20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in January

With 2022 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start looking ahead at all the free things Atlanta has to offer throughout the month of January. There is so much to see and do, and if you’re looking to save a little money, you will appreciate the countless free events or activities around town. Whether your New Year’s resolutions include exercising more, taking up a new hobby or exploring local art, we’ve compiled a great list of free things to do around Atlanta in January.

Marietta Square Art Walk

Take a stroll around historic Marietta Square for a free self-guided Art Walk as you explore Marietta’s diverse cultural scene with live music and local art.

Location: Marietta - 99 S. Park Square NE; Website: travelcobb.org/marietta-square-art-walk; Contact: 706-389-9925; Date: Friday, Jan. 6; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Caffeine and Octane Car Show - Town Center at Cobb

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.

Location: Kennesaw - 400 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW; Website: facebook.com/events; Dates: Sunday, Jan. 8; Time: 9 a.m. - noon

UPS Second Sunday - High Museum of Art

High Museum of Art offers free admission on the second Sunday of each month, making breathtaking art accessible to all. The whole family can enjoy special exhibits, art-making activities and performances.

Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: high.org/second-sundays; Contact: 404-733-4400; Date: Sunday, Jan. 8; Time: Noon - 5 p.m.

Drag Bingo - Politan Row

Sunday funday! Grab your friends and head on over to Politan Row for free Drag Bingo every Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. You can win fun prizes from different Colony Square retailers or complimentary drinks from Bar Politan.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 150; Website: colonysquare.com/drag-bingo; Contact: 404-228-7941; Dates: Every Sunday; Time: 1 - 3 p.m.

Día de Reyes - Plaza Fiesta

Celebrate Three Kings’ Day (Día de Los Reyes) at Plaza Fiesta where there will be gifts, music, and of course, King’s Cake (Rosca de Reyes).

Location: Brookhaven - 4166 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: facebook.com/events; Date: Sunday, Jan. 8; Time: 2 p.m.

Graffiti: A Library Guide to Aerosol Art - Woodruff Library’s Schatten Gallery

Until Jan. 8, check out this free art exhibition at Emory’s Woodruff Library that spotlights the growing collection of modern photography representing the cultural and historical significance of graffiti art. Learn more about the exhibit here.

Location: Druid Hills - 540 Asbury Cir.; Website: emory.edu/trumba; Contact: 404-727-6688; Date: Until Sunday, Jan. 8

Photography Club - Lost Corner Preserve

Want to learn more about photography? Get ready to learn with the Sandy Springs Photography Club Beginners Session, where they’ll show you how to use a DSLR camera and the basic principles of correctly exposing a photograph. Then, join the Photography Club meeting at 6:45 p.m. for more hands-on workshops. All skill levels are welcome.

Location: Sandy Springs - 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Website: sandyspringsga.gov/photography-club; Contact: 770-730-5600; Date: Tuesday, Jan. 10; Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Bird Walk - Morgan Falls Overlook Park

There is no doubt that Georgia has some of the most beautiful birds, and if you’d like a chance to see them early on a Saturday morning, join the Overlook Park Bird Walk. Bring your binoculars!

Location: Sandy Springs - 200 Morgan Falls Rd.; Website: sandyspringsga.gov/bird-walk; Contact: 678-358-4916; Date: Saturday, Jan. 14; Time: 8 a.m.

Open Mic and Gallery Showcase - Cultured South Fermentation Co.

Every second Saturday of the month, Cultured South hosts an Open Mic and Gallery Showcase for creatives to share their talents. Whether you’re a singer or comedian, all are encouraged to embrace their creativity and attend this fun, free event.

Location: Southwest - 1038 White St. SW; Website: eventbrite.com/cultured-creatives; Dates: Saturday, Jan. 14; Time: 7 - 10 p.m.

Community Yoga - Wild Heaven West End Brewery and Gardens

During the last three Sundays of January, attend a free community yoga session at Wild Heaven West End Brewery. These sessions welcome all levels. Be sure to bring your yoga mat and water bottle.

Location: Southwest - 1010 White St. SW; Website: eventbrite.com/community-yoga; Contact: 404-254-2232; Dates: Jan. 15, 22 and 29; Time: 12 - 1 p.m.

The Business of Filmmaking - Manuel’s Tavern

Atlanta has transformed into a major hub for the film industry over the last decade and if you’re interested in learning more about it, check out this free, moderated discussion from Atlanta Film Society where industry experts will be discussing a variety of film-related topics.

Location: East Atlanta - 602 North Highland Ave. NE; Website: atlantafilmsociety.org/eat-drink; Contact: 404-352-4225; Dates: Tuesday, Jan. 17; Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

“I Have A Dream” Viewing - Colony Square

Colony Square will be showing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech at the top of every hour in The Plaza. Guests can enjoy the Winter Square fire pits during the viewing.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com/i-have-a-dream; Contact: 404-965-9091; Date: Monday, Jan. 16; Time: Top of every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Atlanta History Center

Honor the impact of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy at the Atlanta History Center with civil rights-themed trivia, choir performances, panel discussions, crafts and Freedom Rider simulations on an authentic 1952 Greyhound bus.

Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com/martin-luther-king-jr-day; Contact: 404-814-4000; Date: Monday, Jan. 16; Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tiny Doors ATL Open Studio

We’ve all seen those famous Tiny Doors around Atlanta, and on Saturday, Jan. 21, 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/tiny-doors-atl; Contact: 404-528-8017; Date: Saturday, Jan. 21; Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Braves Fest 2023

Calling all Braves fans! Come celebrate your 2021 World Series Champions at this free, fun-filled event. There will be photo opportunities with players, autographs, on-field activities, live entertainment and much more.

Location: Cumberland - 800 Battery Ave. SE; Website: mlb.com/braves-fest; Contact: 404-494-1150; Date: Saturday, Jan. 21; Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fernbank Science Center

If you’ve never been to the Fernbank Science Center, you might want to consider paying a visit. Explore the 9,000-square-foot exhibit hall for free as well as the library and observatory.

Location: Druid Hills - 156 Heaton Park Dr.; Website: fernbank.edu; Contact: 678-874-7102

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

What better way to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy than to explore the MLK National Historical Park? Learn about his life, visit his childhood home, and step inside the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he touched many hearts in his community and beyond.

Location: East Atlanta - 450 Auburn Ave. NE; Website: nps.gov/malu; Contact: 404-331-5190

ArtAround Roswell Sculpture Tour

Throughout downtown Roswell and around different local parks (see map), you can explore the theme of tradition from ArtAround Roswell’s 10 large-scale temporary sculptures.

Location: Roswell; Website: visitroswellga.com/artaround-roswell

Wellness Programs - Piedmont Park

A great way to start exercising more is by joining one of Piedmont Park’s Conservancy wellness programs. They have a free weekly walking club and running club that meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, respectively.

Location: Midtown - 1320 Monroe Dr. NE; Website: piedmontpark.org/2023-01; Contact: 404-875-7275

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

This is one of the city’s hidden gems and one of the best places to explore incredible contemporary artwork. Check out their current and upcoming exhibitions here.

Location: Midtown - 535 Means St. NW; Website: atlantacontemporary.org; Contact: 404-688-1970