Polaris Fashion Place Invites Community to Celebrate New School Year with Back-to-School Events and School Supply Drive | Polaris Fashion Place

Community encouraged to donate needed supplies through Sunday, July 19 to get free admission passes to Big Air Trampoline Park

COLUMBUS, OHIO (JULY 7, 2026) – With back-to-school season officially here, Polaris Fashion Place is helping the Columbus community prepare for the 2026-27 school year with a school supply donation drive in support of students and educators in the area, kid-friendly events, and encouraging guests to take advance of the annual Ohio sales tax holiday.

“The start of a new academic year is always an exciting time for families and children in our community,” said Tamra Bower, General Manager at Polaris Fashion Place. “We’re proud to be part of the season, from back-to-school shopping to unique family-friendly events that prepare students for a new year and giving back to the community through our annual School Supply Drive.”

Families are encouraged to shop Polaris Fashion Place during Ohio’s Sales Tax-Free Holiday, which allows guests to shop for items exempt from sales and use tax, from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9.

Anchor tenant, Dick’s House of Sport, is hosting an Olentangy Back to School Spirit Day on Saturday, July 25 from 12PM-3PM. Guests can enjoy a fun, pep rally-style atmosphere with appearances from school bands, sports teams, and mascots, plus a friendly “Battle of the Olentangy Schools” to showcase school spirit. Attendees can take advantage of in-store experiences including the rock wall, golf simulators, and multi-sport cage, while getting ready for the upcoming school year and athletic seasons. All attendees will receive a special coupon to shop the store for back-to-school essentials and gear.

Polaris Fashion Place invites parents and children ages 2-12 to attend our summer KidX events, sponsored by Aqua-Tots.  Tuesday, July 14 is our KidX Toy Story event in the Macy’s Toys R Us space from 5PM-6:30PM.  There we’ll have Toy Story characters Woody, Buzz, and Jessie singing, dancing, and reading children’s books.  Friday, August 14 from 5PM-6:30PM is our KidX Paw Patrol event in JCPenney featuring the characters Chase and Marshall while they interact with kids in attendance. 

To ensure every local student and teacher is prepared for the new school year, Polaris Fashion Place is hosting its annual School Supply Drive, partnering with NBC4’s Stuff the Backpack campaign. To support the NBC4 campaign, guests may donate essential school supplies at Big Air Trampoline Park and receive a coupon good for (1) free Big Air admission pass – now through Sunday, July 19.  For a full list of items needed, please visit nbc4i.com/stuff-the-backpack.

Polaris Fashion Place’s variety of retailers such as Lululemon, JD Sports, and Dick’s House of Sport and a unique event lineup makes it an ideal destination for all back-to-school needs. For more information on back-to-school activities and other upcoming events at Polaris Fashion Place, visit PolarisFashionPlace.com/BacktoSchool.

About Polaris Fashion Place

Polaris Fashion Place® is Central Ohio’s premier shopping destination offering market-exclusive brands to locals and tourists alike. A mixed-use lifestyle destination that has both open air and enclosed spaces, the property is home to more than 150 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options. Retailers appreciate the dynamic mix of things to do with things to buy that keeps guests engaged and returning often. Just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus, Polaris Fashion Place® is open seven days a week; Monday to Saturday 11AM – 8PM and Sunday 12PM – 6PM. For more information, please visit polarisfashionplace.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram @PolarisFashionPlace. Polaris Fashion Place® is a registered trademark of O’Connor Capital Partners.