Back to school deals and events for Columbus and Central Ohio

Even though it feels like summer shouldn’t be ending soon, it’s close to back to school time for Central Ohio students! Scour the sales, get your shopping done, and make sure you finish the summer with some FUN!

We’ve gathered the best back to school deals and events below, as well as some other useful links for getting ready for the start of a new school year!

KidsLinked Back to School Events

Kidslinked.com hosts fun back-to-school events throughout the city featuring school supply giveaways, games, contests, and tons of fun activities for kids, as well as resources for parents. See the upcoming events here.

KidsLinked Back to School Bashes

Chase Back-to-School Giveaway events

Chase is hosting five back-to-school events this season to provide Central Ohio students and families with over 650 backpacks. In celebration of the back-to-school season, select community events will feature free food, music, school supplies, and financial education.  

Long Street Back to School Event 
Thursday, July 30 at 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  
1245 E Long St Columbus OH 43203 

East Broad Back to School Event
Friday, August 7 at 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3200 E. Broad St Columbus, Ohio 43209

Northern Lights Back to School Block Party
Thursday, August 13 at 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
3233 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43224 

West Broad Back to School Block Party
Tuesday, August 18 at 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
3100 W Broad St, Columbus, OH, 43204  

13th Annual Fatherhood & Family Back to School Resource Day
Sunday, August 23 at 1:00 p.m. – 5 p.m.
1184 Barnett Road Columbus, Ohio 43227 

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday for Tax Free Shopping 

Items included in Ohio Sales Tax Holiday for Tax-free Back-to-school Shopping from Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 10, 2026. 

The exemption will apply to all items of clothing priced at $75 or less, school supplies priced at $20 or less, and school instructional materials priced at $20 or less.

See full details and changes!

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday for Tax Free Shopping

$12 Haircuts for kids at JCP Salons

Make sure the kids have a fresh haircut for their first day (or school photo day). See the offer for a $12 haircut at JCP Salons, or 30% off hairstyles!

Back to school deal: $12 haircuts for students at JCP Salons

Golden Corral $2.50 Kids Buffet

Golden Corral is making the back to school season more affordable with the $2.50 Kids Buffet and drink offer, now available through August 30, 2026. The offer is now available to all eligible guests with the purchase of an adult or senior buffet every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 30 during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, Kids 3 and Under Eat FREE!

Limit one free Kids Buffet per Adult or Senior Buffet purchase on the same ticket. 

Golden Corral is also making nutritious choices easier to identify through the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell® program. 

School Clothing Program

If you know of a child in need of back to school clothing or supplies, contact Charity Newsies to find out how to register for the School Clothing Program. NOTE: this program registration typically ends in early July.

Charity Newsies School Clothing Program

Ricart Backpack Drive

Drop off backpack and school supplies now through August 15th at ANY Ricart Automotive locations. 

See details on Facebook. 

These supplies will go to local homeless shelters and families in need to help ensure all kids have the proper supplies and tools they need to successfully start of the school year. 

Upcoming Central Ohio back to school deals and events

Finish off your summer with some fun!

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