Virginia Beach, VA Back-To-School Giveaways Near Me: Where to Find Legit Deals
Photo: Jacob James / Pexels
Virginia Beach hosts two free giveaway events today (August 15) plus a third on August 26, offering backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and health screenings—no registration required for the main care fair.
Two free giveaway events in Virginia Beach on August 15, 2026, are distributing backpacks and school supplies to families today, while a third fair follows on August 26 for families of neurodivergent students. Both events also include haircuts, health screenings, and required vaccinations—all no-cost to attendees. These are direct giveaways hosted by Virginia Beach schools and community organizations, not retailers or sweepstakes.
Readers in the Chesapeake area have a second option, and those seeking budget alternatives can combine Goodwill's steep discounts with items already purchased.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on August 15, 2026.
Free Giveaways Happening Today (August 15)
Virginia Beach Schools Care Fair runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and is open to all Virginia Beach City Public Schools families. According to WAVY.com reporting on the event, more than 100 community partners will distribute free backpacks, school supplies (while supplies last), haircuts, vision screenings, and required school-entry health services.
No registration is required to attend. A second option, Project Ready's Back-to-School Block Party, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake and offers pre-filled free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and community resource information. This event requires pre-registration via Eventbrite and is limited to pre-registered recipients, so supplies are guaranteed if you registered in advance.
Free Health Services at the Care Fair
The Virginia Beach Care Fair includes free health screenings and immunizations provided by the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. Free school-entry physicals are available for elementary students only, and vaccinations are offered for students entering 7th and 12th grade (TDap, HPV, Meningococcal). Vision and hearing screenings are open to all attendees.
These services are available to Virginia Beach residents at no cost.
Specialized Giveaway for Neurodivergent Families (August 26)
The Autism Society Tidewater Health & Safety Fair is scheduled for August 26 at 10 a.m. at the Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Training Academy. According to local news coverage, the event will distribute free giveaways, offer a vaccine clinic, and host information booths and breakout sessions specifically designed for families of autistic and neurodivergent students.
This is a specialized alternative if today's events do not meet your family's needs.
Budget-Friendly Option: Goodwill Discounts
If you miss today's giveaways or need additional items, Goodwill Industries operates 34 locations across Virginia Beach with consistent back-to-school pricing: children's shirts and polos at $2.79, khakis and jeans at $2.79, shoes at $4.99, backpacks starting at $5.99, and supplies from $0.99. These are discounts on used and new items, not free giveaways, but they represent a significant alternative if giveaway supplies run out or you need specific items.
Context on Virginia's Tax-Free Weekend
Virginia's sales tax holiday ran August 7–9, 2026, but has already ended. Under the now-closed promotion, school supplies priced at $20 or less per item and clothing and footwear at $100 or less per item qualified for zero sales tax. Laptops, tablets, electronics, and protective sports gear were excluded.
This context is useful for planning next year's back-to-school shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend the Virginia Beach Care Fair with kids from other school districts?
The event is open to all Virginia Beach City Public Schools families, but coverage for other district students depends on individual partner policies; attendance is free for all regardless.
Is pre-registration required for the Care Fair on August 15?
No pre-registration is required for the main Care Fair at the Convention Center; the Project Ready event in Chesapeake does require pre-registration via Eventbrite and guarantees supplies only to registered recipients.
What if supplies run out at the giveaways?
Both events note supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis (while supplies last), so early arrival increases your chances. Goodwill serves as a lower-cost backup if giveaway items are unavailable.