Back-to-School 2026: Scarborough Town Centre Brings Shopping, Creativity and Giving Together
Scarborough Town Centre (STC) is making back-to-school shopping in Toronto more exciting this year with a lineup of hands-on activities, school inspiration and community initiatives designed to help students and families prepare for September.
As back-to-school haul videos and shopping inspiration continue to fill social media feeds, students are looking for the latest fashion, beauty products, technology and school essentials to start the new school year. STC brings those essentials together under one roof while offering creative experiences and opportunities for shoppers to give back to the Scarborough community.
From custom backpack charms to locker-inspired displays and a school supply donation drive, STC’s back-to-school activations offer families more ways to prepare for the school year while supporting local students.
Create a Custom Backpack Charm at STC
August 29 during The Reading Partnership’s Next Chapter Festival: 10 AM to 8 PM
September 4 to 6: 12 PM to 6 PM
Students can add a personal touch to their back-to-school style with STC’s Creation Station: Backpack Charm Workshop.
The free activity invites students aged 16 and under to design their own custom backpack charm, giving them a creative way to personalize their school bags before classes begin.
The Creation Station will first be available during The Next Chapter Festival on August 29, before returning to Scarborough Town Centre from September 4 to 6.
Registration is required for the August 29 activation and strongly encouraged for the September 4 to 6 sessions. Walk-ins will also be accepted during the September dates while supplies last.
Guests can reserve a time slot through Scarborough Town Centre’s official website.
Find Back-to-School Inspiration Through Locker Displays
August 11 to September 6
Near the upper-level Guest Experience (Services) desk
Students and parents looking for back-to-school shopping ideas in Toronto can also explore STC’s locker displays, which showcase trending styles, popular brands and school essentials for students ranging from junior kindergarten to post-secondary.
The displays are designed to make back-to-school planning easier by highlighting products and trends shoppers can incorporate into their own school-year checklists.
Alongside STC’s back-to-school shopping guide, the displays provide an easy source of inspiration for families planning their shopping trips and looking for everything from school supplies to fashion and other everyday essentials.
Give Back Through a School Supply Donation Drive
August 11 to September 6
Near the upper-level Guest Experience (Services) desk
Back-to-school preparation at STC also includes an opportunity to support students in the local community.
Throughout the activation period, shoppers can donate new and gently used school supplies in support of BGC East Scarborough. The initiative aims to help local students access essential supplies as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
The Pack It Forward school supply donation drive gives shoppers a simple way to extend their own back-to-school preparation into an act of community support.
Make Back-to-School Shopping More Meaningful at STC
With shopping inspiration, creative activities and community giving opportunities taking place throughout August and September, Scarborough Town Centre’s back-to-school 2026 activities offer families more than a traditional shopping trip.
Whether students are personalizing their backpacks, discovering new school-year styles or helping provide supplies to other students, STC is bringing together practical preparation and community connection ahead of the new school year.
For event details, registration information and more back-to-school shopping inspiration at STC, visit Scarborough Town Centre’s official website.
Event Summary
What: Scarborough Town Centre Back-to-School Activities
Where: Scarborough Town Centre, Toronto
Backpack Charm Workshop: August 29 and September 4 to 6, 2026
Locker Displays: August 11 to September 6, 2026
School Supply Donations: August 11 to September 6, 2026
Community Partner: BGC East Scarborough
