Free Backpacks Across Tampa Before Aug. 10: Where Hillsborough Families Can Get School Supplies for Nothing

Hillsborough families can pick up free backpacks and school supplies at several Tampa events over the next two weekends, with the district's flagship giveaway — the 19th Annual Back to School Fair — handing out free backpacks to the first 1,000 students at Citrus Park Town Center on Saturday, Aug. 1. It all leads up to the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 10.

The timing is deliberate: the giveaways fall squarely inside Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday, so parents can stack a free backpack from an event with tax-free savings on the rest of the supply list. Here's what's happening and where.

The main event: HCPS Back to School Fair, Aug. 1

Hillsborough County Public Schools is hosting its 19th Annual Back to School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a new location this year — Citrus Park Town Center, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa.

The first 1,000 students get a free backpack while supplies last, so arriving early matters. Beyond the giveaway, the district is billing it as a full family day: live student performances, mascots from local sports teams, princess meet-and-greets, story time and sing-alongs, face painting, music, photo spots and giveaways throughout the afternoon.

It's also a resource fair. Families can talk with district departments, community groups and local businesses about magnet schools, HCPS programs, after-school options and health resources — useful if you're weighing choices or new to the district.

More free giveaways around Tampa

The district fair isn't the only option. Several community events across the coverage area are also handing out backpacks and supplies in the run-up to the first day.

The New Tampa YMCA bash on July 26 offers free backpacks by pre-registration while supplies last, plus a supply scavenger hunt with sponsors and vendors, free face painting, fitness activities and healthcare resources.

The Community Alliance Back to School Event on Aug. 1 at the Victor Crist Community Center Complex runs the same hours as the district fair and offers free backpacks, school supplies, food and community resources on a first-come, first-served basis.

Because two of these run at the same time on Aug. 1, families in different parts of the county can pick whichever is closest — Citrus Park in the northwest or the New Tampa/University-area location on North 22nd Street.

Don't forget the tax holiday

Whatever a free backpack doesn't cover, Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday can help with. According to state sources, the holiday runs from July 20 through Aug. 20, 2026, and covers clothing, footwear, backpacks and bags priced at $100 or less; school supplies at $50 or less per item; learning aids and puzzles at $30 or less; and personal computers and certain accessories at $1,500 or less for personal use.

That means a parent could grab a free backpack at one of these events and still shop tax-free for shoes, notebooks and a laptop in the same stretch.

Mark the first day

Classes in Hillsborough County Public Schools begin Monday, Aug. 10, so the giveaway weekends land right when families are finalizing supply lists and schedules. For details on the district fair, participating organizations and activities, HCPS has posted an event page at hillsboroughschools.org.

For more Tampa back-to-school coverage, event roundups and family news, visit Tampa Community Website and browse our education and community stories. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, and share which event your family is headed to in our Community Forum.