20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in November

As November rolls into metro Atlanta, the city is ready to fall into a season of celebration with a variety of free festivities. Honor our veterans during the Georgia Veterans Day Parade, tap your feet to lively tunes at Irish Fest, or get in the holiday spirit at the Lighting of Avalon, where you can enjoy festive performances and the countdown to a stunning tree lighting. From outdoor movies and cultural celebrations to family-friendly workshops and live music events, we’ve rounded up 20 exciting, cost-free experiences that will ensure your November is packed with fun!

Xfinity Fall Movie Series - The Battery Atlanta

Join family and friends for free movie night screenings under the stars at The Battery’s Xfinity Movie Series, featuring blockbusters like “Back to the Future,” “Shrek 2,” “Hulk,” and more on the Plaza Green. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show!

Location: 2625 Cir 75 Pkwy. SE; Website: batteryatl.com; Dates: Fridays and Last Saturday of the month (Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 30); Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Rescue Dog Games and Howl-O-Ween Party - Piedmont Park

Rescue Dog Games, Atlanta’s ultimate Howl-O-Ween festival, promises a day of fun with dog-friendly games, a costume contest, pet rescues, music, food, photo booths, and more. Perfect for dogs and their humans!

Location: Midtown - 10th St. NE; Website: rescuedoggames.com; Date: Saturday, Nov. 2; Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

First Free Saturday - Dunwoody Nature Center

Join Dunwoody Nature Center’s Free First Saturday themed, “Wilderness Basics,” for a family adventure with engaging activities, a guided nature hike, camping skills, and creative arts and crafts.

Location: Dunwoody - 5343 Roberts Dr.; Website: dunwoodynature.org; Date: Saturday, Nov. 2; Time: 1 - 2 p.m.

Cottage Groove 2024 - Kirkwood

The Cottage Groove “Day of the Groove” on the Day of the Dead returns as Kirkwood’s best block party, featuring bands, food trucks, drinks, and a special auction, all to support Neighbor in Need’s emergency home repairs for senior neighbors.

Location: East Atlanta - 2316 Cottage Grove Ave. SE; Website: facebook.com; Date: Saturday, Nov. 2; Time: 4 p.m. - 11:55 p.m.

16th Annual Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival

The Chastain Park Arts Festival showcases 155 talented artists, live demonstrations, acoustic music, a vibrant children’s area, and delicious festival food, making it a must-visit for art lovers and families alike.

Location: Buckhead - 4469 Stella Dr. NW; Website: chastainparkartsfestival.com; Dates: Saturday, Nov. 2 - Sunday, Nov. 3

Sunday FUNday: Piecing Thing Together - Michael C. Carlos Museum (Emory University)

Sunday FUNday invites families to explore La Vaughn Belle’s art created from repurposed materials damaged by Hurricane Maria and participate in hands-on art-making using their own repurposed materials.

Location: Druid Hills - 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE; Website: carlos.emory.edu; Date: Sunday, Nov. 3; Time: 12 - 4 p.m.

Dia de los Muertos - Oakland Cemetery

Celebrate life at Oakland Cemetery’s traditional Day of the Dead Festival! This event features lively dancing, music, crafts, face painting, and a stunning display of altars honoring loved ones. Plus, don your best attire for the Catrinas and Catrins costume contest with cash prizes up for grabs!

Location: East Atlanta - 248 Oakland Ave. SE; Website: oaklandcemetery.com; Date: Sunday, Nov. 3; Time: 12 - 5 p.m.

Checkmate Mondays - Politan Row

Put your strategy to the test at Checkmate Mondays, where chess enthusiasts can enjoy casual play and tournaments every Monday.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Dates: Mondays (Nov. 4, 11, 18 and 25); Time: 6 - 10 p.m.

Comedy Night - SweetWater Brewing Company

Every first and third Monday of the month, enjoy a free comedy show at SweetWater Brewing, showcasing a surprise lineup of top comedians in the world’s longest-running brewery-based comedy show. Reserve your seats here!

Location: Northeast - 195 Ottley Dr. NE; Website: 1upcomedy.com/sweetwater; Dates: Monday, Nov. 4 and Monday, Nov. 18; Time: 8 p.m.

Live from Woodruff Park - Woodruff Park (Downtown)

Tune into the rhythm of the city at Live From Woodruff Park, an afternoon concert series featuring weekly performances by local talent. It’s family-friendly and attendees are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs.

