Back 2 School Festival

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August 8, 2026

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Back 2 School Festival 〰️ August 8, 2026 〰️

2026 Festival Schedule

9:00 AM | Green Valley, Bethel, Parkway

10:15 AM | Valle Crucis, Mabel, Blowing Rock, Two Rivers

Noon | Hardin Park

1:00 PM | Cove Creek, Homeschoolers

Mark Your Calendar >

1900+

Watauga County students served each year

 400+  

400+ volunteers make the festival possible each year

$170

Average cost of school supplies per child each year

Serving Watauga County Families since 2013

The Back to School Festival (B2SF) was created to lift the financial burden that back-to-school shopping can place on local families. When students are unable to access the supplies they need, that responsibility often falls on faculty. Together, we can make a difference and ensure every student starts the new school year feeling confident and prepared!

Learn more about us >

  • "As a mom of 3, school shopping adds up quickly. What means the most is that my kids still get to make their own choices, picking out shoes and a backpack they really like. That choice makes them so proud to walk into school on their first day. My kids look forward to it every year!"

    — Kathryn

  • “When I began my tenure as Superintendent of Watauga County, one of the first events I attended was the Back 2 School Festival. What I witnessed cannot be captured in words, but it was one of the most powerful displays of community and service that I had — or have — ever witnessed. To see how the whole community wraps their arms around our families touches the heart in so many ways.”

    —Dr. Leslie Alexander, Watauga County Schools Superintendent

  • "My favorite part was picking my own backpack. It has space for all my stuff and I had fun playing games with my friends."

    —Sarah, Age 7

  • “The outpouring of generosity from all corners of the community resulted in hundreds of children & families able to start the school year fully prepared to learn & succeed.”

    —Dr. Scott Elliot, FORMER Watauga County Schools Superintendent

  • "I got black Nike's and they look really cool and help me run fast. I can't wait to wear them on my first day."

    — Chris, Age 13

  • "The driving force is the excitement that you see here. You have kids so excited to get their backpacks and they’re showing their teachers their new backpack and they’re showing off their new shoes and it’s just exciting to see the excitement on these kid’s faces — makes it all worth it."

    —Kendra Sink, Back 2 School Festival Coordinator

  • "At the heart of the Back 2 School Festival is our community’s unwavering support for our schoolchildren. This event is about making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to take on a new school year.”

    — Anna Floyd, Back 2 School Festival Media Coordinator

Thank you to our 2025 Title Sponsors

Interested in helping us plan the Back 2 School Festival?