Building Bridges Across the River is hosting THEARC’s Annual Back-to-School Festival: Beyond the Stars on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM EDT at THEARC in Southeast Washington, D.C. The free community event equips local students for the upcoming school year with complimentary backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, hair braiding, shoes, live entertainment, and hands-on STEM/STEAM discovery activities.
Get ready for an exciting kickoff to the school year! Building Bridges Across the River invites families, students, and community members from across Washington, D.C., to THEARC’s Annual Back-to-School Festival.
This year’s celebration embraces the theme “Beyond the Stars,” offering an inspiring afternoon designed to encourage local youth to dream big, explore STEM opportunities, and start the new school year fully prepared.
Event at a Glance
- Event: THEARC’s Back-to-School Festival: Beyond the Stars
- Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
- Location: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC), 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
- Cost: Free admission (Open to all ages)
Free Resources and Family Activities
The festival is fully packed with essential school supplies, personal grooming services, and engaging entertainment for children of all grade levels:
- Free Backpacks & School Supplies: Grab essential classroom supplies to prepare students for academic success.
- Complimentary Haircuts & Braiding: Professional styling stations on-site to help students look their best for the first day of class.
- Shoe Giveaways & Community Marketplace: Explore local community partners, neighborhood resources, and featured giveaways.
- Interactive STEM/STEAM Experiences: Hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activations aligned with the “Beyond the Stars” theme.
- Live Entertainment & Games: Enjoy neighborhood performers, music, food, and interactive games for the whole family.
How to Register and Attend
Admission is 100% free, but advance registration is strongly encouraged to ensure adequate supplies and giveaways for all participating students.
- Reserve General Admission Tickets: Secure entry passes for your family on the official Eventbrite Registration Page.
- Book Hair Styling Services: Space for free haircuts and braiding is limited, so make sure to register in advance through the Eventbrite portal.
- Plan Your Visit: THEARC is accessible via public transit, rideshare, and personal vehicle with on-site parking in Southeast D.C.
#THEARCfest2026 #BackToSchoolDC #Ward8Events
