20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in July

As July unfolds bringing the heat, metro Atlanta offers many free activities to beat the heat or bask in its warmth. Families can delight in kid-friendly activities, while culture enthusiasts can enjoy free museum days. Listen to live music or cheer on participants at the famous annual Peachtree Road Race. Fourth of July festivities promise fireworks and patriotic spirit, while movie nights under the stars and even an Ice Cream Festival round out a month brimming with community spirit and summer delights. Check out our list below of 20 free and exciting summer events worth exploring!

Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Concert - Ebenezer Baptist Church

The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus will perform at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, celebrating cultural diversity and the Civil Rights Movement’s spirit, promising an enchanting evening of music and inspiration.

Location: East Atlanta - 101 Jackson St. NE; Website: lachildrenschorus.org; Date: Tuesday, July 2; Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Halcyon Kids Club - Halcyon (Alpharetta)

Halcyon’s Kids Club invites preschoolers and their caregivers to enjoy fun, free weekly activities every Wednesday, including crafts, dance, and story time.

Location: Alpharetta - 6365 Halcyon Way; Website: visithalcyon.com; Dates: Wednesdays (July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31); Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Broad Street Boardwalk Lunchtime Performance Series - Downtown Atlanta

Elevate your lunch break in Downtown with live performances on the Broad Street Boardwalk every Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown - Broad St. NW; Website: atlantadowntown.com/broad-street-boardwalk; Dates: Wednesdays (July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31); Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Peachtree Road Race Cheer Station - Colony Square

Cheer on the Peachtree Road Race participants with Lululemon and enjoy a complimentary breakfast, drinks, exclusive swag, music, and a festive atmosphere.

Location: Colony Square (The Front Loop) - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Thursday, July 4; Time: 7 a.m.

Avondale Estates Fourth of July Parade

Kick off Independence Day with Avondale’s Fourth of July Parade starting at 10 a.m., featuring characters like Lightning McQueen, Paw Patrol, Ghostbusters, Star Wars and more!

Location: Avondale Estates - Clarendon Ave. and Berkeley Rd.; Website: avondale estates.org; Date: Thursday, July 4; Time: 10 a.m.

Annual Fourth of July Celebration - Roswell Area Park

Join in on Roswell’s fun-filled Annual 4th of July Celebration! Enjoy live music, entertainment, delicious food trucks, and an amazing fireworks show at sunset that the whole family will love.

Location: Roswell - 10495 Woodstock Rd.; Website: roswell365.com; Date: Tuesday, July 4; Time: 6-10 p.m.

In-Store Kids Workshops - The Home Depot (Multiple Locations)

It’s the Summer of Soccer! Join The Home Depot for this month’s Kids Workshop, featuring a miniature “Soccer Game” foosball table crafting event for children (while supplies last).

Locations: Atlanta Locations; Website: homedepot.com; Date: Saturday, July 6; Time: 9 a.m.

ZunziFest - Zunzi’s

Have you ever had the award-winning Conquistador? Well, here’s your chance to try it for free. Join Zunzi’s for their quarterly ZunziFest, where members of their text community can enjoy a free sandwich, celebrating community and appreciation in a unique culinary event that showcases their South African-inspired menu. (To join Zunzi’s text community and receive a link for details about ZunziFest, just text ZUNZIFEST to 912-207-7551)

Location: Northeast - 1971 Howell Mill Rd.; Website: zunzis.com; Date: Tuesday, July 9; Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Movie Under the Stars - Hapeville

Pack your blankets and lawn chairs! The whole family will enjoy Hapeville’s movie night with an exciting screening of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.”

Location: Hapeville - 680 S Central Ave.; Website: hapeville.org; Date: Friday, July 12; Time: 7:30 p.m.

Eco Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion -  Science Gallery Atlanta

Science Gallery Theatre presents “Plastic Earth,” a groundbreaking documentary highlighting the urgent global plastic crisis and featuring a panel discussion with Producer and Director Janice Overbeck, showcasing innovative solutions and inspiring action. RSVP here.

Location: East Atlanta - 225 Rogers St. NE; Website: atlanta.sciencegallery.com; Date: Friday, July 12; Time: 6-10 p.m.

NaanStop’s Summer Popsicle Party - Atlantic Station

Get ready to cool off at NaanStop’s Summer Popsicle Party, featuring free handmade popsicles, Pop-Tails, family-friendly entertainment, and more!

Location: Midtown - 265 18th St. NW #4110; Website: atlanticstation.com; Date: Saturday, July 13; Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Summer Sing-Along: Moana - Sewell Mill Library (Marietta)

Dive into fun and get ready to sing at Sewell Mill Library’s “Moana” sing-along movie event! Bring your little voyagers and join the musical adventure for indoor fun.

Location: Marietta - 2051 Lower Roswell Rd.; Website: cobbcounty.org; Date: Saturday, July 13; Time: 2-4 p.m.

Zumiez More Than Rolling - The Village Skatepark ATL

Get ready to shred at the Zumiez More Than Rolling event, where you can skate, groove to live music, try local eats, meet pro athletes, win prizes, and more at Village Skatepark ATL!

Location: Northwest - 1060 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy. NW; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Saturday, July 13; Time: 3-7 p.m.

Sunday Free Day - Michael C. Carlos Museum (Emory University)

Beat the summer heat with free admission to The Carlos Museum on Sunday, July 14th, featuring the permanent collection galleries and the special exhibition “Together: Selections from the Cochran Collection of African American Art.”

Location: Druid Hills - 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE; Website: emory.edu; Date: Sunday, July 14; Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

Wellstar Family Series - The Battery

Join the Wellstar Family Series at The Battery for free, family-friendly programming on the Plaza Green, including activities like Challenge Island Rocket Building, Health Place Fitness, Blooper’s Coloring Hour with the Atlanta Braves mascot, and Small Bites Adventure Club cooking classes.

Location: Cumberland - 800 Battery Ave. SE; Website: batteryatl.com; Dates: Tuesdays, July 16 and 30, Wednesdays July 17 and 31; Time: 10-11 a.m.

Midtown Movie Night: Barbie - 10th Street Park (Midtown)

Dress in your favorite pink outfit and join friends in painting Midtown pink for an enchanting screening of last year’s blockbuster hit, “Barbie.”

Location: Midtown - 1005 Peachtree St. NE; Website: midtownatl.com; Date: Thursday, July 18; Time: 8:55-11 p.m.

Woof Gang Puppy Playdate Paw-ty - The Works

Grab your furry pals and join the Puppy Playdate Paw-ty at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming for a tail-wagging good time of socializing and activities!

Location: Northeast - 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW; Website: theworksatl.com; Date: Saturday, July 20; Time: 3 p.m.

Art Gallery Stroll - Miami Circle (Buckhead)

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: miamicircleshops.com; Date: Saturday, July 20; Time: 4-6 p.m.

14th Annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival - Piedmont Park

Beat the summer heat with the ultimate sweet treat at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in Piedmont Park as you explore a diverse range of vendors, participate in fitness activities and enjoy live music.

Location: Midtown - 10th St. NE; Website: atlantaicecreamfestival.com; Date: Saturday, July 27; Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Back to School Bash - Cremalosa (Decatur)

Join the Back to School Bash at Cremalosa’s patio featuring gelato, family-friendly games, live music by DJ Triple Scorpio, and activities including jump rope, hula hoops, bubbles, and a chalk drawing contest with a chance to win a $20 gift card.

Location: Decatur - 2657 E. College Ave.; Website: cremalosa.com; Date: Saturday, July 27; Time: 2-6 p.m.