20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in May

May is bursting with things to do in metro Atlanta from cultural celebrations to live music and parades. You can plan your month around these crowd-pleasing events knowing that there’s something for everyone in your family. And you can do them without breaking the bank as admission is free for all of them. Happy planning!

Decatur Arts Festival

This weekend art extravaganza begins with the ArtWalk Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. as attendees stroll the city enjoying art exhibits at local establishments alongside refreshments. The key draw, the artist market, extends from May 3 to May 4 and showcases 150 artists from the Southeast and beyond working in wood, watercolor, photography and more. Also catch musical performances, comedy and storytelling throughout the weekend alongside a children’s book festival.

Location: Downtown Decatur; Dates: May 2-4; Time: Friday - 6-10 p.m., Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: decaturartsfestival.com

C10s in the City

See all the brightly painted, chromed out rides at this classic GM truck show in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood. The show benefits the Pink Fund, which helps those undergoing breast cancer treatment pay household bills, and Summerhill is the former Olympic stadium and its surrounding area. Peruse the various car-related vendors at the event while you take in the trucks.

Location: Summerhill B Lot, 563 Capitol Avenue SE; Date: May 3; Time: 9 a.m.; Website: c10sinthecity.com

Tucker Day

A civic-centric ceremony, a parade and a stage full of bands and live entertainment are the not-to-be-missed draws at Tucker Day. This year, catch the CHI-Town Transit Authority, Lady T, and the Flying Saucers among others on the main stage. There will be other acts on the First Avenue West and Railroad Avenue Stages. You’ll also find lots of vendors and a kid zone with games, rides and activities.

Location: Downtown Tucker; Date: May 3; Time: 9 a.m.; Website: tuckerday.com

Free Comic Book Day

This ninth annual event, themed “Together We Create” this year, means workshops on cosplay, game development, comic creation and more alongside expert-led panels. And of course, there are the free comic books. Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual fan, come out and experience the magic and fun!

Location: Lawrenceville Arts Center, 125 N Clayton Street; Date: May 3; Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: downtownlawrencevillega.com

John’s Creek International Festival

Traditional food, music and art from around the world will be accessible in John’s Creek during this annual event. See music, performances and storytelling. Experience unique cuisine from Cajun to Korean. And shop jewelry, groceries and home goods in the global marketplace.

Location: Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive; Dates: May 3; Time: noon to 6 p.m.; Website: johnscreekga.gov

Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade

Colorful lanterns and puppets will light up the night once again on the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail. Peruse a vendor market and food trucks beforehand and indulge in lantern making. Activities begin at 4 p.m. at various sites along the trail. Bands and puppets will gather for a post-parade jam session at 9:15 p.m. in the parking lot at Lee + White Food Hall.

Location: Southwest Trail; Dates: May 3; Time: 8:35 p.m.; Website: beltline.org/art/lantern-parade

Creature Feature

Meet love snakes and turtles and learn from a park ranger about the animals native to Panola Mountain. All children must have an adult with them, and there is a $5 parking fee.

Location: Panola Mountain Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge; Dates: May 4, 18 and 25; Time: 2-2:30 p.m.; Website: explore.gastateparks.org

Taste of Alpharetta

Walk Alpharetta’s downtown for a sweet, spicy and savory experience featuring offerings from more than 60 restaurants. From bakeries to burger joints, the chefs will be putting their best feet forward. General admission is free, but restaurants may charge $1-$8 for food samples.

Location: Downtown Alpharetta; Date: May 8; Time: 5-10 p.m.; Website: awesomealpharetta.com/taste-of-alpharetta

Dolly Days

It’s worth the drive north to Ringgold, the town where Dolly Parton wed, to celebrate the legendary singer. Start your day off with the Dolly Dash with options ranging from a mile to 5K and 10K lengths. Move on to Dolly-centric festivities that range from line dancing and lookalike contests to shopping, music and food trucks.

Location: Downtown Ringgold; Dates: May 10; Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: nothinlikeringgold.com

Sweet Auburn Springfest

Get ready for great music in a historic setting. Sweet Auburn Springfest has become an area favorite with music, food and great vendors as the centerpiece. For close to four decades, this festival has taken place along Auburn Avenue, and this year promises the event’s signature “family reunion” feel with Buckhead Boyz, GABE Atlanta and Soul for Real, among many others, on tap to play.

