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. 

For students in the Pocket neighborhood, 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 and resources available for students and their families to be ready for the first day of school.

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.

The fourth annual event will be held at the center’s campus 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 at 4040 Fourth Ave.

Attendees may register ahead of the event by visiting gsul.org/event/yfc-block-2-school-bash.

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 attendees with both practical resources and joyful experiences before the school year begins. 

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

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

“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.”

Haircuts will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that 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 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 email [email protected].