McAllen, TX – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) invites families to celebrate the start of the school year at its annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This family-friendly event offers free admission and a full day of interactive learning, creativity, and community connection.
Back to School Bash, supported by McAllen Public Utility, H-E-B Helping Here, and Wonderful Citrus, will feature hands-on art and science activities, and a variety of community partner tables offering helpful resources and information for families. Visitors will also have the opportunity to receive free school supplies while they last. The day will include food vendors and a welcoming environment designed to spark excitement for the academic year ahead.
The community are encouraged to explore the museum exhibits including “Visions of the West: Highlights of the Lewis Collection,” “Destino Sur” with photography by Carlos Limas, and “El Estudio / The Studio” to get creative with museum interactives and selections from the permanent collection.
Guests can enjoy special activities such as creating insect stamping pencil pouches and customizing fill-in fun patches. The H-E-B “Our Texas, Our Future” film will be screened during the event, and local children’s author Patty Raymond will host story time sessions for young readers. Vendors such as PaperPie and Patty Raymond will be present throughout the day to offer educational materials and books.
Students show off their new backpacks at the IMAS Back to School Bash.
Several community organizations will participate in this year’s event, including Dave’s Hot Chicken, H-E-B, IDEA Toros, Keep McAllen Beautiful, Luna Dental, McAllen Public Library, McAllen Public Utility, McAllen Recycling Center, Raising Cane’s, Valley Keyboards, Valley Symphony Orchestra, and Wonderful Citrus.
Attendees can also grab a bite to eat from a variety of local food vendors on-site, including Astro Snacks, B’s in A Pod, Jimenez Espiropapas, and Sweets by Georgette. A range of sweet and savory options will be available for purchase throughout the day.
“We’re thrilled to invite families back to the museum to connect, create, and get inspired ahead of the school year,” said Roni Cortez, IMAS Director of Education. “This event showcases the power of community partnerships and the value of accessible learning through art and science.”
Children interact with an art installation at the International Museum of Art & Science during Back to School Bash.
