10th Annual Backpack Giveaway
Peacock Real Estate’s annual school-backpack giveaway at 18030 3 Mile Road. Supplies may be limited, so check the organizer’s current instructions.
Official event listing ↗August 2026
Your quick August list: what to do, what to register for and what to handle before school starts.
Plan ahead and save
Back-to-School Help
Start here for verified backpack and school-supply giveaways, plus links that can help families prepare for the new school year.
Back-to-School Backpacks & Supplies
God’s Helping Hands plans to distribute backpacks and supplies for preschool through 12th grade at the St. Michael School outdoor pavilion, 8944 50th Avenue. Check eligibility and supply limits.
Organizer announcement ↗Huntey’s Clubhouse
Licensed infant, toddler, preschool and school-age care. Ask directly about fall openings, schedules, transportation, rates and assistance acceptance.
Program and tour information ↗Little Village
Open play, classes, parties and family events at 39 Front Street. This is a caregiver-supervised play space rather than drop-off child care.
Hours, prices and event calendar ↗Schools, care and family support
Use the local guides for school contacts, childcare planning, food assistance, clothing and other family resources.
School guide → · Family support →Local Clothing Closets
Call or schedule ahead—hours, available sizes and eligibility can change.
Angels of Action Give Shop
Free coats, shoes, boots and everyday clothing for preschool through high school. Shopping is private and appointment-based.
Give Shop details and appointments ↗Morley Community Center Closet
Free clothing and shoes for people in need at 151 E. 7th Street. Contact the center before visiting: 231-660-1555.
Community Center contact information ↗Morley Stanwood Emergency Clothes Closet
The elementary school maintains emergency clothing, including seasonal items. Families should contact the school office or social worker for assistance.
Elementary school contacts ↗God’s Helping Hands
Provides community assistance and accepts clean clothing donations. Call 989-967-8581 to ask about current clothing availability, hours and assistance.
Current organization updates ↗August family calendar
Events are organized by week and then by date. Free events are labeled; library programs may still require registration.
Week 1 · August 1–2
38th Annual Truck & Tractor Pulls
A full day of truck and tractor pulling at Celebration Acres, 555 6th Street. Gates open at 10 a.m.; pulling is advertised to begin at noon. Check admission and family-viewing details before leaving.
Official event listing ↗Honeybees: Buzzing Through Time
All ages can learn about honeybees, view an observation hive, taste honey and make a hand-rolled beeswax candle in the Big Rapids Community Library Literacy Park. Registration required.
Library details and registration ↗10th Annual Backpack Giveaway
Peacock Real Estate’s annual school-backpack giveaway at 18030 3 Mile Road. Supplies may be limited, so check the organizer’s current instructions.
Official event listing ↗Osceola County 4-H Free Fair
4-H shows and family attractions. General admission and parking are advertised as free; grandstand events are separate.
Official fair information ↗Three-Day IBRA Barrel Show
The final day of a barrel-racing event at 7064 E. 64th Street in Chase. Confirm spectator admission, parking and the Sunday schedule before traveling.
Find organizer updates ↗Week 2 · August 3–9
Archaeology: Breakfast Cereal Survey
Use familiar cereals to learn how archaeologists began studying ancient peoples. Presented in the library’s Literacy Park by the University of Michigan Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. Registration required.
Library details and registration ↗Archaeology & Technology Talk
Dr. Will Pestle of the Kelsey Museum explains how archaeologists use technology to uncover information about past lives. Registration required.
Library details and registration ↗Sensory Storytime
Yoga, stories and hands-on outdoor play for children of all abilities at Big Rapids Community Library. Prepare for messy play and register first.
Library events and registration ↗MOTA Bus-Safety Storytime
A special storytime in the Big Rapids Community Library Literacy Park with an introduction to bus safety. Registration required.
Library details and registration ↗Ms. Robin’s Storytime
A weekly Wednesday storytime at 832 S. Lincoln Avenue in Lakeview. Confirm the current session and age fit before traveling.
Find organizer updates ↗Spuddies at Hemlock Park
Bring chairs or a blanket for the Bandshell Summer Concert Series at Hemlock Park.
Verified 2026 concert schedule ↗Discovery Garden Club: Insect Investigators
Ages 5–12 with an adult. Explore the library garden, find insects and learn how citizen science helps track insect populations. Registration required.
