Coral Gables families can get a head start on the school year at a free back-to-school event on the University of Miami campus, less than two weeks before Miami-Dade County Public Schools open their doors Thursday, Aug. 13.

Kiddos Magazine's 13th anniversary and back-to-school celebration runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at UM's Lakeside Patio & Stage, 1300 Miller Road. Admission is free for all ages, but families must register in advance through Eventbrite.

Cooking Classes, a Fashion Show and a Life-Size Lego Station Headline the Day

The day includes a cooking class with Chef Paolo, a fashion show, character appearances, a life-size Lego building station, canvas painting and live performances, according to the event's Eventbrite listing.

Two sponsored activity areas target younger learners. A1A Behavioral Health will run a Kids Sensory Exploration Station with hands-on sensory activities. EDFED Credit Union is sponsoring a Bright Future Station focused on learning and education goals.

Games, music, goodie bags and raffles round out the schedule.

Not a UM Event: Parking and Registration Details

The event is not affiliated with the University of Miami. Organizers state on the registration page that the program "is neither the responsibility of, nor endorsed by, the University of Miami."

Parking is available at UM's Pavia Garage, 5615 Pavia St., on a pay-by-phone basis. No registration deadline is listed, but spots are limited to those who sign up through Eventbrite.

All ticket tiers are free: adults 13 and older, children ages 6 to 12, and children 6 and under.

Event Lands During Florida's Sales Tax Holiday, Days Before School Starts

The event falls 12 days before Miami-Dade's first day of the 2026-27 school year. Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday also overlaps, running Monday, July 20, through Thursday, Aug. 20. During that window, families pay no sales tax on clothing, uniforms and footwear priced at $100 or less per item, or on school supplies priced at $50 or less.

Families can register by searching "Kiddos Magazine 2026 Back to School" on Eventbrite. Businesses interested in exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities can contact organizer Veronica Lepere at 786-260-8492 or [email protected].