘 9:00 AM

📍 Mitchell High School

1205 Potter Drive

Colorado Springs

FREE backpacks for qualifying students.

Community resources available.

Registration recommended.

🎒 Backpack Bash – Downtown Colorado Springs

📅 Saturday, August 1

🕘 9:00 AM

📍 Hillside Community Center

925 S. Institute Street

Colorado Springs

FREE backpacks

Community organizations

Family resources

Registration encouraged.

🎉 Military & Southeast Community Back-to-School Bash

📅 Saturday, August 1

🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Southeast Family Center YMCA

2190 Jet Wing Drive

Colorado Springs

FREE

Games

Swimming

Food

Community resources

Family fun

🎒 Pueblo District 60 Back-to-School Bash

📅 Thursday, August 6

🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Dutch Clark Stadium

1001 W Abriendo Avenue

Pueblo

FREE

The first 3,000 students receive backpacks filled with school supplies.

Also includes:

✂️ Free Haircuts

💉 Vaccines

🦷 Dental Screenings

🎨 Face Painting

🍔 Food Vendors

Community Resources

🎉 Encompass Kids Back-to-School Bash

📅 Saturday, August 8

📍 Encompass Church

11150 Hilltop Road

Parker

FREE

Games

Activities

Family fun

🏊 Woodland Park Back-to-School Bash

📅 Friday, August 14

🕛 Noon – 3:00 PM

📍 Woodland Aquatic Center

Woodland Park

Admission: $15

Celebrate the end of summer with swimming, crafts, games and activities.

🌽 Black Forest Farmers Market

Back-to-School Celebration

📅 Saturday, August 22

🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Backyard Market

6845 Shoup Road

Black Forest

FREE Admission

Over 70 vendors

Kids activities

Food trucks

Live music

✂️ Free Haircuts

Many local salons participate in annual back-to-school haircut drives.

Participating locations often include:

• Great Clips

• Sports Clips

• Fantastic Sams

• Floyd's 99

• Independent community salons

Haircuts are also available during many Backpack Bash events.

🛍️ School Supply Savings

Watch for annual sales at:

🎯 Target

🛒 Walmart

📚 Staples

📄 Office Depot

👖 Old Navy

👟 Kohl's

👟 Famous Footwear

👟 DSW

✏️ Michaels

👩‍🏫 Teacher Discounts

Many businesses offer discounts to educators.

Popular teacher-friendly stores include:

Target

Staples

Office Depot

Michaels

JoAnn Fabrics

Barnes & Noble

Lakeshore Learning

Canva for Education

Adobe Education

🍎 Easy School Lunch Ideas

• DIY Lunchables

• Breakfast for Lunch

• Turkey Wraps

• Pasta Salad

• Bento Boxes

• Homemade Pizza Kits

• Fruit & Cheese Boxes

• Yogurt Parfaits

😴 Sleep Reset

Start adjusting bedtime 2 weeks before school starts by moving bedtime earlier 15–20 minutes every few days.

Helpful tips:

✔ Turn screens off an hour before bed

✔ Read together

✔ Keep bedtime routines consistent

✔ Wake up at the same time every day

🌅 Morning Routine Checklist

✔ Lay clothes out

✔ Pack backpacks

✔ Fill water bottles

✔ Pack lunches

✔ Charge devices

✔ Check homework

✔ Set alarms

✔ Eat breakfast

✔ Don't forget hugs before heading out the door!

💙 Helping Kids With Back-to-School Anxiety

It's completely normal for children to feel nervous.

Encourage conversations.

Visit the school before the first day if possible.

Practice routines together.

Celebrate progress—not perfection.

🧠 Supporting Neurodivergent Students

Create visual schedules.

Practice school routines.

Visit the campus before school starts.

Pack sensory supports if needed.

Communicate with teachers early.

Remember: every child transitions differently.

💻 Technology Resources

Many districts provide Chromebooks.

Need internet?

