20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in October

As October sweeps through metro Atlanta, the city bursts with free festivities celebrating Pride, Halloween, and much more. Experience the spooky fun at the Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade, where ghostly thrills meet live music. The Atlanta Pride Festival invites everyone to join in with parades and cultural exhibits. From thrilling tricks to colorful celebrations and unique experiences, we’ve rounded up 20 fantastic cost-free activities that will ensure you have a spooktacular time this autumn, all without breaking the bank!

Free Community Fitness - The Home Depot Backyard (Downtown)

The Home Depot Backyard hosts free community fitness sessions featuring a mix of classes like Royal Physique Boot Camp and Hip-Hop Yoga, led by expert instructors.

Location: Downtown - 1 Backyard Way; Website: atlantadowntown.com; Dates: Tuesday, Oct. 1 and 8, Monday, Oct. 7; Time: 6 - 8:15 p.m.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Trivia - Atlanta Hard Cider

In celebration of Pride, Atlanta Hard Cider offers RuPaul’s Drag Race Trivia, inviting fans to sashay in their runway best for a night of fierce competition and fabulous fun.

Location: Marietta - 1010 Roswell St. NE; Website: atlantahardcider.com; Date: Wednesday, Oct. 2; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Movies on the Square - Colony Square

Get into the Halloween spirit with Movies on the Square, and kick back for a free screening of Disney’s “Halloweentown,” perfect for a spooky night.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Thursday, Oct. 3; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

First Free Saturday - Dunwoody Nature Center

Dive into nature at the Dunwoody Nature Center’s Free First Saturday, themed “Creepy Crawlies”! Families and the community are invited to explore the park’s unique ecosystem through engaging activities, a guided nature hike, and imaginative arts and crafts.

Location: Dunwoody - 5343 Roberts Dr.; Website: dunwoodynature.org; Date: Saturday, Oct. 5; Time: 1 - 2 p.m.

Pumpkin Patch Festival - Oakland Cemetery

Celebrate the Halloween season at Oakland Cemetery’s Pumpkin Patch Festival, with pumpkin picking, whimsical photo ops, spooky games, kids’ costume contests, and a Harvest Market featuring local handmade goodies.

Location: East Atlanta - 248 Oakland Ave. SE; Website: oaklandcemetery.com; Dates: Saturday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 6; Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Festivals of Speed - Avalon (Alpharetta)

Calling all car enthusiasts! Festivals of Speed will transform Avalon into a stunning showcase of exotic cars, motorcycles, and luxury brands. Attendees can admire a dazzling array of vintage and contemporary vehicles from renowned manufacturers like Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, and more. Register here.

Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com; Date: Sunday, Oct. 6; Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Comedy Night - Mac McGee (The Battery)

Every second Wednesday of the month, Mac McGee hosts a free comedy show, offering a night of laughter and good vibes that friends won’t want to miss.

Location: Cumberland - 950 Battery Ave. SE, Suite 1204; Website: batteryatl.com; Date: Wednesday, Oct. 9; Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Plaza Party - North Avenue MARTA Station

Plaza Party invites you to immerse yourself in a celebration of culture and community at the North Avenue MARTA Station’s Plaza, where delicious food, vibrant music, and the lively spirit of Midtown come together for an unforgettable after-work experience!

Location: Midtown - 713 W. Peachtree St. NW; Website: midtownatl.com/plazaparty; Date: Thursday, Oct. 10; Time: 5 - 8 p.m.

Pride on the Square - Colony Square

Pride On The Square kicks off Atlanta Pride weekend, featuring emcee Brigitte Bidet and dazzling drag performances honoring icons like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. There will be complimentary swag and DJ Yvonne Monet spinning vibrant tunes.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Friday, Oct. 11; Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Wire and Wood Festival - Alpharetta

Alpharetta’s Wire & Wood Festival unites nationally and locally recognized musicians to share the stories behind their songs, supporting the city’s initiative to enrich its musical community. Friday’s headliner is Sixpence None the Richer, with Neal Francis taking the stage on Saturday.

Location: Downtown Alpharetta - 20 S. Main St.; Website: wireandwoodalpharetta.com; Dates: Friday, Oct. 11 - Saturday, Oct. 12

Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade

The Atlanta Pride Festival, the Southeast’s largest Pride celebration, takes over Piedmont Park, featuring live entertainment, cultural exhibits, over 200 vendor booths, and the grand parade on Sunday that attracts more than 100,000 attendees.

Location: Midtown - 10th St. NE; Website: atlantapride.org; Dates: Saturday, Oct. 12 - Sunday, Oct. 13

Access for All - High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art invites visitors to “Access for All,” a day of free admission featuring engaging art conversations, creative activities, and stunning performances for guests of all ages.

Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: high.org; Date: Wednesday, Oct. 16; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: Free

Throwback Thursday - Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station transforms into a retro paradise for Star 94′s Throwback Thursday, featuring the electrifying sounds of BandX! Guests are invited to dust off their most radical ‘80s outfits for a gnarly night of dance and nostalgia that will transport them back to the best decade ever!

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com; Date: Thursday, Oct. 17; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

OktoberFEAST - City Green (Sandy Springs)

Step into a festive Bavarian wonderland at City Green, where the sights and sounds of Oktoberfest fill the air! Guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere brimming with traditional German culture, delicious food, and vibrant performances.

Location: Sandy Springs - 1 Galambos Wy.; Website: visitsandysprings.org; Dates: Saturday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 20; Time: 3 - 9 p.m.

Little 5 Points Festival and Parade

The Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade, a cherished Atlanta tradition, features a variety of must-see activities such as a 3D haunted house, live music, an artist market, ghost tours, and much more.

Location: Little Five Points; Website: l5phalloween.com; Dates: Saturday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 20

Atlanta Streets Alive - West End to Grant Park

Atlanta Streets Alive turns Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. and Georgia Ave. into a vibrant playground for biking, walking, and skating, inviting residents to leave their cars behind and explore their community in a safe, healthy, and exhilarating way.

Location: Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. & Georgia Ave.; Website: atlantastreetsalive.org; Date: Sunday, Oct. 20; Time: 1 - 5 p.m.

Spooky Springs - Abernathy Greenway (Sandy Springs)

Get ready for a fang-tastic time at Spooky Springs, where families can embrace the Halloween spirit! Little trick-or-treaters can explore candy stations, enjoy face painting, revel in foggy fun, groove to festive music, savor treats from food trucks and more.

Location: Sandy Springs - 70 Abernathy Rd.; Website: citysprings.com; Date: Saturday, Oct. 26; Time: 5 p.m.

6th Annual Dia de Muertos Celebration - Jess Lucas Park (Hapeville)

Hapeville’s 6th Annual Día de Muertos Celebration invites the community to honor the Day of the Dead with live music, delicious food, traditional crafts, and family-friendly activities.

Location: Hapeville - 680 S Central Ave.; Website: hapeville.org; Date: Saturday, Oct. 26; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Diwali Festival - Johns Creek

Experience the spirit of Diwali, the enchanting festival of lights, where laughter, joy, and rich cultural traditions come together in a dazzling celebration.

Location: Johns Creek - 11360 Lakefield Dr.; Website: johnscreekga.gov; Dates: Saturday, Oct. 26 - Sunday, Oct. 27; Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

Halloween / Dia de los Muertos - Plaza Fiesta

Plaza Fiesta hosts a festive Halloween and Día de los Muertos celebration, featuring candy giveaways for children, costume contests, lively music, and exciting prizes.

Location: Chamblee - 4166 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: plazafiesta.net; Date: Sunday, Oct. 27