Lutz and Land O' Lakes families can grab free backpacks, explore magnet school programs and knock out back-to-school shopping in one trip when Hillsborough County Public Schools holds its 19th Annual Back to School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Citrus Park Town Center.

The fair moves to a new location this year, according to the district. Citrus Park Town Center in Tampa sits about 10 miles from Land O' Lakes and Lutz, putting it within easy reach of northwest Hillsborough families.

What's free

The first 1,000 students will receive free backpacks while supplies last, according to the HCPS district announcement.

What families can do

The district is setting up connections to HCPS magnet schools, after-school programs, health resources and community organizations. Kids get live student performances, mascot meet-and-greets from local sports teams, princess meet-and-greets, story time, sing-alongs, face painting and photo ops.

The event is free and open to all families.

Sales tax holiday overlap

The fair falls during Florida's 2026 back-to-school sales tax holiday, which runs Monday, July 20, through Thursday, Aug. 20. During that window, school supplies priced at $50 or less per item, clothing and footwear at $100 or less, personal computers at $1,500 or less and learning aids at $30 or less are all tax-exempt. Families shopping at Citrus Park Town Center stores before or after the fair can take advantage of both.

Heading into the school year

The fair comes as HCPS enters the 2026-27 school year after earning its first A grade from the Florida Department of Education in more than a decade. The first day of school for most Hillsborough County students is Monday, Aug. 10.

More Events

What: 19th Annual HCPS Back to School Fair
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Citrus Park Town Center, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa, FL 33625
Cost: Free
Details: tampabayparenting.com/backtoschoolfair-6214