DSEF Annual Event
Back to School
Extravaganza
A free, community-centered school supply giveaway and celebration serving students across New Orleans — featuring live performances, free services, health screenings, and more. Hosted annually in partnership with the Ashé Cultural Arts Center.
About the Event
More Than School Supplies
Each year, the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund partners with the Ashé Cultural Arts Center to host its annual Back to School Extravaganza — a free, community-centered school supply giveaway serving students across New Orleans.
This highly anticipated event features dynamic live performances, free health and dental screenings, community resource vendors, haircuts, manicures, arts and crafts, a gaming truck, photo booth, giveaways, and more — creating a fun, engaging, and resource-rich experience for youth and families.
- Free school supplies for New Orleans students
- Live performances from legendary local groups
- Health and dental screenings
- Community resource vendors
- Haircuts, styling & manicures
- Arts & crafts, gaming truck & photo booth
Live Entertainment
A Celebration of New Orleans Culture
Every year the Back to School Extravaganza features legendary performers that represent the heart and soul of New Orleans.
Hot 8 Brass Band
World-renowned New Orleans brass band — the band Dinerral Shavers played with
Youth Empowerment Project Drumline & Dance Team
High-energy youth drumline and dance performance
McDonogh 35 Cheerleaders
College Preparatory High School Cheerleading Squad
Walter Fair — Young Seminole Hunters
Mardi Gras Indian culture bearer and tradition keeper
Eric Lewis — CTC Steppers
Social Aid and Pleasure Club second line tradition
Zulu Tramps
A New Orleans cultural institution since 1909
Free for All Attendees
Everything Families Need
Beyond school supplies, the Extravaganza offers a full range of free services and activities for the whole family.
Free School Supplies
Health & Dental Screenings
Community Resource Vendors
Haircuts & Styling
Manicures
Arts & Crafts
Gaming Truck
Photo Booth & Giveaways
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Made Possible by Our Partners
The Back to School Extravaganza is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors.
The Woolard Family Foundation
Friends of Richard Perque
Loving Hearts of LA
ILSI Engineering
Starbucks Community Fund
Entergy New Orleans
Service Partners
Special thanks to our service partners who provide hands-on support at every event.
LSU School of Dentistry
Delgado Community College Cosmetology Program
National Society of Pershing Rifles Alpha Theta Chapter
Event Photos
See the Extravaganza in Action
Get Involved
Support the Extravaganza
Your support helps DSEF provide free school supplies, health services, and cultural celebration to hundreds of New Orleans families each year. Donate or become a sponsor today.