Check:

• Internet Essentials

• Lifeline

• PCs for People

• Local Libraries

• School District Technology Programs

📋 Back-to-School Checklist

☐ Backpack

☐ Lunchbox

☐ Water Bottle

☐ School Supplies

☐ School Clothes

☐ Shoes

☐ Haircut

☐ Medical Forms

☐ Sports Physicals

☐ Emergency Contacts Updated

☐ Chromebook Charged

☐ School Calendar Saved

💛 From The Buzzy B

Every school year is a brand-new adventure.

Some kids walk through those school doors excited. Others feel nervous, unsure, or even scared. That's okay.

Whether you're sending your little one to preschool for the very first time or watching your teenager head into their senior year, know that you're not alone.

Our Southern Colorado community is filled with amazing teachers, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors who are cheering your family on every step of the way.

We hope this guide helps make your back-to-school season a little easier, a little less stressful, and a whole lot more fun.

Here's to new friendships, fresh notebooks, exciting adventures, and an incredible school year ahead.

Happy Back-to-School from all of us at The Buzzy B! 🐝💛

🎒 Free Backpack Bashes and Giveaways

Colorado Springs Backpack Bash: Central Location

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. to noon, or while supplies last
📍 Mitchell High School
1205 Potter Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
💲 Free

Free backpacks will be available for local K–12 students. The event is open to students enrolled in local school districts, not only District 11 students. Students should be present to receive a backpack, and distribution is expected to continue while supplies last.

Pre-registration is encouraged, but registration does not guarantee that a backpack will be reserved. Arriving early is highly recommended.

Important: Some Colorado Springs Backpack Bash locations provide backpacks only, not complete school-supply kits. Families should still review their individual school supply lists.

Colorado Springs Backpack Bash: Downtown Location

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
⏰ Begins at 9:00 a.m.
📍 Hillside Community Center
925 South Institute Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
💲 Free

Families may pick up a free backpack and connect with local organizations and family resources. Students should attend with their families, and backpacks are available while supplies last.

Families are asked to attend only one Colorado Springs Backpack Bash location so organizers can serve as many students as possible.

🎉 Back-to-School Celebrations

Military, Veteran and Southeast Community Back-to-School Bash

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
⏰ 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
📍 2190 Jet Wing Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
💲 Free, registration requested

This family celebration is designed for military, veteran and southeast Colorado Springs families.

Families can expect:

• Games and family activities

• Food

• Pool time

• Giveaways

• Community connections

• Back-to-school fun

Registration is requested through the event’s official listing.

Pueblo School District 60 Back-to-School Bash

📅 Thursday, August 6, 2026
⏰ Health and haircut services begin at 5:00 p.m.
🎉 Main Bash and backpack distribution: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
📍 Dutch Clark Stadium
1001 West Abriendo Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81004
💲 Free and open to the public

This is one of the largest and most helpful back-to-school events in Southern Colorado.

The first 3,000 students will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies. Families can also access:

• Free children’s haircuts

• Vaccines

• Dental screenings

• Face painting

• Community resource booths

• School and district information

• High-school cheer performances

• Aztec dancers

• Giveaways

• Pueblo Fire Department activities

• Pueblo Transit activities

• Food vendors

• Music and entertainment

Haircuts, vaccines and dental services begin at 5:00 p.m. The full celebration and backpack giveaway open at 6:00 p.m.

Buzzy Tip: With thousands of families expected, arrive early and bring water, sunscreen and any immunization records that may be helpful when speaking with health providers.

James Irwin Charter Schools Back-to-School Bash

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
📍 Power Technical Campus
2460 Waynoka Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
💲 Free

James Irwin Charter Schools is kicking off the year with a community celebration featuring:

• Free school supplies

• Food trucks

• Local vendors

• Games

• Family activities

• A foam party

• School information and resources

The school’s official calendar lists the event from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Some social-media promotions have shown a 4:00 p.m. ending time, so families should check the school’s official page before attending.

