20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in August

Food trucks and Pullman sign at Pratt Pullman Yard on August 20, 2022
Brandon McKeown

Welcome to the vibrant city of Atlanta, where the scorching August sun is matched only by the sizzling array of free activities awaiting you. From art exhibitions that ignite creativity to outdoor adventures that embrace nature’s beauty, metro Atlanta offers an impressive lineup of cost-free attractions to make this summer one for the books. Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or a visitor eager to explore, we’ve curated a diverse list of 20 free things to do around the city. So pack your sunscreen and enthusiasm as we embark on an unforgettable journey through Atlanta’s August delights!

Fetch Trivia - Chattahoochee Food Works

Join in on the excitement at Fetch Park every Wednesday for a delightful trivia night experience. Immerse yourself in the fun-filled atmosphere as you mingle with adorable pups, engage in entertaining trivia games and win fantastic prizes.

Location: Northeast - 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW; Website: theworksatl.com/fetch-trivia; Date: Every Wednesday (Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30); Time: 7 p.m.

Mutate at Five - City Green (Sandy Springs)

Mutate at Five is a free, family-friendly beer, wine, music and food festival taking place at City Green every first Thursday evening from April through October.

Location: Sandy Springs (City Green) - 1 Galambos Wy.; Website: visitsandysprings.org/mutate-at-five; Date: Thursday, Aug. 3; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Skate Night - Pullman Yards

Grab your skates and head to Pullman Yards for a free Skate Night every Thursday with a live DJ and fun for all ages.

Location: East Atlanta - 225 Rogers St. NE; Website: pullmanyards.com/concertsandevents; Dates: Every Thursday (Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31); Time: 6 - 10 p.m.

First Friday Art Walk - Marietta Square

Embark on a leisurely walk through the charming Marietta Square and indulge in a complimentary, self-guided Art Walk, taking in the sights of captivating local art and savor the sounds of live music.

Location: Marietta - 99 S. Park Square NE; Website: mariettasquareartwalk.com; Contact: 706-389-9925; Date: Friday, Aug. 4; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Summer Concert Series - Chamblee

The August concert at the Chamblee Summer Concert Series features Grammy-nominated Chuck Mead, followed by Atlanta-based Drivin N Cryin celebrating their 35th Anniversary. Join the festivities at 6:30 p.m. for an unforgettable night of music, food and fun.

Location: Chamblee - 3518 Broad St.; Website: chambleerocks.net; Date: Friday, Aug. 4.

Free Weekend - Atlanta History Center

Celebrate the opening of the touring exhibition, “Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See,” in collaboration with the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, the Till Family, and the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, with complimentary admission to Atlanta History Center.

Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com/free-weekend; Contact: 404-814-4000; Dates: Saturday, Aug. 5 - Sunday, Aug. 6; Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Free First Saturday - Dunwoody Nature Center

Experience the wonders of bugs and butterflies at Dunwoody Nature Center’s Free First Saturday! Join the outdoor program for a craft, activity and guided hike. All ages are welcome; no registration is required.

Location: Dunwoody - 5343 Roberts Dr.; Website: dunwoodynature.org/free-first-saturday; Date: Saturday, Aug. 5; Time: 11 a.m to noon.

Parliament of Owls Parade - Colony Square

Join the Parliament of Owls, a black and white owl-themed lantern parade encouraging community participation. Fly through Midtown Atlanta’s streets, starting and ending the event at The Plaza, adorned in black and white attire.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com/parliament-of-owls; Contact: 404-879-2250; Dates: Saturday, Aug. 5; Time: 8 - 10 p.m.

Wellness Series: Yoga - The Battery Atlanta

During non-game days, you can enjoy free yoga sessions at The Battery every Monday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Be sure to pre-register for the event.

