Back-to-school season can be an exciting time for students and families, but preparing for a new school year can also come with a long list of expenses — from clothing and shoes to backpacks and school supplies.
Now through Saturday, state residents can take advantage of the Sales Tax-Free Week. And for Hartford and Bridgeport families looking to stretch their budgets before school begins on Tues., Aug. 25 and Thurs., Aug. 27, respectively, there are also several opportunities this month to find free supplies and connect with community resources.
Here is a list of some of the upcoming 2026 back-to-school giveaways and events in Bridgeport and Hartford, as well as more info on the state’s sales tax break this week.
Thurs., Aug. 20
GBAPP Back-to-School Event
1470 Barnum Ave., Bridgeport | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program will offer free backpacks and school supplies, along with children’s activities, community resources and health and wellness information.
Urban League of Greater Hartford Beyond the Backpack
140 Woodland St., Hartford | 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The event focuses on “making sure every student has the support, confidence, and resources they need to thrive.”
Friday, Aug. 21
Back-to-School Celebration and Family Engagement Conference
Hartford Public High School, 55 Forest St., Hartford | 9 a.m. to noon
This event by the Hartford Public Schools offers information sessions for families, community resources and free backpacks and school supplies.
Sat., Aug. 22
Replenish Project Supply Drive
Hallen School, 68 Omega Ave., Bridgeport | Noon to 2 p.m.
The Replenish Project is partnering with Hallen School in an effort to equip 500 students with backpacks and school supplies. Donations of new supplies for elementary, middle and high school students are being accepted through Thurs., Aug. 20.
Cardinal Shehan Center Back-to-School Open House
1494 Main St., Bridgeport | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The center will offer a free backpack giveaway while supplies last, along with tours, a bouncy house, face painting, raffles, snacks and drinks.
Camillia’s Closet Mobile Truck Back-to-School Event
Waterview Park, 650 Waterview Ave., Bridgeport | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event will offer book bags, school supplies, hygiene products and clothing. Uniform shirts will be available for $5, while pants and skirts will cost $7.
Greater Mt. Carmel Pentecostal Church Back-to-School Giveaway
719 Connecticut Ave., Bridgeport | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The church will distribute books and school bags for children.
South End Day
Seaside Park, The Grove at Waldemere Avenue, Bridgeport | Noon to 6 p.m.
The community event, organized by the South End NRZ, will include free book bags and T-shirts, music, food, vendors, health and community services, a bouncy house and the UB S.T.E.M. bus.
Helping Hands Outreach Back-to-School Book Bag Drive
Wentfield Park, Bridgeport | Noon to 3 p.m.
Attendees will find giveaways for book bags and school supplies, as well as access to games, free haircuts and more.
Sun., Aug. 23
Bridgeport Firebirds Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway
391 E. Washington Ave., Bridgeport | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The free event will include backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, nail painting, food and drinks. Supplies are available while they last.
Tues., Aug. 25
Thewrightwayqc Annual School Drive
1000 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The event website urges children to bring their own backpack to fill with school supplies. The child must be present and the organizers require a current school supply list or syllabus to receive supplies.
Sales Tax-Free Week
Connecticut’s annual Sales Tax-Free Week runs this week. Most qualifying clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item can be purchased without state sales tax through Saturday, Aug. 22. The exemption applies to purchases made at Connecticut retailers as well as qualifying online purchases.
This year, the state expanded the program to include backpacks among the items that can qualify for the tax exemption.
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services provides a full list of qualifying clothing, footwear and other eligible items.
This article first appeared on CT Mirror and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
