Elevate WeHa & CPCGH: Back to School Bash at Blue Back Square

Elevate WeHa & CPCGH: Back to School Bash at Blue Back Square

Celebrate the end of summer and kick off the school year with music, art, and community at the Elevate WeHa Back to School Bash!

By RiseUP for Arts

Date and time

Location

Blue Back Square

65 Memorial Road West Hartford, CT 06107

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Join us in Blue Back Square for an unforgettable afternoon of youth-led fun, creative activities, and live entertainment as we celebrate the power of art, wellness, and community! This special event combines the Elevate WeHa Back to School Bash with the annual Concerned Parents of Color Greater Hartford (CPCGH) Backpack Giveaway, providing 300 free backpacks filled with essential supplies to West Hartford families.

Event Details:

Date & Time: Saturday, August 23, 2025 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Blue Back Square West Hartford, CT 06107

Vendor Registration: https://forms.gle/eWau6N4PPtfJRnHq8

What to Expect:

  • CPCGH Backpack Giveaway – 300 backpacks filled with school supplies (first-come, first-served)
  • Live Music & DJ Performances – Enjoy a lineup of local talent
  • Live Mural Painting – Watch artists create and contribute yourself
  • Screen Printing Station – Customize your own shirt or tote bag
  • Youth-Led Art Projects – Collaborative and creative fun
  • Wellness & Prevention Resources – Information booths from local partners
  • Snacks, Vendors, and More!

Who Should Attend: Teens, families, educators, and community members! Everyone is welcome to join this free, substance-free celebration.

About Elevate WeHa: Elevate WeHa is a community-driven initiative bringing together youth, art, and wellness to empower the next generation. Led by RiseUP and West Hartford Prevention Partnership, in collaboration with Youth Recovery CT, local schools, town agencies, and now in partnership with Concerned Parents of Color Greater Hartford, we provide leadership opportunities, service projects, and safe creative spaces for teens.

About Concerned Parents of Color Greater Hartford: Concerned Parents of Color Greater Hartford is committed to strengthening communities by providing essential resources and support for families of color throughout Greater Hartford. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/CPCWH/.

Frequently asked questions

Is this event free?

Yes! The Elevate WeHa: Back to School Bash is completely free and open to the public.

Who is this event for?

This event is geared toward teens and families in West Hartford, but all community members are welcome to attend!

Do I need to register in advance?

Registration is encouraged so we can plan supplies and giveaways, but walk-ups are welcome.

What should I bring?

Bring your creativity and energy! If you want to participate in screen printing, feel free to bring a blank t-shirt or tote bag — we’ll also have a limited number on site.

Where is the event located?

The event takes place in the public plaza at Blue Back Square in West Hartford, CT.

Will there be food?

Yes! We’ll have snacks available, and there are plenty of food vendors and restaurants in Blue Back Square.

Can I volunteer or get involved?

Yes! We’re always looking for student leaders and community partners. Email matt.conway@theriseupgroup.org to get involved!

What if it rains?

In case of severe weather, we’ll relocate parts of the event indoors or need to cancel. Any updates will be posted on our Facebook page.

Who is organizing this?

This event is hosted by The RiseUP Group and West Hartford Prevention Partnership, in collaboration with Youth Recovery CT, the Town of West Hartford, and local youth leaders.

What is Elevate WeHa?

Elevate WeHa is a youth-led initiative combining public art, wellness, and leadership. It creates safe, creative spaces for teens through community events, art projects, and youth-driven programming across West Hartford.

Tags

Organized by

RiseUP for Arts

RISEUP FOR ARTS is a non-profit aimed at creating public art that is inclusive and accessible for anyone.

RiseUP for Arts has completed over 100 mural and place-making projects since 2015 throughout Connecticut. RiseUP works with dozens of local, professional artists, collaborates with 100's of partners, and hosts 1,000+ volunteers per year to help beautify our communities. RiseUP for Arts, creates public art through public art consulting and curating, donations, grants, and community goodwill.

RiseUP supports artists, cities, other nonprofits, companies, and local community members in making their public art projects come to life. The organization helps create the vision and manages the entire process to beautify communities.

Free