A list of free and cheap back-to-school events in and around Wichita

When the calendar turns to August, Wichitans are sharpening pencils, tidying backpacks and gearing up for the start of school.

Events around the community will allow people to donate supplies, pick up a free backpack, or celebrate the end of summer with games and food.

Here are some things going on around town to mark back-to-school season:

Back to School Bash at the Sedgwick County Zoo

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.

Admission to the zoo is $3 all day on Saturday. Guests are encouraged to bring school supplies to donate for children in the community but donations are not required to receive discounted admission.

Back to School Rug Giveaway at Jabara’s Carpet Outlet

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 1816 N. Broadway

Jabara’s Carpet Outlet is giving away more than 500 free rugs to local teachers on Saturday. There’s a limit of one rug per teacher and teachers must show their teacher IDs to receive the rug. There will also be refreshments and a raffle to win door prizes. All rugs are made from carpet remnants, so size, color and style will not be guaranteed.

Back to School Bash at O.J. Watson Park

6-8 p.m. Saturday, 3022 S. McLean Blvd.

Wichita Park and Recreation is hosting a back to school bash on Saturday at O.J. Watson park. Admission to the event is free. There will be games, food trucks, craft projects, prizes and more.

Back to School Bash at South Riverside Baptist Church

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, 4235 S. Hydraulic

Head to the South Riverside Baptist Church for a free back-to-school bash on Saturday. There will be a bake sale and school supplies giveaway while supplies last from 9 to 11 a.m. From 10 a.m. to noon, the fire department will be at the event with a truck to talk about safety. Kids can play in the bouncy castle or take part in outdoor games from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. From noon to 2 p.m., there will be water games. Food at the event will include hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, fruit, veggies and drinks. Guests should bring towels and swimsuits for water games.

Back to School Teacher’s Week at Apricot Lane

Through Sunday, 8111 E. 21st St. North, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Teachers can head over to Apricot Lane from July 29 to Aug. 5 for 20 percent off their total purchase for back-to-school teacher week.

Mom’s Night Out at Brightwater Bay

4-9 p.m. Thursday, 4900 W. 31st St. South

Moms looking to relax before the busy school year begins can have a mom’s night out at Brightwater Bay on Thursday. Go for a float on the lake and play tennis, volleyball, horseshoes or basketball. Drinks will be provided by Shaken or Stirred Bartending. Tickets are $20 online prior to the event or $25 at the door. Includes access to property, lake and games, two adult beverages and food. Get tickets in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moms-night-out-tickets-47827926616.

Back to School Spectacular at Blue Baboon Books

5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, 9428 W. Central

Book lovers can head to Blue Baboon Books on Thursday for a back-to-school spectacular. Guests can donate a school supply item and get 20 percent off one item in store. People can donate up to five items to receive 20 percent off five items. There will also be a scavenger hunt, a brain teaser table and crafts.

Splatter Paint Kids Night Out at The Busted Pallet

6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 10, 4935 W. Central, Suite 110

The Busted Pallet is putting on a splatter paint night on Aug. 10. Tickets are $15 per kid and include pizza, drinks, and a custom splatter paint sign. Registration is due by Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. Get tickets online at https://thebustedpallet.com or by calling 316-558-3201

Back 2 School Bash at Westway Marketplace

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Aug. 11, 2465 S. Seneca

Celebrate back to school at the Westway Marketplace on Aug. 11. Guests can enjoy a car show, food trucks, bouncy houses, face painting and more. People are encouraged to bring school supplies to donate to local schools.

Dream Kids Back2School Bash at The Altar Church

Saturday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., 321 S. 162nd St. West, Goddard

The Altar Church is helping kids get ready for the first day back to school at its back to school bash on Aug. 11. The event will feature inflatables, entertainment and free lunch. There are free backpacks full of school supplies for the first 250 kids in kindergarten through fifth grade, while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Back to School Bash at Radiant Church

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Aug. 11, Towne West Mall, 4600 W. Kellogg

Radiant Church in Towne West Mall is hosting a back-to-school bash on Aug. 11. There will be food, games, giveaways, and more. If people bring a school supply item to donate, they will be entered into a grand prize drawing.

Down 2 Earth’s Back to School Block Party

8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Aug. 11, 1156 N. Oliver Ave.

What better way to swing into the school year than with a community-wide block party? The Aug. 11 event will have health screenings, charity basketball tournaments, live performances, food vendors, games, moonwalks, giveaways and more. All proceeds will be donated to the school drive. Activities and events for Kindergarten through 12th grade. City councilman Brandon Johnson will deliver a “State of District” address.

Chaos Youth’s Back 2 School Party at Sedgwick County Park

6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 12, 6501 W. 21st St. North

Join Chaos Youth at Sedgwick County park on Aug. 12 for a throwable paintball fight, water balloons, snacks, and more.

Paint a back-to-school wine glass with Painting and Vino Wichita

5-8 p.m. Aug. 28, Mediterranean Grill, 335 S. Towne East Mall Dr.

Head to Mediterranean Grill for a back to school themed paint and wine night. Guests can paint the themed design or choose from a binder of ideas. Tickets are $25 and include all supplies and two wine glasses per painter. People should arrive 15 minutes early for check in. Food and beverages must be made directly through the hosting venue. Wine is not included in the ticket price and no outside food or beverages are allowed. Guests must be 21 and over to attend. Get tickets at https://paintingandvino.com/event/2711/back-to-school-wine-glass