In case you had any notion of lazy August days to round out your summer, think again! Here is a list of back to school and end of summer events that Nicole from LiveMom has rounded up for us!
Saturday, August 16th
AISD Back to School Bash – From 9 a.m. – noon at the Austin Convention Center, learn more about the services and programs that can help students enjoy a safe and successful school year. More than 130 community and district organizations will offer exhibits for AISD families. Austin ISD is also providing free shuttles at locations throughout the city. Presentations on safety and educational best practices will help prepare both students and parents for the first day of school and beyond. Nurses from Dell Children’s/AISD Health Services will provide free vaccinations and Kids Vision for Life Central Texas may be providing free vision exams and eyeglasses. Students will also receive a free backpack filled with school supplies appropriate for their particular grade level. FREE.
TRACE Ice Cream Social benefiting SafePlace – At the third annual Ice Cream Social, taking place from 3-5 p.m., sample frozen favorites crafted by Pastry Chef Angel Begaye, including treats like chocolate toffee ice cream sandwiches, peach swirl sorbet push-up pops, and even fido ice cream for your four-legged friends! Guests are encouraged to bring school supply donations for SafePlace’s back-to-school drive. This is a family and dog-friendly event. FREE.
Sunday, August 17th
Back to School Parade – The festival will take place from 1-7 p.m. at Bartholomew Park and the parade will happen from 3-6 p.m. Wristbands for free backpacks will be distributed from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in the park (student must be present to receive a wristband). Following the parade, those with wristbands can pick up a free backpack, starting at 4 p.m. Stay in the park to enjoy a family-friendly concert with gospel rap and Christian bands. After 6 p.m., all remaining backpacks will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. For more information, read the FAQs. FREE.
Wednesday, August 20th
Back to School Music Bash – Kids have been exploring Austin and checking off items from their I Heart Austin Summer Fun Checklist all summer long! Join us on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at the Thinkery to celebrate the last hurrah of Summer 2014! We’ll be in the Courtyard with live music, prizes, swag for the kids, entertainment, food and fun for all! We’ll also be jamming to the tunes of Lee Alexander, Elizabeth McQueen, The Que Pastas, Rosie Flores and Joe McDermott! Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Galaxy Cafe and Snap Kitchen. Be sure to bring a blanket to sit on as seating is limited. Admission is FREE with advance donation to Cap City Kids, a local charity that helps children in need. Space is limited so please be sure to RSVP!
Saturday, August 23rd
Back to School Bash – The Dove Springs Recreation Center is hosting an event from 10 a.m. until noon. FREE.
End of Summer Bash at La Patisserie – Enjoy snow cones and a demonstration on how to make your own natural syrups at home from 10:30-11:30 a.m. RSVP required. FREE.
Back to School Ice Cream Social at Trader Joe’s – Visit the new store in the Arboretum from noon – 4 p.m. to sample Cookie Butter Ice Cream! Trader Joe’s will also have some back packs full of school supplies to give away, located near the back to school lunch section which will highlight some awesome packable lunchtime snacks! Also, take advantage of the social media check in deal: just show any of the “mates” (managers) in the office your phone where you’ve just checked in on Facebook, Yelp, etc. and get a free treat! FREE.
Back to School Bash – Whole Foods at the Domain is helping you get ready for the school year with a vendor fair featuring lunchbox-friendly foods, a kids sing-along and puppet show and a meet & greet with community groups offering afterschool programs. Whole Foods is collecting school supplies for Austin students in need throughout the month of August. Make your donation at Guest Services for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Event takes place from noon until 3 p.m. and is FREE.
Sunday, August 24th
End of Summer Bash at La Patisserie – Enjoy snow cones and a demonstration on how to make your own natural syrups at home from 10:30-11:30 a.m. RSVP required. FREE.
Back to School Ice Cream Social at Trader Joe’s – Visit the new store in the Arboretum from noon – 4 p.m. to sample Cookie Butter Ice Cream! Trader Joe’s will also have some back packs full of school supplies to give away, located near the back to school lunch section which will highlight some awesome packable lunchtime snacks! Also, take advantage of the social media check in deal: just show any of the “mates” (managers) in the office your phone where you’ve just checked in on Facebook, Yelp, etc. and get a free treat! FREE.
Saturday, August 30th
Back to School Festival – From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., enjoy FREE school supplies and backpacks, FREE adult health screenings, information about available community resources, FREE shots, and healthy meals for the kids. FREE and open to the entire community! Delco Center, 4601 Pecan brooks Drive, Austin, Texas 78724.
Family Fun Fest – From 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Austin Diaper Bank and the City of Austin are hosting Family Fun Fest and Diaper Drive at Northwest Recreation Center. The Fest is a free, rocking fun time for families which will showcase awesome local children’s businesses plus musicians and food trucks! Classes on art, cooking, dance, music, Spanish and more for kids of all ages. FREE to the public but guests are asked to donate money or a pack of size 4 diapers or larger to help Austin’s babies!
Saturday, September 20th
Back to School BASH – Come send off summer and celebrate the beginning of a new school year! Bounce house, face painting, photo booth, gfcf snacks, games, and more! The Bash is co-hosted by the Greater Austin Chapter of the Autism Society and the Johnson Center. The event takes place at the Austin Recreation Center from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and is FREE. RSVP to [email protected] or 512-732-8400.