Library events and registration ↗Farmers’ Market Storytime
Stories, rhymes, songs and movement with Mr. Howard at the Big Rapids Farmers Market, 226 N. Michigan Avenue.
Library event details ↗Midway Madness Youth Wrestling
Indoor and outdoor K–12 wrestling at the Mecosta County Fairgrounds. The organizer advertises a $40 entry fee; verify division, weigh-in and registration details.
Organizer updates ↗Week 3 · August 10–16
Sensory Storytime
Yoga, stories and hands-on outdoor play for children of all abilities at Big Rapids Community Library. Registration required.
Library events and registration ↗Library Storytime
Stories, rhymes, songs and movement with Mr. Howard at Big Rapids Community Library. Registration required.
Library events and registration ↗Luke Woltanski at Hemlock Park
The final scheduled Bandshell Summer Concert Series performance at Hemlock Park.
Artist’s official tour listing ↗Thursday Night in Pocket Park: The Andrews
Free live music at Pocket Park in downtown Big Rapids. Bring your own seating and confirm weather updates before leaving.
Downtown Big Rapids updates ↗Summer Reading: Stories in Nature
A Big Rapids Community Library summer-reading activity at 426 S. Michigan Avenue. Check the listing for the day’s theme and register first.
Library events and registration ↗Great American Crossroads Celebration
A free celebration advertised with a parade, children’s carnival, classic cars, vendors, music and food. Check the final schedule.
Verified event listing ↗Remus Sidewalk Sales
A downtown community sale with local shops and vendors. Check organizer updates for participating businesses, food and family activities.
Official event listing ↗Outdoor Dinosaur Movie Night
Big Rapids Community Library hosts an outdoor movie at 21325 18 Mile Road. Gates open at 8:30 p.m.; Triple C Concessions is expected. Check the library listing for the title and register before attending.
Library details and registration ↗Week 4 · August 17–23
Back-to-School Backpacks & Supplies
God’s Helping Hands plans to distribute backpacks and school supplies for preschool through 12th grade at the St. Michael School outdoor pavilion, 8944 50th Avenue. Check eligibility and supply limits.
Organizer announcement ↗Sensory Storytime
Yoga, stories and hands-on outdoor play for children of all abilities at Big Rapids Community Library. Registration required.
Library events and registration ↗Firefighter Storytime & Firehouse Tour
Meet local firefighters at Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Registration required.
Library events and registration ↗Farmers’ Market Storytime
Special storytime with Mr. Howard at the Friday farmers market, 226 N. Michigan Avenue.
Library event details ↗Superhero Birthday Parade for Koa
Families are invited to decorate a vehicle, wear superhero gear, make colorful signs and join a community birthday parade at Trinity Fellowship EFC, 15085 220th Avenue. The family asks vehicles to pass slowly and participants to wave, cheer, blow kisses or sing instead of honking.
Community event announcement ↗Week 5 · August 24–31
Sensory Storytime
Yoga, stories and hands-on outdoor play for children of all abilities at Big Rapids Community Library. Registration required.
Library events and registration ↗Pocket Park Music Series: Balsam Brothers
Free lunchtime music at Pocket Park, 123 N. Michigan Avenue in downtown Big Rapids.
Downtown Big Rapids updates ↗Every Friday
Big Rapids Farmers Market
Fresh food and local vendors at 226 N. Michigan Avenue. Children’s activities are offered on select Fridays.
Official market information ↗Good anytime this month
Use the last weeks of outdoor summer
Choose a splash pad, pool, county park, trail or lake day using current operating notices.
Summer activity guide →Have a weather-proof backup
Bowling, roller skating, indoor play and creative activities work for hot or rainy days.
Family-friendly businesses →Finish a summer reading goal
Check your library’s completion deadline, prize pickup instructions and August programs.
Area libraries →Plan one low-cost meal out
Use verified offers and call first because franchise participation can vary.
Kids’ meal options →Keep in mind before school starts
Confirm school details
Check enrollment, orientation, supplies, transportation and the first day directly with the school.
Schools by area →Register for fall activities
Soccer, football, cheer, hockey, scouting and clubs may register before fall begins.
Registration watch guide →Arrange school-age care
Ask providers about before-school, after-school and closure-day availability.
Childcare guide →Check support early
Food, clothing, health and school-supply programs may have separate rules or distribution dates.
Family support resources →