20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in November
Editor’s note: Atlanta Streets Alive Nov. 12 event day has been removed from our original list below as it has been rescheduled to Dec. 3.
As the brisk November winds sweep through the vibrant streets of Atlanta, the city comes alive with an array of exciting and wallet-friendly activities for locals and visitors alike. From cultural festivals and outdoor adventures to art exhibitions and live performances, Atlanta offers a plethora of free experiences that capture the essence of this dynamic city. This guide unveils 20 free activities allowing you to embrace the city’s dynamic spirit on a budget and make the most of your November days.
Just Walk - Mason Mill Park (Decatur)
Led by Certified Health Coach Carolyn Hartfield, the Just Walk program, in partnership with Walk with a Doc and AARP of Georgia, offers weekly community walks at Mason Mill Park, featuring health discussions and opportunities for new friendships, both in person and virtually.
Location: Decatur - 1406-1458 McConnell Dr.; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Wednesdays (Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29); Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
Day of the Dead Fest - Plaza Las Americas (Lilburn)
Plaza Las Americas cordially invites everyone to join a heartfelt Day of the Dead celebration, embracing the cherished Mexican tradition of honoring departed loved ones with love, culture and remembrance.
Location: Lilburn - 733 Pleasant Hill Rd.; Website: plazalasamericasatl.com; Date: Thursday, Nov. 2 - Sunday, Nov. 5
Community Touch a Truck - Cumberland Mall
Join Cumberland Mall for their 3rd Annual Touch-A-Truck event in partnership with Cobb County’s local safety heroes, offering a fun-filled afternoon of exploring fire trucks, adopting fur family members, face painting, dancing, sweet treats and more.
Location: Cumberland - 2860 Cumberland Mall; Website: cumberlandmall.com; Date: Friday, Nov. 3; Time: 2 - 5 p.m.
Xfinity Movie Series - The Battery Atlanta
Join family and friends for free Friday night screenings under the stars at The Battery’s Xfinity Movie Series, featuring blockbusters like “E.T.” and “Abominable” on the Plaza Green. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show!
Location: Cumberland - 800 Battery Ave. SE; Website: batteryatl.com; Dates: Fridays (Nov. 3, 17 and 25); Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
First Fridays Comedy Night - Monkey Wrench Brewing (Suwanee)
On the first Friday of every month, Monkey Wrench Brewing in Suwanee has a free comedy night featuring local and touring comedians hosted by Hissy Fit Comedy.
Location: Suwanee - 3425 Martin Farm Rd.; Website: freshtix.com/mwcomedy; Date: Friday, Nov. 3; Time: 8 p.m.
Art Workshop: Making Embroidered Warming Cloths - Hapeville Depot Museum
In this workshop led by Yari J. Mena, adults will learn the art of creating hand-embroidered tortilla warming cloths, exploring the craft’s history and techniques passed down from her grandmother.
Location: Hapeville - 620 S Central Ave.; Website: hapevilledepot.org/depot-events; Date: Saturday, Nov. 4; Time: 1 - 2 p.m.
Chastain Park Arts Festival
The 13th annual Chastain Park Arts Festival will showcase 175 artists and artisans offering visitors fine art, crafts, a children’s area, lively acoustic performances and more, all organized by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.
Location: Buckhead - 4469 Stella Dr. NW; Website: chastainparkartsfestival.com; Date: Saturday, Nov. 4 - Sunday, Nov. 5
Caffeine and Octane Car Show - Town Center at Cobb (Kennesaw)
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 (located in the parking lot near JCPenney and Belk).
Location: Kennesaw - 400 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW; Website: travelcobb.org/caffeine-octane; Dates: Sunday, Nov. 5; Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dia de los Muertos - Oakland Cemetery
Attendees are invited to the traditional Day of the Dead Festival at Oakland Cemetery, organized by the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta and the Institute of Mexican Culture, featuring free family-friendly activities, altars adorned with flowers, a Catrinas and Catrins costume contest with cash prizes, and much more.
