The Ultimate Back-to-School BBQ
Community. Resources. Food. Family Fun.
Join Joan’s House, Inc. and the 89 Ways to Give Foundation, founded by NFL star Santana Moss, for an exciting end-of-summer celebration created to help local students and families begin the new school year connected, encouraged, and ready to succeed.
Free and open to the community. Bring the entire family!
Event facts
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- 12:00 PM-5:00 PM
- Tanger Outlets National Harbor
- Free and open to the community
Date
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time
12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Location
Tanger Outlets National Harbor
Admission
Free and open to the community
More Than a BBQ—A Strong Start to the School Year
The beginning of a new school year should be filled with excitement and possibility, but many local families face barriers to obtaining the supplies, resources, and connections their children need to thrive.
Joan’s House, Inc., in partnership with the 89 Ways to Give Foundation founded by former NFL Player Santana Moss, is bringing families, community organizations, local businesses, and caring neighbors together for an afternoon of celebration and support. Through free school supplies, food, music, family activities, community resources, and meaningful connections, the Back-to-School BBQ is designed to help students return to school feeling prepared, confident, and supported.
Our goal is bigger than one afternoon. Joan’s House works to bridge gaps, strengthen families, and create opportunities for young people throughout Prince George’s County. This event is one way we can show students that their entire community believes in their future.
An Afternoon for the Whole Family
Come celebrate the end of summer while connecting with the people and resources helping our community thrive. Guests can look forward to:
Free School Supplies
Back-to-school support to help participating students begin the year prepared.
Food and Refreshments
Enjoy delicious food while spending the afternoon with family and neighbors.
Live Music and Entertainment
Music and special appearances featuring DJ QuickSilva, Bruce Almighty, and Santana Moss
Family Fun
An energetic, welcoming afternoon with activities and experiences for the entire family.
Community Resources
Meet organizations and community partners offering useful information and support.
Giveaways and Connections
Discover resources, special giveaways, and new ways to stay connected locally.
Let Us Know You’re Coming
Admission is free and the event is open to the community. Please RSVP so our team can prepare to welcome participating students and families. One adult should complete the registration for their household unless the registration form instructs otherwise.
Plan for a Comfortable Day Outdoors
The BBQ is an outdoor summer event, so please plan for warm weather. A little preparation will help your family remain comfortable throughout the afternoon.
What to bring
Refillable water bottles
Sunscreen
Hats, sunglasses, or visors
Handheld or battery-powered fans
Lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Folding lawn chairs or a picnic blanket, if permitted by the venue
Any essential medications your household may need
Before you arrive
Check the weather forecast and this page for event updates.
Children should remain with a responsible adult.
Label personal items and keep valuables with you.
Bring your registration confirmation if one is issued.
Food, supplies, and giveaways may be available while supplies last.
Follow posted venue and event-team instructions.
Thank You to Our Community Partners and Sponsors
This event is made possible through the generosity, partnership, and commitment of organizations and community leaders who believe that local students deserve every opportunity to succeed. We are deeply grateful to each sponsor, donor, contributor, and volunteer helping us serve Prince George’s County youth and families.
Platinum Sponsors
Andrews Federal Credit Union | Platinum Sponsor
Joan’s House is honored to recognize Andrews Federal Credit Union as a Platinum Sponsor and continued community partner. Now in our third engagement together, Andrews Federal Credit Union’s extraordinary support reflects a sustained commitment to the young people and families we serve.
When an organization continues to invest so meaningfully in the same community, it sends a powerful message: the work happening in Prince George’s County matters. We are deeply grateful to Andrews Federal Credit Union for continuing to show up, build alongside us, and make a lasting investment in brighter futures.
Premier Sponsors
Adventist HealthCare | Premier Sponsor
Joan’s House is proud to recognize Adventist HealthCare as a Premier Sponsor of our Back-to-School BBQ. Its generous support is helping us create a welcoming day of resources, connection, and celebration for local students and families as they prepare for the new school year.
Adventist HealthCare’s commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of the communities it serves closely aligns with our mission to help young people thrive. We deeply appreciate its partnership and investment in a stronger, healthier, and more hopeful future for families throughout our community.
Additional Sponsors and Contributors
Nike
Soltera Roofing
First Class Auto Detail
Adell Grill
Andrews Federal Credit Union
Adventist HealthCare
Fox & Turtle
The Capital Wheel at National Harbor
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Five Below
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London Kae Salon
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Mary Lou’s
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Sephora
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Old Navy
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Papa Johns
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Polo Ralph Lauren
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The Back-to-School BBQ is free and open to the community. We encourage families to RSVP in advance.
Local students, parents, caregivers, and community members are welcome. Children must remain with a responsible adult.
Advance registration is encouraged because it helps the event team plan for attending families.
School supplies and giveaways will be distributed according to the event’s eligibility and distribution procedures and may be available while supplies last.
Bring water, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and any personal items your family needs. Lawn chairs or blankets may be brought only if permitted by Tanger Outlets.
Weather-related announcements or schedule changes will be posted on this page and Joan’s House social-media channels.
Email admin@joanshouseinc.org or call/text 443-781-4617.