Free haircuts, backpacks at Moody Street back-to-school festival

Students heading back to class this fall can pick up a free haircut, a new backpack and a fresh coat of face paint at a pop-up street festival on Moody Street this Thursday.

The “Rock The School Year” event, sponsored by The Village Bank, runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Embassy Park, 220 Moody St. Admission is free, no appointment necessary.

Barbers from Mobar Cuts will cut hair on site at no charge for students and families. The event will also feature a backpack giveaway (while supplies last), face painting, and clothing and food vendors with a focus on healthy and sustainable living.

Candido “Coco” Fernandez, owner of Mobar Cuts and a master barber, said a fresh cut does more for a student than change their appearance.

“Every kid wants to get fresh, get a glow up, to start school,” Fernandez said. “A fresh cut gives kids the confidence that they belong.”

For many families, the new school year brings a stack of costs — supplies, clothes, shoes and haircuts among them. Organizers said the giveaway is meant to ease some of that burden.

“Back to school is an exciting and busy time of year. The Village Bank is happy to celebrate this occasion with our Waltham neighbors and provide families with school supplies and haircuts,” Village Bank President and CEO Joe De Vito said. “This event is a fantastic way for us to support the Waltham community.”

The Village Bank runs a Village Volunteers program, through which employees donate time to civic, educational and charitable organizations.

Vendors and pop-ups scheduled to appear include Brelundi, Common Good, Dylan & Pete’s Ice Cream Truck, Shopper’s Café, Gustazo Cuban Cuisine, In a Pickle, Joco’s Bar & Kitchen and Ya Mother’s Truck n’ Kitchen.