Back to School Bash

The Back 2 School Bash will be held Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds!

This event made possible by Hillsborough County Fair, the Hillsborough County school system, local non-profits, churches, and businesses, is a community outreach event providing backpacks, school supplies, and essential resources to children in need across Hillsborough County. Registration for 2026 will be walk-up only for the Backpack Giveaway.

The event will have many activities including:
– Resources from the Hillsborough County Public Schools
– School Supply Giveaway
– Vendor Fair with over 100+ vendors
– Fun Activities including a KId Zone

Donate School Supplies

You can make donations of school supplies and non-perishable food items or cash donations which will be used to purchase food or supplies for the families we serve.

Our School Supply List

1 pack of #2 pencils
1 pack of pens
1 pack of colored pencils
1 pack of highlighters
1 pink eraser
1 pencil sharpener
2 glue sticks
2 three-prong folders
2 spiral notebooks
2 composition notebooks
1 pack of wide-ruled paper

Drop off at our Brandon or Riverview locations from: 9am – 1pm Monday – Friday by July 20.

Donate: Backpack Filled with Supplies

1 pack of #2 pencils
1 pack of pens
1 pack of colored pencils
1 pack of highlighters
1 pink eraser
1 pencil sharpener
2 glue sticks
2 three-prong folders
2 spiral notebooks
2 composition notebooks
1 pack of wide-ruled paper

Make a Financial Gift

INDVIDUALS – click here to give.

$25 sponsors one backpack with supplies.
$35 provides nourishing meals for a family.

$1000 includes – click here to give.

Logo on the website.
Provision of prize giveaways.

$3000 includes – click here to give.

Your logo and recognition on the website.
Your name featured on T-shirts worn by all volunteers on the day of the event.

$5000 includes – click here to give.

Recognition on the day of the event.
Company name and logo featured on the website, marketing materials, T-shirts, resource guide, and event banner.

Host a Drive

Help local students start the school year strong by hosting a Backpack Hero Supply Drive at your place of worship, civic organization, or business.

Tap here to host a drive and get started!

Not sure what to collect? Simply click Donate School Supplies to see our most-needed items.

We Need Your Help to Complete Their Backpacks!

Important Deadline
To best support our students, we kindly ask that all food and school supplies be turned in by July 20.

Vendor Registration

Thank you for your interest in participating as a Vendor or Community Partner at the Back2School Bash! Please review the important event details and participation guidelines below.

Vendor & Partner Setup

Setup begins at 8:00 AM at the Fairgrounds.
All vendors and community partners should arrive early to allow adequate time for setup before the event begins.

Booth Information

Each Vendor/Community Partner may reserve:
One (1) 6-foot table
Two (2) chairs
Tables and chairs will be provided by the Fairgrounds.

Important Guidelines

Vendors and partners may not sell items or services during this event.
Please bring promotional materials, brochures, giveaways, or informational literature from your organization for distribution to at least 1,000 families attending the event.
We encourage all partners to create an engaging and family-friendly experience for attendees.

Vendor Registration

To register as a Vendor or Community Partner, please complete the registration form below:

Vendor Registration Form

Volunteer

To make this event a huge success, we need your support to fill a number of volunteer roles—both on the day of the event and during the week prior to help us pack backpacks.

See the volunteering spots below for details on available roles, dates, and times.

This event is Bright Futures approved!