Celebrate the New School Year at the CPS Back-to-School Fest

Cincinnati Public Schools is proud to invite you and your family to experience the excitement of the new school year at the annual CPS Back-to-School Fest, presented by the University of Cincinnati’s CPS Strong Initiative! 

Join us at Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This beloved community event helps students and families get ready for a strong start to the school year with everything they need in one place. 

Families can look forward to meeting school leaders, connecting with CPS departments and accessing valuable resources from more than 75 community partners. Free backpacks, school supplies and food are available, while supplies last. The event will also feature services to help students head back to school ready to succeed, including physicals and vaccinations. Tour a Metro bus and participate in a yellow bus safety experience. Plus, enjoy music, games, face painting, a selfie station and more! 

We’re proud to bring our community together each year to support students, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Thank you to our generous sponsors for the 2026 CPS Back-to-School Fest. 

Title Sponsor: University of Cincinnati CPS Strong

Host Sponsors: Cinfed Credit Union, Humana 

Community Sponsors: Anthem, Best Point, Payton’s Lemonade Stand

Friend of CPS Sponsors: CareSource, Champions, Kids Thrive, Learning Grove FamiliesFORWARD, Staci’s Promise Foundation 

In-Kind Donation: Audrey Varner, Freestore Foodbank, The Joe Burrow Foundation, Kroger, River of Life Church, Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, Scholastic, VEGA Americas Inc., 7 Hills Church