20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in April

As the spring season takes full bloom, the city of Atlanta offers an array of free activities and events for locals and visitors alike. From art festivals and movie screenings to Earth Day celebrations and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without breaking the bank. Here are 20 free things to do in metro Atlanta this April that are sure to make your month unforgettable.

Groovin’ on the Green - Halcyon (Alpharetta)

Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy some great live music by local musicians every Friday and Saturday night for Halcyon’s Groovin’ on the Green.

Location: Alpharetta - 6365 Halcyon Way; Website: visithalcyon.com/events; Contact: 470-223-3665; Dates: Every Friday and Saturday; Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Caffeine and Octane Car Show - Town Center at Cobb (Kennesaw)

If you’re a car enthusiast, make your way over to Town Center at Cobb for the free Caffeine and Octane Car Show to check out over 2,000+ cars and trucks (located in the parking lot near JCPenney and Belk).

Location: Kennesaw - 400 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW; Website: travelcobb.org; Dates: Sunday, April 2; Time: 9 a.m. to noon

Georgia Plant Swap and Sale - Wild Heaven West End Brewery and Gardens

Bring your plants to the family-friendly Georgia Plant Trade and Sales event at Wild Heaven where locals can swap their plants or seeds with others in designated trade and free plant areas.

Location: Southeast - 1010 White St. SW; Website: facebook.com/event; Contact: 404-254-2232; Date: Sunday, April 2; Time: Noon - 5 p.m.

Masters Tournament Screening - Chattahoochee Food Works

If you’re a golf fan, come to Chattahoochee Food Works with friends to watch the Masters Golf Tournament on the big screens from April 6 - 9.

Location: Northeast - 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW; Website: theworksatl.com; Date: Thursday, April 6 - Sunday, April 9; Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Movies on the Square - Colony Square

Unwind with the kids for movie screenings on the big screen at Colony Square on select Thursdays from April to October, including this month’s screening of Minions.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Contact: 404-879-2250; Dates: Thursday, April 6; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Avalon Nights Live - Avalon (Alpharetta)

Enjoy live music every Friday night in Avalon’s Plaza, with various bands performing all season long, starting on April 7. Gather your friends and family, and remember to bring your own chairs and blankets.

Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com; Contact: 770-765-1000; Date: Every Friday (April 7, 14, 21 and 28); Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Artsapalooza Springs Art Festival - Sandy Springs

Get ready for a fun-filled weekend at the Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Festival, featuring 150 arts and crafts participants, interactive art stations, a kids’ play area, and much more. On Easter Sunday, they will have the largest Easter egg hunt in Sandy Springs (with over 10,000 hidden eggs!).

Location: Sandy Springs - 6100 Lake Forrest Dr. NE; Website: visitsandysprings.org; Dates: Saturday, April 8 - Sunday, April 9

Pastel Party - Chattahoochee Food Works

Put on your finest Easter attire and attend the Pastel Party at Chattahoochee Food Works, where there will be live entertainment and a “best dressed” contest with a special prize announced at 8 p.m.

Location: Northeast - 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW; Website: theworksatl.com; Date: Saturday, April 8; Time: 4 - 11 p.m.

UPS Second Sunday - High Museum of Art

Every second Sunday of the month, the High Museum of Art provides free entry for all visitors and offers family-friendly programs that include performances, art-making activities, as well as special exhibitions.

Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: high.org; Contact: 404-733-4400; Date: Sunday, April 9; Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

PAWty in the Park - 10th Street Park (Midtown)

Take your pup and join the PAWty in the Park celebration on the third Saturday of each month through October at 10th Street Park. There will be games, pop-up food vendors, drinks and music. Each RSVP will receive two free drink tickets.

Location: Midtown - 1005 Peachtree St. NE; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Saturday, April 15; Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Tiny Doors ATL Open Studio - Atlantic Station

We’ve all seen those famous Tiny Doors around Atlanta, and on Saturday, April 15, the Tiny Doors studio will be open to the public. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic Atlanta-based art project comes to life.

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Suite 14100; Website: atlanticstation.com; Contact: 404-528-8017; Date: Saturday, April 15; Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

National Two-Step CPR - Atlantic Station

Attend the National Two-Step CPR event to learn how to save a life with a free 5-minute hands-only CPR training session.

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com; Dates: Sunday, April 16; Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

24th Emory Brain Health Forum - The Carter Center

Gain knowledge on healthy aging and learn about new methods to predict, prevent and treat Alzheimer’s at the “Fighting for Your Brain’s Health” forum presented by Emory Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at The Carter Center. Be sure to register for a spot. In-person attendees will receive a Visa gift card.

Location: East Atlanta - 453 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy. NE; Website: eventbrite.co.nz; Contact: 404-420-5100; Date: Tuesday, April 18; Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

GPB Film Screening - Dunwoody Library

Don’t miss GPB’s screening of the documentary “Free Chol Soo Lee” and a discussion with an exoneree and the Georgia Innocence Project, exploring wrongful convictions and racial injustice. Register here.

Location: Dunwoody - 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.; Website: gpb.org; Contact: 770-512-4640; Date: Tuesday, April 18; Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Alive in Roswell - Canton Street (Roswell)

Alive in Roswell is a free, family-friendly monthly festival with music, food trucks, vendors and more held every third Thursday from April to October on Historic Canton Street.

Location: Roswell - Canton St.; Website: visitroswellga.com; Date: Thursday, April 20; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Earth Day Party - Ponce City Market

The Georgia Forestry Foundation is hosting an Earth Day Party at The Trestle in Ponce City Market for an interactive day celebrating Georgia’s forestry, with activities such as virtual reality experiences, giveaways, live animal encounters, and a visit from Smokey Bear, making it a fun event for the whole family.

Location: East Atlanta - 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE; Website: poncecitymarket.com; Contact: 404-900-7900; Date: Saturday, April 22; Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Earth Day Fest - East Atlanta Village Farmers Market

Celebrate Earth Day in East Atlanta Village with local musicians, artists and more at this fest that includes over 20+ vendors, free yoga, live DJs and plenty of fun.

Location: East Atlanta - 572 Stokeswood Ave. SE; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Saturday, April 22; Time: Noon to 6 p.m.

Earth Day Yoga - Glenlake Park (Decatur)

Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly yoga at Glenlake Park in Decatur to meditate, paint, and connect with nature while discussing ways to show love to the earth. Snacks will be provided, so be sure to RSVP in advance.

Location: Decatur - 1121 Church St.; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Saturday, April 22; Time: 2 - 4 p.m.

Sandy Springs Health and Wellness Expo - City Green at City Springs

Make your way to the Sandy Springs Health and Wellness Expo, where you will be connected with health and wellness professionals showcasing various products and services.

Location: Sandy Springs - 1 Galambos Wy.; Website: visitsandysprings.org; Dates: Sunday, April 23; Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta Concert: A History of Classical Music in Atlanta - Atlanta History Center

Enjoy a performance of classical music by the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta, featuring composers Alfredo Barili, Charles Knox, and Stephen Paulus. This concert is free to attend with complimentary museum admission afterward; registration is encouraged.

Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com; Contact: 404-814-4000; Date: Sunday, April 23; Time: 2 - 3 p.m.