San Angelo READS! Back-to-School Pop-Up: Free Supplies, Food & Fun for Families

SAN ANGELO, TX - Mark your calendars and save the date as San Angelo ISD is inviting the community to join them for the 3rd Annual San Angelo READS! & United We Read Back-to-School Pop-Up Event. 

It will happen on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Financial Pavilion, located at 4400 Grape Creek Road. 

This event is a free, family-friendly community event that brings together local organizations, businesses, churches, nonprofits and volunteers to help local students start the school year prepared, confident and ready to learn. Families attending the event can enjoy free food, school supplies, backpacks, community resources, services, games, activities and much more. 

Over the past two years, the Back-to-School Pop-Up has grown into one of the community's largest back-to-school outreach events. Last year, more than 1,200 attendees connected with nearly 95 community partners, who provided free backpacks, school supplies, resources, services and activities for local families. 

"We are excited to build on that momentum and make this year's event even bigger and better," information from San Angelo ISD states. 

San Angelo READS! and United We Read invite businesses, churches, civic organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, community groups and individuals to participate. Community partners can support the event by: 

• Donating school supplies, backpacks or monetary contributions
• Providing free services, resources or educational information
• Hosting a family-friendly game, activity or interactive booth
• Participating in the outdoor Vehicle Exploration area with emergency, service or specialty vehicles
• Bringing a mascot or family-friendly costumed character to help create a fun and exciting experience for children and families 

To ensure the event remains welcoming and accessible for all families, all items, services and activities must be provided free of charge. Sales of any kind, including food, merchandise or promotional sales, will not be permitted, according to the school district. 

Organizations interested in participating can register at https://bit.ly/4dNY0XW or by scanning the QR code below. Early registration is encouraged to assist organizers with planning and coordination.

"In addition to helping students prepare for a successful school year, participation provides a valuable opportunity to connect with community members, share information about available services and demonstrate support for local families," San Angelo ISD stated in a media release. 

Community members are encouraged to share information about the event with friends, family members, businesses, churches, civic groups and organizations throughout the Concho Valley. 

"The more community partners involved, the greater impact the event can have on local students and families," information from the district states. "Together, we can help ensure children start the school year with the tools, resources and support they need to succeed."