Metro Atlanta, North Georgia, July 24, 2025
News Summary
As the new school year approaches, Metro Atlanta and North Georgia school districts are hosting various back-to-school events to aid families and students. These activities, starting in July, include supply giveaways, community fairs, and family-friendly festivals designed to offer vital resources and promote community engagement. Events at local libraries, community centers, and parks will provide necessities like school supplies, food, and fun activities to ensure a smooth transition back to school.
Metro Atlanta, North Georgia – The 2025-2026 school year is right around the corner for many students in the Metro Atlanta and North Georgia region, with school districts preparing to open their doors for the new academic year starting as early as the end of July. Most districts will kick off their school year on August 1 or during the first full week of August.
As part of the back-to-school preparations, numerous events have been organized across the area to help families and children gear up for the upcoming school year. These activities will offer essential resources, supplies, and community engagement to support students as they return to the classroom.
A variety of back-to-school events are scheduled for July, beginning with the Hoyt Smith Center, which will host a violence prevention event on July 20 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. This gathering will feature a youth and celebrity basketball game, free food, games, prizes, and a car show aimed at fostering community involvement.
On the same day, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the “It Takes a Village” Back-to-School Supply Giveaway will take place at Wolf Creek Library and Fairburn Hobgood-Palmer Library. The latter will also hold a second giveaway session from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 25, providing free school supplies to families in need.
The following day, July 22, will see an array of back-to-school initiatives across several locations. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its fourth annual back-to-school giveaway at The Villages at Carver Family YMCA from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., promising live entertainment, food, games, and prizes.
Meanwhile, the Douglas County School System will hold its annual bash at Legacy Arena from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering students complimentary backpacks filled with school supplies, food, and games. At Haralson County High School, an event will occur from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. featuring games, crafts, food, and free haircuts for attendees.
Union City will celebrate with a family-friendly festival at Ronald Bridges & Nature Trail, scheduled for July 22 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., which will include a laser light show along with school supply giveaways. Excel Church will also host an event on July 22 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., which includes games, food, live music, face painting, and bounce houses to engage the local community.
Additionally, the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds will be home to a back-to-school gathering on July 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing students with free book bags and school supplies, health screenings, food trucks, and live entertainment. The Decatur High School gymnasium will serve as a venue for a community event that day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring music, food trucks, surprise giveaways, and games for participants.
Event activities will continue at Jim R. Miller Park with a support zone for students, families, and educators from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Grace Church in Marietta from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., where attendees can partake in games, food, and activities.
Other events across the region will take place on July 22 and beyond, including a back-to-school festival at the Trillion Dollar Beauti Bar in Duluth, a community fair hosted by Quality Solutions Global, and ongoing school supply giveaways throughout the month of August.
The Cobb County Police Department will distribute school supplies during the National Night Out on August 5, and Dreams for Darrius Inc. will host an End of Summer Bash on August 16, which will include free backpacks and games, rounding out the preparation for the new school year.
Key Upcoming Events
- July 20: Hoyt Smith Center violence prevention event
- July 20: “It Takes a Village” Supply Giveaway
- July 22: Fulton County Sheriff’s Office event
- July 22: Douglas County School System bash
- July 22: Union City festival and Excel Church event
- August 5: Cobb County Police Department School Supplies Drive
- August 16: End of Summer Bash
Background Context
The preparation for the back-to-school season is crucial in providing students and families with the necessary resources to ensure a smooth transition into the academic year. These events serve not only to provide supplies but also to foster community spirit and involvement amongst families in need.
FAQ
What dates do schools in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia start for the 2025-2026 school year?
Most school districts will start their academic year on August 1 or during the first full week of August.
What types of events are happening to help students prepare for school?
Events include supply giveaways, community fairs, festivals, food and entertainment, and activities focused on education and engagement.
Where will the events take place?
The events will occur across multiple venues, including libraries, community centers, churches, and parks throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
Is there any cost associated with attending these events?
Most of the events are free and aim to provide supplies, food, and entertainment to families and students.
How can I find updates on future events?
Local school district announcements, community bulletins, and social media platforms often provide updates on upcoming events.
Event Summary
| Date | Event | Time | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 20 | Hoyt Smith Center Event | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Hoyt Smith Center | Basketball game, food, games, prizes |
| July 20 | “It Takes a Village” Supply Giveaway | 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Wolf Creek Library | School supplies |
| July 22 | Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Giveaway | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Carver Family YMCA | Entertainment, food, games |
| July 22 | Douglas County Bash | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Legacy Arena | Food, games, backpacks |
| July 22 | Union City Festival | 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Ronald Bridges & Nature Trail | Laser show, supply giveaways |
| August 5 | Cobb County School Supplies Drive | Evening | Multiple Locations | Supply distribution |
| August 16 | End of Summer Bash | Evening | Atlanta | Free backpacks, games |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Back-to-School Events and Supply Giveaways in Metro Atlanta
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Back to School 2025-2026
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- Atlanta News First: Back to School Events
- Google Search: Back to School Events Atlanta
- 11Alive: Back to School Supply Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Back to School
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Fulton County Schools
- Google News: Back to School Atlanta
- Audacy: Clayton County Public Schools Bash
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
