20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in March

Spring is almost here, and there are countless free events popping up all over metro Atlanta. As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to step outdoors and enjoy a wide variety of free activities, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and vibrant Holi festivities to the thrill of March Madness, cultural events, and the rare beauty of the lunar eclipse. Whether you’re exploring Atlanta’s historic sites, joining in on family fun, or immersing yourself in art and entertainment, this month promises something for everyone. The best part? It won’t cost you a thing!

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

Head to The Home Depot for this month’s free Kids Workshop, where children can build their own Basketball Game crafting celebration of March Madness! Supplies are limited, so arrive early.

Locations: Atlanta Locations; Website: homedepot.com/kids; Date: Saturday, March 1; Time: 9 a.m. - Noon

Alphie’s Club - North Point Mall (Alpharetta)

Hop on board Alphie’s Club (near Alphie the Trolley and Von Maur) for a colorful adventure where kids can create their own “Rainbow in a Jar” science experiment, mixing liquids like honey, oil, and water into a vibrant, take-home art project, plus enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day-themed sensory table!

Location: Alpharetta - 1000 North Point Cir.; Website: eventbrite.com/all-aboard; Date: Saturday, March 1; Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Comedy Night - Buteco (Grant Park)

Laughs are brewing at Buteco! Whether you’re planning a fun night out with friends or a perfect date night, Comedy Night @ Buteco serves up big laughs with a side of great vibes.

Location: East Atlanta - 1039 Grant St. SE; Website: eventbrite.com/comedy-night; Dates: Every Saturday (March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29); Time: 5 - 8:30 p.m.

Sunday FUNday: Keeping It Simple - Michael C. Carlos Museum (Emory University)

Get ready for a simple Sunday FUNday! Take the kids to explore the wonders of ancient machines, tackle a family challenge, and learn how history made work a lot easier.

Location: Druid Hills - 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE; Website: carlos.emory.edu; Date: Sunday, March 2; Time: Noon - 4 p.m.

Special Lecture: Dr. Tony Martin - Fernbank Museum

Join Dr. Tony Martin at Fernbank for a special dino-mite journey back in time to explore Australia’s polar dinosaurs and fossils from the Cretaceous period, uncovering how life adapted to Earth’s most extreme environments. Be sure to register here.

Location: Druid Hills - 767 Clifton Rd.; Website: fernbankmuseum.org/lecture; Date: Sunday, March 2; Time: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

2025 Phoenix Flies: A Celebration of Atlanta’s Historic Sites

Explore Atlanta’s rich history during Phoenix Flies 2025 (by the Atlanta Preservation Center), a free annual celebration featuring tours, talks, and events that showcase the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage. Be sure to register here.

Website: issuu.com/phoenix_flies; Dates: Monday, March 3 - Friday, March 28

Atlanta Francophonie Festival: Film Screening - Alliance Francaise of Atlanta (Downtown)

Join the Atlanta Francophonie Festival for a heartwarming screening of “La Petite et Le Vieux” (2024), where a young girl’s mission to save her father sparks an unlikely friendship, all set against the charming backdrop of 1980s Quebec City. Check out other festival events here.

Location: Downtown - 233 Peachtree Rd. NE #100; Website: francophonieatlanta.com; Date: Wednesday, March 5; Time: 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Shrek Themed Trivia - Atlanta Hard Cider (Marietta)

It’s all ogre now, Shrek Trivia Night is here! Gather your fairy-tale creatures, test your knowledge, and prove you’re the ultimate Shrek expert in a night of fun, laughs, and a little swampy chaos.

Location: Marietta - 1010 Roswell St. NE; Website: atlantahardcider.com; Date: Wednesday, March 5; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Sunday Funday: Nature Weaving - Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

Participants can enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon at MODA’s Nature Weaving, where they’ll craft eco-friendly art using leaves, flowers, and plants while learning about sustainability and the benefits of natural materials.

Location: Midtown - 1315 Peachtree St. NE; Website: museumofdesign.org/sundayfunday; Date: Sunday, March 9; Time: 1 - 3 p.m.

Holi in Dunwoody - Brook Run Park (Dunwoody)

Celebrate the vibrant Indian tradition of Holi in Dunwoody, where the arrival of spring comes alive with colorful powders, lively music, dancing, and delicious food.

Location: Dunwoody - 4770 N Peachtree Rd.; Website: discoverdunwoody.com/holi-in-dunwoody; Date: Sunday, March 9; Time: 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party - Mason Mill Park (Decatur)

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a celestial spectacle at the Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party at Mason Mill Park, where Ranger Jonah invites you to experience the rare beauty of the full lunar eclipse, because some moments in the sky are worth staying up for!

Location: Decatur - 1406-1458 McConnell Dr.; Website: eventbrite.com/lunar-eclipse; Date: Friday, March 14; Time: 1:30 - 3:30 a.m.

Luck of the Square - Colony Square (Midtown)

Gather your crew and head to Luck of the Square after the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade for a shamrockin’ good time, with live music, festive swag, and enough shenanigans to keep the luck of the Irish with you all day long!

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com/luck-of-the-square; Date: Saturday, March 15; Time: 12 - 3 p.m.

A Dose of Earth Art Exhibit - Gallery Anderson Smith (Buckhead)

Step into a healing journey at “A Dose of Earth,” a solo exhibition by Taylor B. Douglass, where mixed-media art offers a calming escape and a chance to reconnect with nature’s grounding energy.

Location: Buckhead - 294 Buckhead Ave. NE; Website: eventbrite.com/a-dose-of-earth; Date: Saturday, March 15; Time: 7 - 10 p.m.

March Madness on the Green - Citizen’s Market (Buckhead)

Get your brackets ready and join the ultimate March Madness watch party, where you can catch every buzzer-beater on the big screen and cheer on your favorite teams in the heart of the action!

Location: Buckhead - 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE; Website: simon.com/basketball-on-the-green; Date: Sunday, March 16 - Monday, April 7

Atlanta Laughter Yoga Classes - The Trolley Barn (Inman Park)

Need a good laugh? Join Atlanta Laughter Yoga for a free session at The Trolley Barn. No jokes are required, just an open mind and a willingness to giggle your stress away!

Location: Inman Park - 963 Edgewood Ave. NE; Website: celestegreenelaughs.com/laughter-yoga; Date: Tuesday, March 18; Time: 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Butterfly Lantern Parade - Jess Lucas Park (Hapeville)

Spread your wings and let your light shine! Join the Hapeville Butterfly Lantern Parade and Festival for a magical night of glowing wings, music, and community fun.

Location: Hapeville - 680 S Central Ave.; Website: hapeville.org; Date: Saturday, March 23; Time: 5 - 10 p.m.

Author Discussion: Civil Sights - Atlanta City Studio (Downtown)

Join author Gene Kansas for a compelling look at Sweet Auburn’s vital role in the Civil Rights Movement, and discover how this historic Atlanta neighborhood continues to inspire action in preserving its cultural legacy.

Location: Downtown - 235 Mitchell St. SW #103; Website: acappellabooks.com/civil-sights; Date: Tuesday, March 25; Time: 6:30 p.m.

Little 5 Fest - Little Five Points

Get ready to roll into one of the year’s most electrifying events at Little 5 Fest, where the music, food, and entertainment will have you skating through an unforgettable day of fun!

Location: Little Five Points - 491 Seminole Ave. NE; Website: facebook.com; Date: Saturday, March 29; Time: Noon

2025 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival - Blackburn Park (Brookhaven)

Get ready for a weekend of music, food, and family fun at the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring O.A.R., Boyz II Men, and Gavin DeGraw, because nothing says spring like great tunes and cherry blossoms!

Location: Brookhaven - 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Rd.; Website: brookhavenga.gov/festival; Dates: Saturday, March 29 - Sunday, March 30; Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

National Take a Walk in the Park - Dunwoody Nature Center

Celebrate National Take a Walk in the Park Day at the Dunwoody Nature Center, where guests can enjoy the spring weather, explore scenic trails, and join a fun scavenger hunt.

Location: Dunwoody - 5343 Roberts Dr.; Website: dunwoodynature.org/walkinthepark; Date: Sunday, March 30