Pueblo Mall Back-to-School Community Event

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
📍 Pueblo Mall
3429 Dillon Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
💲 Free

Pueblo Mall is helping students start the year feeling prepared and polished.

The event includes:

• Free backpacks

• Free school supplies

• Free haircuts for children ages 18 and younger

• Community organizations

• Family resources

• Back-to-school activities

Giveaways and haircuts are subject to availability. Children should be present to receive items or services.

✏️ Free School-Supply Events

These upcoming events specifically advertise school supplies in addition to backpacks or community activities:

Pueblo School District 60 Back-to-School Bash

August 6, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
First 3,000 students receive a backpack filled with supplies.

James Irwin Charter Schools Back-to-School Bash

August 8, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Free school supplies, family activities and community vendors.

Pueblo Mall Back-to-School Community Event

August 8, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Free backpacks and school supplies while quantities last.

Colorado Springs Backpack Bash locations

Free backpacks are available, but some locations clearly state that separate school supplies will not be distributed. Check your selected location before attending.

💇 Free Back-to-School Haircuts

Pueblo School District 60 Bash

📅 Thursday, August 6
⏰ Haircuts begin at 5:00 p.m.
📍 Dutch Clark Stadium, Pueblo
💲 Free

Haircuts are offered before the main Bash opens. Services will likely be first come, first served.

Pueblo Mall Community Event

📅 Saturday, August 8
⏰ 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
📍 Pueblo Mall
💲 Free for children ages 18 and younger

Blended Barber is scheduled to provide free children’s haircuts during the event. Availability may be limited, so arrive early.

Before you go

For free haircut events:

• Arrive near the beginning of the event.

• Bring a photo or clear description of the haircut requested.

• Make sure hair is clean and detangled.

• Expect basic haircut services rather than elaborate styling.

• Ask whether sign-up is required immediately upon arrival.

At this time, I did not find another verified standalone free-haircut event within Colorado Springs, Fountain, Falcon, Monument, Castle Rock, Teller County or Douglas County that is still upcoming. This section will be updated when additional confirmed events are announced.

💰 Back-to-School Discounts and Shopping Tips

Target Back-to-School Savings

Target’s advertised back-to-school promotion running July 26 through August 1, 2026 includes:

• Up to 30% off select children’s clothing and uniforms

• Up to 25% off select children’s shoes

• Up to 20% off select backpacks and lunch kits

• School supplies beginning at approximately 25 cents

Prices, availability and Target Circle requirements may vary by store.

Local Target locations include

• Colorado Springs

• Fountain

• Monument area

• Castle Rock

• Pueblo

Check the Target app before shopping because some discounts require activation through Target Circle.

Compare Before Filling the Cart

School-supply prices can look tiny one item at a time, then suddenly the checkout total grows teeth. 🦈

Compare:

• Walmart

• Target

• Staples

• Office Depot

• Dollar Tree

• King Soopers

• Walgreens

• Costco

• Sam’s Club

Some schools provide supply lists that connect directly to retailers and allow parents to compare carts or remove items they already own. Pueblo District 60 schools, for example, provide grade-level supply lists with shopping and printing options.

Ask Before Buying Everything

Before shopping, check whether your school:

• Collects supplies communally

• Requires specific brands or sizes

• Provides headphones or technology accessories

• Allows reusable items from last year

• Has separate art, music or PE requirements

• Requires clear backpacks

• Offers a school supply kit for purchase

The “wrong” three-ring binder is apparently capable of causing great administrative turbulence, so check first. 📚🌪️

Colorado Sales Tax Note

Colorado does not currently advertise a statewide back-to-school sales-tax holiday through the Colorado Department of Revenue. Families should not assume school supplies or clothing will automatically be tax-free.

Individual stores may still offer sales, coupons or price-matching promotions.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Discounts and Classroom Support

Teacher offers change quickly and may require school identification. Educators should check current local offers at:

• Target

• Michaels

• JOANN

• Staples

• Office Depot and OfficeMax

• Barnes & Noble

• Apple

• Samsung

• AT&T

• Verizon

• Local museums and attractions

Many programs require teachers to enroll in a free rewards account or verify educator status online.

