Macaroni KID Chico's 2024 Back to School Guide

Get ready, families! The countdown has begun, and the first day of school for your little ones in NorCal is just around the corner.

We've got you covered with the ultimate guide to kick-start the school year. Looking for school calendars in the North Valley? Fun back-to-school events in Butte County? Where to go back-to-school shopping in Chico, Oroville, or Orland?

We have it all, plus advice and tips for dealing with that first-day anxiety, printables to make those first-day pics special, and even ideas on what to pack for lunch! Check it all out below:

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NorCal School Calendars

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NorCal Back to School Events

Chico Marketplace: Back to School Back to Giving Supply Drive
Details: Bring new school supplies to participating retailers, local businesses and the Chico Marketplace Biz Kids event and be entered to win a $500 gift card to the mall retailer of your choice!
July 12 - August 11

Corning: Back to School Supplies Giveaway
Details: Metro by T-Mobile and community sponsors are giving away free school supplies! Yaya's Taco Shop will be there with $1 tacos. August 3

Chico: Backpack Giveaway!
Details: Promise Church is giving away over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies! August 4

Magalia: Back to School Event!
Details: Free School supplies, backpacks and haircuts for income-eligible families. August 8

Chico: Back to School Bash
Details: Free backpacks and supplies, health fair, carnival games, food, and more! August 10

Chico: Back to Homeschool Fair
Details: Local businesses, educators, and enrichment programs, breakout sessions on various homeschool topics, fun treats, and giveaways!

Chico: End of Summer Ice Cream Social
Details: Say goodbye to summer with bounce houses, nature walks, face painters, crafts, and Shubert's Ice Cream! FREE August 17

Know of a community back-to-school event in the North Valley we're missing? Add it to our Macaroni KID Chico calendar now!

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NorCal Back to School Shopping

There are the big box stores, of course, but you can also support locally-owned businesses when doing your back-to-school shopping! Here are some of our favorite places for shopping for school supplies and clothes in Northern California that are locally owned:

Once Upon A Child - Chico
801 East Avenue, Suite #106
Chico, CA 95926

FKO Oroville
1124 Oro Dam Blvd E #C
Oroville, CA 95965

Three Little Birds in Orland
708 4th Street
Orland, CA 95963

Have a favorite locally owned spot for back-to-school shopping you don't see listed here? Email mackidchico@macaronikid.com and we'll get it added!