ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown School District will host its third annual #OneAllentown Back to School Bash on Wednesday at Cedar Beach Park.
For the first time this year, Allentown families can park for free at the Allentown Fairgrounds and take a shuttle to the park, located at 2600 Parkway Blvd.
The free event runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering music and live entertainment, as well as games, face painting and inflatable activities for students, according to an ASD news release.
It is open to all city students, families and staff.
Additionally, there will be food trucks, where patrons can purchase meals. There will be free food samples from ASD’s Child Nutrition Services Department, too.
Students also can get free school supplies, including backpacks, at the event.
“Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, board member, faith leader, or neighbor, your presence matters."Allentown School District news release
The Back to School Bash is hosted by the district in partnership with the City of Allentown and the Allentown Chamber of Commerce to “bring the Allentown community together to celebrate a new year of learning, growth, and opportunity,” according to the news release.
“Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, board member, faith leader, or neighbor, your presence matters,” the release said.
“Together, we can show our students what it means to be #AllentownProud and ensure they feel supported, celebrated, and seen as they head into the new school year.”
The annual event began under Superintendent Carol Birks after members of her student advisory council told her they wanted to have a block party, she said at a recent school board meeting.
The first year of the celebration brought out 8,000 people, she said. The next year there were 9,000 in attendance.
The district serves about 17,000 students.
ASD will also hold voting for its annual employee recognition contest at the Back to School Bash – there are categories for staff member, teacher and administrator of the year, respectively. Additionally, voting is open online.
The winners will be announced at ASD’s convocation Monday, Aug. 18, at the PPL Center to celebrate the upcoming school year, which begins for all students Aug. 25.
Kindergarteners, sixth graders and high school freshmen report on Aug. 21 for morning orientation, according to the district’s 2025-26 calendar.
