It’s that time of year again: sharpen those pencils, charge those tablets, and get ready to head back to school! Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into high school, back-to-school shopping can quickly add up. Thankfully, families in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas have access to a variety of free community events and can take advantage of fantastic retail deals both locally and online.

LOCAL GIVEAWAYS & SUPPLY DRIVES

Baton Rouge area families can take advantage of several free back-to-school events happening now through early August. These events provide backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, and even fun for the whole family:

July 18
A4T Back-to-School Giveaway
Scotlandville Magnet High School
Noon–4 p.m.

July 19
Back to School Extravaganza
Prescott Academy
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Back to School Wellness Expo
Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge
10 a.m.–1 p.m.

District 7 Back-to-School Event
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Community Center
10 a.m.–Noon

July 20
Blessings From Braelynn School Supply Giveaway
William and Lee Community Center
2–5 p.m.

July 25
ABHLA Back-to-School Bash
BREC Maplewood Park
6–8 p.m.

July 26
Back 2 School Bash & Community Health Fair
Exxonmobil YMCA
9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Back to School Giveaway
GEO Next Generation High School
9–11 a.m.

Councilman Cleve Dunn Jr.’s District 6 Back-to-School Giveaway
9048 Airline Hwy. in Baton Rouge
9–11 a.m.

Supplies for Success
Baker Municipal Center
10 a.m.–Noon

July 27
Burreaux’s Back to School Kickoff
Elite Training Academy
1–4 p.m.

July 29
Iberville Parish Special Education Back to School Bash
Iberville Elementary School Gym
6–7 p.m.

July 30
Stuff the Bus Drive
Walmart Supercenter on College Drive
6 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

August 2
Back to School Giveaway
Zachary High School Gym
10 a.m. until supplies last

WHERE TO SHOP DEALS

Big-box stores like Target, Walmart, and Academy Sports are already rolling out back-to-school sales. The Mall of Louisiana is another one-stop destination with anchors like Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JCPenney offering seasonal discounts on school clothing, backpacks, and shoes.

While not all stores publicize their deals online, many are running in-store promotions that mirror national trends. Look for clearance racks and bundled school supply packs.

BEST ONLINE BACK-TO-SCHOOL DEALS

If you’re shopping from home, don’t miss Amazon’s deals, which include big discounts on: Bic mechanical pencils; HP laptops (up to $800 off); Crayola art supplies; water bottles from Owala and Hydro Flask; Bentgo and OmieBox lunchboxes; and trendy backpacks from Wildkin, Puma, and Lovevook. Retailers like Target and Walmart also have their own back-to-school online hubs offering steep discounts on essentials.

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to break the bank. Between local giveaways and national retail deals, Baton Rouge families have plenty of ways to prepare without the stress. Mark your calendars, make your lists, and get ready for a fresh school year!