Help a local classroom

Parents and community members can also support teachers by:

• Purchasing an item from a classroom wish list

• Donating tissues, disinfecting wipes or snacks

• Sending extra headphones or pencils

• Contributing gently used books

• Asking the teacher which items are genuinely needed

A teacher with 947 glue sticks and no tissues is not the supply-chain victory anyone intended.

📚 Finding Your Child’s Official Supply List

Do not rely on a generic national list unless your school has not released one.

Check:

1. Your school’s official website

2. The district’s back-to-school page

3. ParentSquare, Infinite Campus or your district’s parent portal

4. Your child’s registration email

5. The school’s front office

6. Teacher welcome letters

7. Local retailers that host searchable school lists

🎒 Basic School-Supply Checklist

This is a helpful starting point, but your child’s official school list should always win the final round.

Elementary School

• Backpack

• Lunch box

• Reusable water bottle

• Pencils

• Pencil box or pouch

• Crayons

• Colored pencils

• Washable markers

• Glue sticks

• Child-safe scissors

• Wide-ruled notebooks

• Pocket folders

• Dry-erase markers

• Headphones

• Tissues

• Disinfecting wipes

• Change of clothes for younger students

Middle School

• Backpack

• Binder or accordion folder

• College-ruled notebooks

• Loose-leaf paper

• Pocket folders

• Pencils and pens

• Highlighters

• Colored pencils

• Index cards

• Ruler

• Calculator, when required

• Earbuds or headphones

• Planner

• Reusable water bottle

• PE clothes and athletic shoes

High School

• Backpack

• College-ruled notebooks

• Binders or folders by subject

• Loose-leaf paper

• Pens and pencils

• Highlighters

• Graph paper

• Scientific or graphing calculator, when required

• Laptop charger

• Earbuds

• Planner or digital calendar

• Index cards

• Reusable water bottle

• PE or activity-specific supplies

Buzzy’s money-saving rule

Shop your house first.

Collect every unused notebook, folder, pencil and glue stick into one basket before buying anything. Last year’s abandoned supplies may be hiding in drawers, backpacks, desk cubbies and the mysterious household dimension where scissors migrate.

🏫 School Registration Checklist

Requirements vary by district, school and grade, but families may be asked to provide:

• Parent or guardian photo identification

• Child’s birth certificate or other approved proof of age

• Proof of residency

• Immunization records

• Previous school records

• Custody or guardianship documents, when applicable

• Emergency contacts

• Medical information and medication forms

• Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan documents

• Transportation information

• Meal and household-income forms

Contact the school directly when a document is missing. Schools can explain which alternatives they accept.

💉 Colorado School Immunization Update

Colorado has updated its immunization information for the 2026–2027 school year.

Beginning this school year, students must receive a dose of Tdap before the first day of seventh grade, unless an approved exemption applies. Families should review records early rather than discovering a missing vaccine during the final registration scramble.

Parents can review current requirements through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Bring an immunization record to appointments and ask the provider to supply an updated copy for school.

🍎 School Meals and Household-Income Forms

Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program allows participating public-school food authorities to provide free breakfast and lunch to students.

Participation is optional, so families should confirm whether their individual district and school are participating.

Even when meals are free, families should still complete the school’s confidential household-income form. Those forms may help schools receive federal funding and can qualify families for additional benefits or reduced school fees.

🚌 Transportation Checklist

Before the first day:

• Confirm whether bus registration is required.

• Check the assigned stop and pickup time.

• Review the district’s transportation app or tracking system.

• Practice walking to the stop with younger children.

• Write the student’s bus number inside the backpack.

• Make sure the school has the correct after-school transportation plan.

• Discuss what the child should do if the bus is missed.

Bus routes can change close to the beginning of school, so check again shortly before the first day.