20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in May
As the vibrant colors of spring fill the air, metro Atlanta comes alive with a variety of free activities that invite both locals and visitors to embrace the enchanting charm of the season. Whether your interests lie in the great outdoors, music, or art, May presents an abundance of opportunities to explore the city’s diverse offerings without spending a dime. Delight in the Decatur Arts Festival, embrace Wellness Wednesdays, groove to the melodies of the Atlanta Jazz Festival and much more. Uncover 20 captivating and cost-free things to do in metro Atlanta this May that will captivate your senses and create lasting memories.
Punchline Comedy Night - Avalon
Get ready for a night of laughter and entertainment as Punchline Comedy Night takes place at Palmer Plaza at the Avalon. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs and join in on the fun!
Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com; Date: Monday, May 1; Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Wellness Wednesday - Atlantic Station
Wellness Wednesdays are back at Atlantic Station with an exciting lineup of fitness classes, including boot camps, sound bath meditation, yoga and salsa dancing.
Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com; Contact: 404-410-4010; Dates: Wednesdays (May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31); Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Groovin’ on the Square - Colony Square
Experience Groovin’ on the Square at Colony Square, featuring live musical performances every Friday from April to October. Check out the full schedule.
Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Contact: 404-879-2250; Dates: Fridays (May 5, 12, 19 and 26); Time: 6-8 p.m.
Decatur Arts Festival - Downtown Decatur
Discover the Decatur Arts Festival, an exciting multi-day event fun for the whole family showcasing theatrical performances, live music, comedy, exhibitions, an artists’ market and a kids’ fest.
Location: Downtown Decatur; Website: decaturartsfestival.com; Date: Friday, May 5 - Sunday, May 7
May-Retta Daze - Glover Park
Check out the vibrant May-Retta Daze festival featuring a wide array of exhibitors showcasing handmade goods, festival food, a kid’s zone, and live acoustic music performances for the whole family to enjoy.
Location: Marietta - 50 N Park Square; Website: mariettaga.gov/May-Retta-Daze; Date: Saturday, May 6 - Sunday, May 7
Kentucky Derby - Colony Square
Come dressed in your best fancy fascinator to this fun Kentucky Derby celebration with live music, drinks, race betting, photo opportunities and more. All raffle proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.
Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Contact: 404-879-2250; Dates: Saturday, May 6; Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tot Spot Fire Safety - Atlantic Station
Visit Tot Spot to empower your little ones with fire safety knowledge through engaging activities, crafts, and more, while also exploring the Fire Safety Station event featuring the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and their impressive big red fire truck, providing an unforgettable interactive experience.
Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Suite 14100; Website: atlanticstation.com; Contact: 404-410-4010; Date: Tuesday, May 9; Time: 10 a.m. to noon
AAPI Makers Market - Duluth Festival Center
Celebrate the love for creativity, culture, and belonging at this AAPI Maker’s Market: “Labor of Love” in Duluth. Find unique gifts and support the work of local AAPI artisans and entrepreneurs.
Location: Duluth - 3142 Hill St. NW; Website: asianamericanadvocacyfund.org; Date: Saturday, May 13; Time: 2-5:30 p.m.
Sweet Auburn SpringFest - Historic Sweet Auburn District
Experience Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn District at the largest free outdoor festival in the Southeast, Sweet Auburn Springfest. Enjoy delicious food, live music and family-friendly fun along the mile-and-a-half historic avenue with 10 stages and a wide variety of vendors.
Location: East Atlanta - 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave.; Website: sweetauburn.com; Contact: 678-667-1375; Date: Saturday, May 13 - Sunday, May 14
Mother’s Day at The Hall - College Football Hall of Fame
Treat mom this Mother’s Day at the College Football Hall of Fame, where mom can enjoy free admission and special perks including complimentary massages and up to two free mimosas. The first 100 moms will also receive a $25 gift card to The Home Depot.
Location: Downtown - 250 Marietta St. NW; Website: cfbhall.com; Dates: Sunday, May 14; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday FUNday: Take Flight - Michael C. Carlos Museum (Emory University)
Celebrate birds with art activities, a family guide and learn about bird conservation at Sunday FUNday: Take Flight. This event is in collaboration with Georgia Bird Fest 2023 and the Georgia Audubon Society.
Location: Druid Hills - 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE; Website: carlos.emory.edu; Contact: 404-727-4282; Dates: Sunday, May 14; Time: 1-4 p.m.
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: aliveinroswell.com; Date: Thursday, May 18; Time: 5-9 p.m.
National Kids to Parks Day - Hammond Park (Sandy Springs)
Take part in National Kids to Parks Day to promote active and healthy lifestyles through outdoor play at local parks and recreation sites. Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family with activities like balloon art, water slides, music, prizes and more.
Location: Sandy Springs (Hammon Park) - 5909 Glenridge Dr.; Website: sandyspringsga.gov; Dates: Saturday, May 20; Time: 11 a.m.
2nd Anniversary Celebration - Chattahoochee Food Works
Celebrate Chattahoochee Food Works’ 2nd anniversary with live entertainment and fun activities all day long!
Location: Northeast - 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW; Website: theworksatl.com; Date: Saturday, May 20; Time: 11 a.m.
Alpharetta Art in the Park - Brooke Street Park
Discover Alpharetta Art in the Park at Brooke Street Park in Downtown Alpharetta. This outdoor artist market features local artisans creating handcrafted masterpieces across various mediums.
Location: Alpharetta - 2 Park Plaza; Website: awesomealpharetta.com/alpharetta-art-park; Dates: Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21
PAWty in the Park - 10th Street Park (Midtown)
Take your pup to Midtown’s PAWty in the Park, a free monthly mini-festival at 10th Street Park celebrating dogs with a DJ, games, drinks and fun for all.
Location: Midtown - 1005 Peachtree St. NE; Website: midtownatl.com/pawty-in-the-park; Date: Saturday, May 20; Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
La Fiesta en Hapeville
Join the fun at La Fiesta en Hapeville, a lively family event with a folklórico performance, food vendors, live music, activities like pick-up soccer and face-painting, and much more!
Location: Hapeville - 3444 N Fulton Ave Hapeville, GA; Website: hapeville.org; Contact: 404-669-2116; Date: Saturday, May 20; Time: 1-5 p.m.
Dunwoody Sunday Cycle
Bring your helmet and join Dunwoody’s monthly Community Bike Ride and enjoy a 4.5-mile route with the option of a shorter route for younger or slower riders.
Location: Dunwoody - 1426 Dunwoody Village Pkwy.; Website: bikewalkdunwoody.org; Contact: 770-512-4640; Date: Sunday, May 21; Time: 4-5 p.m.
Midtown Movie Nights: Grease - 10th Street Park
Watch the timeless film Grease at Midtown Movie Nights in 10th Street Park. Sing along under the stars with friends, bring blankets or chairs, and enjoy complimentary popcorn.
Location: Midtown - 1005 Peachtree St. NE; Website: midtownatl.com; Date: Thursday, May 25; Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Atlanta Jazz Festival - Piedmont Park
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of jazz at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, one of the largest free jazz festivals in the nation, showcasing a dynamic lineup of local and international artists.
Location: Midtown - Piedmont Park; Website: atljazzfest.com; Date: Saturday, May 27 - Monday, May 29; Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