Location: Historic Sweet Auburn District, 230 John Wesley Dobbs; Dates: May 10-11; Time: Saturday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday - 1 p.m.-8 p.m.; Website: sweetauburn.com

Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival

Once again, Fulton County’s largest public park will host this celebration of the visual arts. Around 175 artists will congregate to showcase their work in this 17th annual event. Peruse arts and crafts, gourmet food trucks and acoustic musicians.

Location: Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta; Dates: May 10-11; Time: Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: chastainparkartsfestival.com

LIVE in the DTL kickoff

This free summer concert series in Lawrenceville will have you rocking all summer long. Enjoy food trucks and live music during the kickoff evening May 16 at the Lawrenceville Lawn.

Location: Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St; Date: May 16; Time: 7-10 p.m.; Website: lawrencevillega.org

Movies in the Park at Sunset

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and the whole family out to enjoy a sunset event you won’t forget with Movies in the Park at Grayson Green. The movie for May is the Little Mermaid, so get ready for this maritime adventure. The city of Grayson provides free popcorn.

Location: Grayson City Park, 475 Grayson Parkway; Date: May 16; Time: 8:30-10:30 p.m.; Website: cityofgrayson.org

Birds of Prey

Meet and learn about eight species of raptors at Amicalola State Park and Lodge. Get there early to talk with raptor specialists and stay after the one-hour program to get your photo with these majestic birds.

Location: Amicalola State Park and Lodge, Dawsonville; Date: May 17. Continues on selected Saturdays through the year. Time: 1 p.m.; Website: explore.gastateparks.org

Mahealani’s Polynesian Revue

Live music and dance will transport you across cultures during this celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. You’ll also find great photo ops and delicious food — all laid out on the Chamblee City Hall green space.

Location: Chamblee City Hall, 3518 Broad Street; Date: May 18; Time: 11 a.m.; Website: facebook.com

Atlanta Jazz Festival

This 48th annual event brings out the best in the art of jazz with musicians from around the world. Produced by the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, this is one of the nation’s biggest free jazz festivals. Hear sounds from the likes of Kenny Banks, Jr., Andromeda Turre, Aneesa Strings and many more. Also, enjoy auxiliary events over the weekend like a kid’s rhythm workshop.

Location: Piedmont Park; Dates: May 24-26; Time: 11 a.m.; Website: atljazzfest.com

Music in the Garden

This green space in Decatur offers up free music performances every Sunday from spring to fall. On May 27, catch Mockingbird’s Wing, an acoustic group featuring vocalists and songwriters Barbara Hotz and Paul Pendery and multi-instrumentalists Jonathan McBee and Suzy Schultz. To hear the unique sound these artists produce and understand why they borrowed the songbird’s name for their moniker.

Location: Garden at Woodlands, 932 Scott Blvd Decatur; Dates: May 27; Time: 2-4 p.m.; Website: woodlandsgarden.org/music-in-the-garden/

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration

This event, with the theme “Choosing humanity” celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Food, music and dance will characterize the night. Bring the family out for a vibrant time of celebration.

Location: Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville; Date: May 30; Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Decatur Farmers Market

Load up on delicious and local produce, meats and more! This is a great opportunity to get out in the open air and support area vendors while stocking your fridge with healthy eats. This farmers market matches SNAP and EBT dollars with equal tokens for produce, too!

Location: First Baptist Church Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue; Dates: Wednesdays; Time: 4-7 p.m.; Website: cfmatl.org/decatur

Sweetwater Creek

Late spring is the perfect time to get out and enjoy nature in metro Atlanta. Add in a little water, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a hike. Just minutes from downtown, you’ll find a trail along Sweetwater Creek that leads to the New Manchester Manufacturing Company ruins. See local flora like ferns, hardwoods and wildflowers along the way. Be advised the ruins are closed to all visitors save those on school field trips, guided hikes and special events.

Location: Sweetwater Creek State Park, 750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs; Dates: Anytime in May; Time: 7 a.m. to dark; Website: gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek