SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - As summer winds down, students are preparing for the start of a new school year by gathering school supplies, updating wardrobes and filling backpacks. 

In East Sacramento, Sacramento City Unified School District classes for the 2025-26 academic year are set to begin on Aug. 18.

A series of back-to-school celebrations and resource fairs are scheduled in the area, offering free school supplies, food, services and entertainment.

Here are a few events that students and their families can attend to be ready for the first day of school.

A new-student ice cream social will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary School, 1410 60th St., for families with students starting their first year at the school. 

This event will be full of family-friendly fun and provide information about the campus as well as its resources.

Families will receive information for the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), a uniform fashion show to learn about the Uniform Policy, meet Principal Brooke Fahey, cool off with ice cream and meet fellow community members. 

There will also be a Uniform Swap Sale where uniform pieces can be purchased. 

Roberts Family Development Center, in partnership with Crown Connection, will host the Back-to-School Block Party: Community Love from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11.,

This fourth annual event will be held at the center’s campus located at 770 Darina Ave. 

Focused on community support and unity, the event will provide free backpacks and school supplies, children’s haircuts, food and drinks, games, music and face painting. 

A variety of family-focused community resources will also be available to attendees.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Greater Sacramento Urban League’s Youth & Families Center and the Black Child Legacy Campaign will present the YFC Block 2 School Bash at Fourth Avenue Park. 

The free event offers backpacks (while supplies last), food, music, games and vendor booths. 

Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a day filled with fun and connection. Fourth Avenue Park is located at 4040 Fourth Ave.

One of the largest events, the Back 2 School Block Party, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 at McClatchy Park (3500 Fifth Ave.). 

Hosted by The Hope Community Church, the event is entering its third year and aims to connect families with resources and provide a fun experience for youth in the community to become excited for the new school year.

Event highlights include a kids’ zone with inflatable attractions, face painting and sensory-friendly activities. Children can also take photos with superhero characters.

“Back-to-school events are vital for our social fabric and cultivating healthy communities, especially in underserved areas,” said Hope Community Pastor Caleb Crenshaw. “It’s a place to get necessities, connect to free community resources, enjoy a free hot dog lunch while making memories with the family.”

In addition to entertainment, the event provides a range of free services. 

Haircuts will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring students can head into the classroom with confidence. 

A free hot dog lunch will be served to all attendees, and thousands of grocery bags and food packages will be available to take home. 

More than 20 community resource vendors will share information and services ranging from nutritional support to free garden seeds.

Those who register in advance online at https://thehope.cc/blockparty/ will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift card. 

For questions or vendor participation, community members can contact [email protected].