Location: Cumberland - 800 Battery Ave. SE; Website: batteryatl.com/yoga; Dates: Every Monday (Aug. 7 and 28); Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

BeReggae Music and Arts Festival - Piedmont Park

Celebrate the richness of Afro-Caribbean culture at the 10th Annual BeReggae Music & Arts Festival in Piedmont Park this August! Enjoy three stages of music, delightful food, shopping, games and a wide range of cultural experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Location: Midtown - Piedmont Park; Website: atlreggaeinthepark.com; Date: Friday, Aug. 11 - Sunday, Aug. 13

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: roswell365.com/alive-in-roswell; Date: Thursday, Aug. 17; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Live in the DTL: ABBAFab (ABBA Tribute) - Lawrenceville Lawn

Join LIVE in the DTL for the ultimate free summer concert featuring ABBAFab, the sensational ABBA tribute band. Prepare for a fun night of live music, delicious food trucks, and nonstop fun as you dance and sing along to timeless ABBA hits.

Location: Lawrenceville - 210 Luckie St.; Website: downtownlawrencevillega.com; Date: Thursday, Aug. 17; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Summer Concert Series - King of Pops

Visit King of Pops this summer for their exciting concert series, featuring a pop release party followed by live music from 3 to 6 p.m. Delight in pops, games and plenty of fun.

Location: East Atlanta - 552 Decatur St. SE; Website: facebook.com/event; Date: Saturday, Aug. 19; Time: 2 - 6 p.m.

Art Gallery Stroll - Miami Circle

Experience an art-filled evening exploring the galleries of Miami Circle, the largest single gathering of fine art galleries in Atlanta. Discover captivating works from local, regional, and international artists.

Location: Buckhead - Miami Cir. NE; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Saturday, Aug. 19; Time: 4 - 6 p.m.

Piedmont Park Arts Festival - Piedmont Park

Celebrate the outdoors and immerse yourself at the Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival. This ideal summer festival boasts over 250 artisan booths featuring a wide variety of captivating arts and crafts, live music, artist demonstrations and a children’s play area.

Location: Midtown - Piedmont Park; Website: piedmontparkartsfestival.com; Date: Saturday, Aug. 19 - Sunday, Aug. 20

Wednesday Wind Down in the Point - Downtown Commons (East Point)

East Point’s beloved Wednesday Wind Down concert is a great place to enjoy music, food trucks and adult beverages. Bring your blanket or chairs for a delightful evening.

Location: East Point (Downtown Commons) - 2714 E Point St.; Website: eastpointcity.org; Dates: Wednesday, Aug. 23; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Jazz Night - The Reeves House Visual Arts Center (Woodstock)

Indulge in an enchanting evening under the stars at the Reeves House, where live jazz music sets the mood. Sip on wine or beer from the outdoor bar while exploring an art exhibit in the gallery, or opt for sweet snacks inside, making it the perfect setting to unwind.

Location: Woodstock - 734 Reeves St.; Website: woodstockarts.org/jazz-night; Date: Friday, Aug. 25; Time: 6 p.m.

Doggy Con - Broad Street Boardwalk (Downtown)

Just before Dragon Con takes over Downtown, metro Atlantans and their furry companions can join the cosplay excitement at Doggy Con, featuring a pet costume pageant, dog-centric vendors, and a celebration of all things pup culture.

Location: Downtown - Broad St. NW; Website: atlantadowntown.com; Date: Saturday, Aug. 26; Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cobb County International Festival - Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)

Experience a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures at the Cobb County International Festival, featuring an array of traditional food, music, art, dancing, crafts and a kids’ corner, all embracing the rich cultural tapestry of our community.

Location: Marietta - 2245 Callaway Rd. SW; Website: facebook.com/event; Date: Saturday, Aug. 26; Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Say Goodbye to Summer Bash - Avalon (Alpharetta)

Bid farewell to summer with one last luau-themed bash at Avalon! Revel in live music, family entertainment, photo ops, tropical beverages and more at the Plaza.

Location: Alpharetta - 400 Avalon Blvd.; Website: awesomealpharetta.com; Date: Saturday, Aug. 26; Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

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