Back-to-School Season Brings Festivals, Giveaways to Mid-South Side

(Front, right) Kay Robinson and her grandchildren, Kalaila, Kanyla and LeBrandon Collins, enjoy a swing carousel ride during the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization's annual back-to-school festival in Mandrake Park on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Marc C. Monaghan

Hyde Park Herald staff report, Jul 29, 2025

Chicago Public Schools students will return to classrooms on August 18 — but fear not, a slate of back-to-school festivals and giveaways over the next few weeks will help area kids and parents gear up for the first day. 

Running from July 30 through August 16, the events feature a host of performances, family-friendly activities, school supply distributions and more. All events are free and open to the public. 

July 30

Kick off the back-to-school season with the 20th Ward’s dual celebration and office grand opening. Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) is inviting constituents to stop by her new Washington Park office, 5401 S. Wentworth Ave., on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for free food and school supplies, and to meet the 20th Ward team.

"We are thrilled to open our new office and celebrate with our community," said Taylor. "This event is a way for us to give back and ensure our students are prepared for the upcoming school year."

August 2

KOCO Fest returns to Mandrake Park this Saturday, marking 60 years of community organizing by the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization. This annual bash, according to the group, aims to unite South Side youth and seniors.

Organizers anticipate that this year’s festival will draw more than 1,000 people to Bronzeville’s Mandrake Park, 3900 S. Cottage Grove Ave., for a day of live music, food and games for all ages. The event will run from noon to 5 p.m.; activities include basketball, cards, dominos, dancing to old- and new-school tunes, and bounce houses. The organization will also distribute 500 backpacks filled with school supplies. 

For more information, visit kocoonline.org/  

August 8

The Gary Comer Youth Center’s annual Greater Together Block Party returns next Friday. Running from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave., the party will celebrate community partners working to support families in Greater Grand Crossing and send hundreds of kids home with free backpacks and school supplies. 

Community partners, such as Operation Neighborhood Safety, the Chicago Park District, Urban Male Network, Habitat for Humanity, Nike Community Store and Power 92 Chicago, will be on site sharing resources throughout the day. Other activities include live music, an inflatable rock-climbing wall, go-karts, water games, arts and crafts and a raffle.

For more information, visit garycomeryouthcenter.org/blockparty 

August 9

A South Side tradition for nearly a century, the Bud Billiken Parade will march through Bronzeville for its 96th year next Saturday, August 9.

The two-mile parade route runs down King Drive and ends in Washington Park, where a day-long back-to-school bash will take place. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can get free school supplies and hairstyling, attend a career fair, meet local community organizations, get help with college admissions and check out special performances. 

The event is hosted by Chicago Defender Charities Inc. with support from the Mayor’s Office and other city departments. For more information on the parade and festival, visit budbillikenparade.org/  

August 16

Just in time for the first day of Chicago Public Schools, the South Side YMCA is hosting a back-to-school rally on the campus’ outdoor field, 6330 S. Stony Island Ave., on Saturday, August 16. 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the YMCA will provide free snacks, games and other family-friendly activities, plus the chance to meet local partners and schools. The YMCA will also distribute backpacks and school supplies, and raffle off 30 laptops.