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4 back-to-school events in Tampa Bay this weekend

Get kids ready for the school year with school supply giveaways, health clinics, and parties.

Shoppers walking past stores in a mall.

This weekend, snag a $25 gift card from Brandon Mall.

Photo via Brandon Mall

Parents with kids heading back to school, we’re pretty sure we know how you’re spending your weekend: taking advantage of the final tax-free shopping days to stock up on school supplies (they end Sunday, Aug. 6).

Grab the whole family and make a day of it by stopping by these local events, where freebies, giveaways, and helpful resources are waiting for both parents and kids.

Back To School Bash | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sweet Mama’s Tampa, 905 N. Tampa St. | Free | Free ice cream, free haircuts, and game stations await at this celebration for students, parents, and teachers.

Back to School Backpack Giveaway | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 12-5 p.m. | Parking Lot 4, Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr. | Free | Join this back-to-school event where more than 2,000 “fully loaded” backpacks will be given away.

Back 2 School Health Clinic | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | South University, 4401 N. Himes Ave. | This clinic from Tampa General Hospital and other partners will ensure kids have required shot records transfers, routine vaccinations, or school physicals — you must make an appointment online in advance.

Brandon Mall Giveaway | Friday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 6 | Mall hours | Brandon Mall, 459 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon | Spend $250 at two or more Brandon Mall retailers or restaurants and get a free $25 gift card to select stores. Bonus: Kids can meet “Gabby’s Dollhouse” star Laila Lockhart at a Saturday autograph signing.

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