Location: Downtown - 91 Peachtree St.; Website: atlantadowntown.com; Dates: Thursday, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14; Time: 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Babe Walls Mural Festival - Chamblee

Paint the town vibrant at the Babe Walls Mural Festival, where 30 talented artists will transform the Chamblee Rail Trail into a stunning outdoor gallery with live mural creations, artsy vendors, and delicious food trucks, making it the perfect canvas for family fun and community spirit!

Location: Chamblee Rail Trail; Website: chambleega.com; Dates: Thursday, Nov. 7 - Sunday, Nov.10

Funwoody’s 3, 2, 1 Anniversary Party - Dunwoody

Get ready to raise a toast at Funwoody’s 3, 2, 1 Anniversary Bash, where you can celebrate three years of Bar{n}, Booze & Bites, two years of Morty’s Meat & Supply BBQ, and one year of coastal vibes at Message In A Bottle, all while enjoying live music, delicious food, and exclusive brews!

Location: Dunwoody - Dunwoody Village Pkwy.; Website: discoverdunwoody.com; Date: Friday, Nov. 8; Time: 7 p.m.

Irish Fest Atlanta - Roswell

IrishFest Atlanta will feature Irish music, dance, workshops, food, sports demos, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free, and some events are ticketed.

Location: Roswell - 950 Forrest St.; Website: irishfestatlanta.org; Dates: Friday, Nov. 8 - Sunday, Nov. 10; Admission: Most events are free (some require tickets for entry)

43rd Annual Georgia Veterans Day Parade - Midtown

Salute our heroes at the 43rd Annual Georgia Veterans Day Parade in Midtown, where the streets will come alive with patriotism as community members line Peachtree Street to honor veterans and active-duty military.

Location: Midtown - Peachtree St. from 15th to 5th St.; Website: georgiaveteransday.org; Date: Saturday, Nov. 9; Time: 11 a.m.

Parking Lot Skate Jam - Muchacho

Kick flip into fun at the first annual Parking Lot Skate Jam at Muchacho, where you can shred on a custom ramp, rock out to live music, check out a gnarly skate deck art show featuring 20 local artists, and enjoy cold brews and tasty bites, all while celebrating the ultimate skate culture!

Location: East Atlanta - 904 Memorial Dr. SE; Website: instagram.com/muchachoatl; Date: Saturday, Nov. 9; Time: 3 - 8 p.m.

Contemporary Kids - Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Unleash your little Picassos at Contemporary Kids with artist Makiko Maekawa, where families can drop in anytime to create colorful masterpieces, enjoy the exhibitions, and let their imaginations run wild in a fun and artistic atmosphere!

Location: Midtown - 535 Means St. NW; Website: atlantacontemporary.org; Date: Sunday, Nov. 17; Time: 12 - 2 p.m. (Doors open at 11 a.m.)

Decatur Glassblowing Anniversary Open House Party - Decatur

Get fired up at Decatur Glassblowing’s 12th Anniversary Open House, where guests can enjoy live glassblowing demonstrations, tasty refreshments, and a chance to shop for stunning glass art. All in an exciting, family-friendly atmosphere!

Location: Decatur - 250 Freeman St.; Website: facebook.com; Date: Saturday, Nov. 23; Time: 6 - 10 p.m.

The Lighting of Avalon - Avalon (Alpharetta)

Light up your holiday season at Avalon’s Lighting of Avalon, where festive fun shines bright with ice skating, live performances, and a countdown to the dazzling 40-foot tree lighting with Jolly Old Saint Nick!

Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com; Date: Sunday, Nov. 24; Time: 2 - 7:30 p.m.

Hapeville for the Holidays - Jess Lucas Park (Hapeville)

Get into the holiday spirit at Hapeville for the Holidays, where families can enjoy festive games, sweet treats, and the magical tree lighting, all while making merry memories with Santa himself!

Location: Hapeville - 680 S Central Ave.; Website: hapeville.org; Date: Tuesday, Nov. 26; Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.

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

Join The Home Depot for this month’s Kids Workshop, featuring a Cocoa Ornament crafting event for children (while supplies last).

Locations: Atlanta Locations; Website: homedepot.com; Date: Saturday, Nov. 30; Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.