Location: East Atlanta - 248 Oakland Ave. SE; Website: oaklandcemetery.com/dia-de-muertos; Date: Sunday, Nov. 5; Time: Noon - 5 p.m.
Big Peach Ride and Run Social Run! - Midtown
Every Tuesday evening, people are welcome to join a community stroll through Midtown, catering to runners and walkers of all paces and abilities with various distances available.
Location: Midtown - 800 Peachtree St. NE; Website: midtownatl.com; Dates: Tuesdays (Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28); Time: 6:30 p.m.
Veterans Day Parade - Marietta
The Marietta Veterans Day Parade features a patriotic procession showcasing bands, floats and military vehicles, with Marietta and Cobb County schools participating, honoring veterans and military organizations.
Location: Marietta - 774 Roswell St. NE; Website: marietta.com/veterans-day-parade; Date: Saturday, Nov. 11; Time: 11 a.m.
Tree Time: A Living History Walk Along the Atlanta Beltline
Embark on “Tree Time: A Living History Walk,” the inaugural event in “The City is a Circle” series on the Atlanta BeltLine, exploring ancient landscapes and community narratives along a seven-mile guided tour with snacks and lunch provided.
Location: Northwest - 1199 Fenwood St. SW; Website: beltline.org/city-is-a-circle-tree-time; Date: Sunday, Nov. 12; Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Weekend Wind Down Concert Series - Avondale Estates Town Green
Funk Cake electrifies Avondale Estates with New Orleans brass, pop and groove, featuring a horn-infused performance at the final show of the Weekend Wind Down concert series on the Town Green.
Location: Avondale Estates - 64 N Avondale Rd.; Website: avondaleestates.org/Weekend-Wind-Down; Date: Sunday, Nov. 12; Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Emory Cinematheque: Mulholland Drive (2001)
Emory Cinematheque presents “Mulholland Drive” (2001) offering a gripping exploration of Hollywood dreams and nightmares through the intertwined lives of characters like aspiring actor Betty (Naomi Watts) and amnesiac Rita (Laura Elena Harding) in David Lynch’s cinematic masterpiece.
Location: North Druid Hills - 301 Dowman Dr.; Website: filmandmedia.emory.edu; Date: Wednesday, Nov. 15; Time: 7:30 p.m.
Light the Station - Atlantic Station
Join the festive celebration at Atlantic Station’s Light the Station event, featuring the lighting of a 50-foot tree on Atlantic Green, live music, special performances, characters and more holiday fun, followed by the Winter Wonderland Parade.
Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com/light-the-station; Date: Saturday, Nov. 18; Time: 5 - 9:30 p.m.
Contemporary Kids - Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Families are invited to join artist Makiko Maekawa for a Contemporary Kids program, where children can explore contemporary art using various objects, paint and paper at their own pace.
Location: Midtown - 535 Means St. NW; Website: atlantacontemporary.org/contemporary-kids; Date: Sunday, Nov. 19; Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
The Lighting of Avalon - Alpharetta
Join Avalon’s festive celebrations, from the enchanting ice skating and holiday performances to face painting, balloon art and a spectacular 40-foot tree lighting with Santa Claus.
Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com/the-lighting-of-avalon; Date: Sunday, Nov. 19; Time: 2 - 7:30 p.m.
Sports on the Screen - Peachtree Corners
Sports enthusiasts are invited to join fellow fans for “Sports on the Screen” to catch UGA vs. Georgia Tech at the Town Green.
Location: Peachtree Corners - 5140 Town Center Blvd.; Website: ptreecornerstowncenter.com/sports-on-the-screen; Date: Saturday, Nov. 25
Holiday Glow - Peachtree Corners
Join Peachtree Corners for the Holiday Glow event and enjoy performances, sing-alongs, a Menorah and Tree Lighting ceremony, and a holiday concert. Hot chocolate will be provided and kids can leave letters for Santa!
Location: Peachtree Corners - 5140 Town Center Blvd.; Website: ptreecornerstowncenter.com/holiday-glow; Date: Thursday, Nov. 30; Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
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