School is just about to begin in Wichita, and there are many things to get done: school meal forms, supplies shopping, vaccinations and more must be completed before the 2022-2023 school year begins.

Here is a list of events that parents and students might enjoy or find helpful as the final days of summer bring us ever closer to the first morning bell of the school year.

If you have an event you would like to have featured on The Wichita Beacon, email trace@thebeacon.media with details.

Wednesday, Aug. 10

Back To School Supply Drive
About:
Do you still need to go back-to-school shopping? Rock of Christ Church is having a supply drive where parents can come pick up items for free. 
When:
Aug. 10, 6-8 p.m.
Address:
Rock of Christ Church
147 S. Hillside 
Wichita, KS 67211

Saturday, Aug. 13

Back to School T-Shirt Tie Dye
About: 
The Enchanted Mermaid provides the items and the dye. You have the fun. A single item will be $25, and every additional item is $5. Snacks and fantastic pictures are also provided. Come get messy! All tickets must be purchased 24 hours before the event either online, in-store or over the phone.
When: 
Aug. 13, 6-8 p.m. 
Address: 
The Enchanted Mermaid
3201 E. Douglas Ave.
Wichita, KS 67218

Art Together: The Stories We Share
About:
Join Mark Arts at 10 a.m. for Storytime in the Gallery in partnership with Storytime Village and listen to a reading while surrounded by energizing abstract art. Create your own “selfie” using symbols that represent who you are. Then learn about the preservation of tribal culture with an educational performance at 11 a.m. by the Wichita War Dancer at Stickwork, a site-specific sculpture adjacent to the outdoor Gallery Terrace. Art Together is a free, recurring community arts event held the second Saturday of the month. Advance registration is requested.
When:
Aug. 13, 10 a.m.
Address: 
Mark Arts
1307 N. Rock Road
Wichita, KS 67206

City Crew: Back to School Bash
About: 
Kick off the new school year with a bang! Head to O.J. Watson Park to play miniature golf, ride the train and cruise the water on a pedal boat. Munch on some snacks while you enjoy the rides!
When:
Aug. 13, 5-7 p.m.
Address:
O.J. Watson Park
3022 S. McLean Blvd. 
Wichita, KS 67217

Sunday, Aug. 14 

Back to School Explosion 
About: 
Celebrate getting back to school at Calvary Baptist Church with an explosive gospel concert featuring Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters.
When:
Aug. 14, 4-7 p.m.
Address: 
Calvary Baptist Church
2653 N. Hillside St.
Wichita, KS 67219

Back to School Block Party
About:
Join The Dwelling Church for its Back to School Block Party. You can enjoy a bounce house, Kona Ice truck, grilled food, music and yard games. Everything is free.
When:
Aug. 14, 5-7 p.m.
Address:
The Dwelling Church 
1056 Patricia St.
Wichita, KS 67208

Wednesday, Aug. 17

Back to School Bash
About:
The Movement Church is hosting a back-to-school bash with snow cones, a bounce house and lots of water fun.
When:
Aug. 17, 7-8:30 p.m.
Address:
The Movement Church
200 S. St. Clair St.
Wichita, KS 67213

Friday, Aug. 19

Back to School Splash 6th-8th Grades
About:
Bring your middle school friends for a night of music and fun in the water at Rock River Rapids. Wear your swimsuit. Please remember the USD 260 (Derby schools) rules apply and will be enforced. Volunteer chaperones are always welcome and needed. It’s $5 for admission, and a student ID is needed to enter.
When: 
Aug. 19, 7-9 p.m.
Address:
Rock River Rapids 
1900 E. James St.
Derby, KS 67037

Saturday, Aug. 20

Maize South Mavericks Back-to-School Carnival
About:
The Maize South Mavericks football team is hosting a carnival. Everyone is welcome to enjoy carnival games, prizes, food trucks and more. 
When: 
Aug. 20, 4-8 p.m.
Address: 
Maize South High School
3701 N. Tyler Road
Wichita, KS 67205

Local Author Day
About:
Meet local authors, purchase their books and get them signed at Local Author Day. Let their experiences inspire and motivate you on your writing journey.
When:
Aug. 20, 2-4 p.m.
Address:
Wichita Public Library (Advanced Learning Library)
711 W. Second St. 
Wichita, KS 67203

Saturday, Aug. 27

Wichita CAREfest 
About:
Join Heartspring for a festival full of awesome events for a good cause including the Autism CARE Walk, PedalFest bicycle rides, a 5K run, a car show, food trucks, music including a concert by Groove 42, and plenty of activities for everyone. So walk, roll and help us meet our fundraising goal at Heartspring’s CAREfest.
When:
Aug. 27, 6:45 a.m. for bike rides, 10 a.m. for general admission
Address:
Heartspring
8700 E. 29th St. North
Wichita, KS 67226