BACK2SCHOOL BASH
Join us for Raleigh Dream Center’s annual Back2School Bash!
This is a FREE festival celebrating the kids in our community as they go back to school. Come out for new backpacks, school supplies, games, food, and a whole lot of hope.
Saturday, August 1st, 2026
TIME
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location
New Hope Baptist Church 4301 Louisburg Rd, Raleigh, NC
Please note: There is no parking at the event location.
Parking
Park at Crossroads Fellowship 2721 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC – free shuttles run from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Cost
100% Free Community Event First come, first served basis (while supplies last).
Sending Kids Back With Hope
Raleigh Dream Center is honored to host our annual Back2School Bash with presenting sponsor Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes. Fresh off a Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold, Jaccob points past every trophy to Christ, reminding us that our true worth is not found in what we achieve, but in who God made us to be. That’s the same hope we want every child in the Triangle to carry into the new school year.
We host the Back2School Bash to declare truth over every child in our community, loud and clear: You are loved. You are valued. You have sacred purpose. There is hope through Jesus Christ!
This free, family-friendly event provides backpacks and school supplies to the children and families we consistently serve throughout our outreach communities. There will be festival rides, games, food, and so much more! We will equip students not only with the tools they need to succeed, but with new dreams and hopes planted in their hearts for the future.
Bring On the Fun!
More than a backpack giveaway, this community celebration features rides, games, and food for a day the whole family will remember.
Inflatables & Rides
Bounce houses, slides and festival rides.
Hurricanes Games
Hockey-themed games and activities from the Canes.
Lunch & Sweets
Free lunch plus cotton candy, snow cones & popcorn!
Face Painting
Free face painting all afternoon long.
Balloon Artist
Balloon creations for kids of every age.
Backpack Giveaway
New backpacks loaded with school supplies for the kids.
Misting Fans
Misting fans and shaded tents to keep everyone cool.
Gospel Presentation
A gospel tract and presentation shared with every family.
The Heart Behind this Event
Get Involved
Volunteer
The Back2School Bash is one of Raleigh Dream Center’s biggest days of the year. It’s a free community celebration where local students receive backpacks, school supplies, games, and the love of Christ as they head into a new school year.
Volunteer roles include: Inflatables, Kids Inflatables, Midway Games, Concessions, Face Painting & Balloons, Registration & Hospitality, First Aid, Parking, and Floaters.
Volunteer Hours: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
DONATE
Every backpack we hand out is part of something bigger. Your donation sustains the outreach that brings hope all year long. Your gift fuels consistent programs of food and mentorship for children in under-resourced communities and those facing homelessness. Partner with us – it takes a whole community coming together to make this possible.
more Ways to Bless Our Students
- Provide a large quantity of a single item for students (for example, 3,000 pairs of sunglasses, lunch bags, socks, or water bottles)
- Set up a tent to provide a helpful item or service to students and families (such as new shoes, haircuts, or a service that helps prepare students for going back to school)
- Donate gift cards that let families choose what they need most
- Help provide food, snacks, or water for the day
Our heart is simply to bless students and share the hope of Christ.
Contact: priscilla@raleighdreamcenter.org
Park & Ride
No Parking at the Event
There is no parking on site. All guests must park at Crossroads Fellowship and ride the free shuttle.
1
Park at Crossroads Fellowship 2721 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC. 5-7 minute drive away from the event.
2
Catch the free shuttle Several shuttles will run continuously, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
3
Arrive at the Bash! New Hope Baptist Church, 4301 Louisburg Rd. Raleigh, NC
Adopt-A-Block SITES - FREE TRANSPORTATION
The Back2School Bash is for the whole community, and we want to make sure every family can be there. There will be free transportation provided for all 16 Adopt-A-Block sites across the Triangle, bringing neighborhood families to and from the event.
Adopt-A-Block is the heart of Raleigh Dream Center’s year-round outreach. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, volunteers show up in the same neighborhoods to share groceries, build friendships, and share the hope of Christ.
Families who are part of an Adopt-A-Block community can connect with their site team for shuttle details and pickup times. Please see the link below for site locations.
We'll See You There
Saturday, August 1st · 10 AM – 2 PM. We’re cheering you on and praying for a great year ahead!