Bowie Celebrates Back to School with Fun Activities and a Concert

Kids in Bowie have no reason to be bummed out about school starting next Monday, especially because there are two back to school celebrations in town this week.

The Bowie Town Center is hosting the Back to School Celebration this Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be crafts and face painting for children as well as giveaways. New school clothes purchased at Town Center stores will be exempt from sales tax as part of the state’s Tax-Free Holiday.

Families are also invited to an outdoor concert featuring local musical artist Andrea Pais. The concert will take place on the food court lawn from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Town Center shoppers are encouraged to pick up school supplies for a donation to local families. Dollar Tree and Best Buy are two stores in the Town Center that sell school supplies.

The Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce has a set a goal of filling 100 backpacks with supplies for students at Benjamin Tasker Middle School.

Kelly Pierce, the executive director of the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce, said that the Town Center approached the chamber with the idea of the Back to School Celebration.

“We’re always happy when we can partner with other business in the community for the betterment of schools,” Pierce said.

The Town Center is located at 15606 Emerald Way.

On Saturday, the city of Bowie is hosting the 10th Annual Back to School Bash at the city gymnasium. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children can play games and explore a moon bounce. Parents can pick up resources and the whole family can enjoy music, food and entertainment.

Backpacks will be given out to the first 300 children ages 4 to 10 who attend the event. Families are also encouraged to donate a food item to the Bowie Food Pantry during the Bash.

The gymnasium is located at 4100 Northview Drive.