20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in September

As the summer heat gives way to the refreshing breezes of fall, Atlanta comes alive with various free events perfect for enjoying the milder weather. September offers an unbeatable lineup of activities, from outdoor movie nights to vibrant celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month, like Fiestas Patrias at Plaza Fiesta and Salsa on the Square in Decatur. Art enthusiasts can explore the Roswell Arts Festival, while music lovers might find themselves swaying to the rhythms at the Sweet Auburn Music Fest. With so much to see and do for free, there’s no better time to embrace the season and experience all the city has to offer.

Yoga Flow - 10th Street Park (Midtown)

Every Tuesday, Midtown’s 10th Street Park hosts a free, all-levels yoga flow, offering a refreshing blend of movement, breathwork, and mindfulness in the heart of the community.

Location: Midtown - 1005 Peachtree St. NE; Website: midtownatl.com/yoga-flow; Dates: Every Tuesday (Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24); Time: 6 - 7 p.m.

Movies on the Square - Colony Square

We don’t talk about Bruno! However, families can enjoy a magical evening with a screening of Disney’s “Encanto” at Colony Square.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com/movies-on-the-square; Date: Thursday, Sept. 5; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Dirty Birds Rally - Atlantic Station

Get ready for the start of football season and join the Atlanta Falcons for the Dirty Birds Rally featuring appearances by Grady Jarrett, Bijan Robinson, and Younghoe Koo, along with a performance by 2 Chainz.

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com/dirty-birds-rally; Date: Friday, Sept. 6; Time: 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Reynoldstown Wheelbarrow Festival - Lang Carson Park

Celebrate community at the Reynoldstown Wheelbarrow Festival, where you can enjoy a day of live music, delicious food, arts and crafts, and fun activities for all ages!

Location: East Atlanta - 100 Manigault St. SE; Website: reynoldstown.net/wheelbarrow-festival; Date: Saturday, Sept. 7; Time: 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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

Join The Home Depot for this month’s Kids Workshop, featuring a Field Goal Game crafting event for children (while supplies last) just in time for football season!

Locations: Atlanta Locations; Website: homedepot.com/kids; Date: Saturday, Sept. 7; Time: 9 a.m.

Grandparents Day - The Breman Museum

Celebrate Grandparents Day at The Breman with a delightful afternoon featuring storytelling, entertaining puppetry from The Center for Puppetry Arts, and engaging activities for kids and grandparents.

Location: Midtown - 1440 Spring St. NW; Website: thebreman.org/grandparents-day; Date: Sunday, Sept. 8; Time: Noon to 2:30 p.m.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Concert in the Park - Piedmont Park

Pack a picnic and enjoy an evening of orchestral favorites under the stars at Piedmont Park’s Oak Hill, where the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform selections including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, and more.

Location: Midtown - 10th St. NE; Website: aso.org/concert-in-the-park; Date: Tuesday, Sept. 10; Time: 7:30 p.m.

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb - Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Honor the heroes of September 11th by participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where participants will ascend 2,071 steps (110 stories) to pay tribute to those lost and support the first responders.

Location: Downtown - 1 AMB Dr. NW; Website: web.cvent.com; Date: Wednesday, Sept. 11; Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Comedy Night - ASW Distillery (Buckhead)

Comedy Distilled at ASW Distillery offers a laughter-packed night with top stand-up comics, all set in the vibrant barrel room of Atlanta’s premier craft spirits haven.

Location: Northeast - 199 Armour Dr. NE; Website: freshtix.com/1upcomedy; Dates: Thursday, Sept. 12 and 26; Time: 7:30 p.m.

Fiestas Patrias Celebration - Plaza Fiesta

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Plaza Fiesta with “Fiestas Patrias,” a vibrant tradition and the official venue for the Mexican Consulate’s “El Grito – Mexican Independence Celebration,” offering a rich cultural experience filled with heritage and community spirit.

Location: Chamblee - 4166 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: plazafiesta.net/fiestas-patrias; Date: Thursday, Sept. 15

Party with the Past: South Downtown Block Party - Downtown

Join the Atlanta History Center’s Party with the Past: South Downtown Block Party for a night of games, drinks, and history on one of Atlanta’s oldest streets, Broad Street, with free entry and fun for all!

Location: Downtown - 79 Broad St. SW - 85 Broad St. SW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com/party-with-the-past; Date: Wednesday, Sept. 18; Time: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Fuqua Lecture: Nature’s Best Hope - Atlanta Botanical Garden

Check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s free “Fuqua Lecture: Nature’s Best Hope,” where you’ll learn how selecting the right plants for our landscapes can reverse biodiversity decline, combat climate change, and secure a sustainable future through simple, impactful actions.

Location: Midtown - 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE; Website: atlantabg.org/fuqua-lecture; Date: Wednesday, Sept. 18; Time:  7 - 9 p.m.

Braves Watch PAWty- The Battery Atlanta

Join the ultimate pet-friendly “Watch PAWty” at The Battery’s Georgia Power Pavilion, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the Braves game, shop pet boutiques, and meet adoptable dogs, all while snagging a free bandana for your pup!

Location: Cumberland - 800 Battery Ave. SE; Website: batteryatl.com/watch-pawty; Date: Friday, Sept. 20; Time: 6:30 p.m.

Music Bingo Emo Night - Atlanta Hard Cider

Music Bingo Emo Night returns, offering a nostalgic evening at Atlanta Hard Cider where guests can compete for prizes, and sing along to emo and pop-punk anthems while marking off their bingo cards.

Location: Marietta - 1010 Roswell St. NE; Website: atlantahardcider.com; Date: Friday, Sept. 20; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Chalk Walk and Artist Market 2024 - Chamblee

Experience a day of stunning sidewalk art, local artist booths, and family fun at the 2024 Chalk Walk & Artist Market in Chamblee, complete with food trucks and creative competitions for all ages.

Location: Chamblee - 3518 Broad St.; Website: chambleega.com/chalk_walk; Date: Saturday, Sept. 21; Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Halcyon’s 5-Year Anniversary Block Party - Alpharetta

Celebrate Halcyon’s 5th anniversary with an epic block party featuring live music, delicious food, special barrel-aged beers, fun activities for all ages, and more!

Location: Alpharetta - 6640 Town Square; Website: cherrystreetbrewing.com; Date: Saturday, Sept. 21; Time: 4 - 10 p.m.

Placita Latina Salsa on the Square - Decatur Square

Get ready to salsa your way through the night at Salsa on the Square, where you’ll groove to vibrant rhythms, enjoy live performances and dance lessons, and savor tasty food and drinks, all in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!

Location: Decatur - 509 N McDonough St.; Website: placitalatinaga.org; Date: Saturday, Sept. 21; Time: 4 - 10:30 p.m.

Stories and S’mores - Mason Mill Park (North Druid Hills)

Join Ranger Jonah at Mason Mill Park for a family-friendly evening of storytelling and s’mores, perfect for kids, starting with a campfire at 5 p.m. and ending with more s’mores and relaxation at 7 p.m.

Location: North Druid Hills - 1458 McConnell Dr.; Website: eventbrite.com/stories-smores; Date: Saturday, Sept. 21; Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Roswell Arts Festival - Roswell City Hall

The Roswell Arts Festival, now in its 58th year, showcases a diverse range of artists and local performers, with proceeds benefiting city parks and recreation programs.

Location: Roswell - 38 Hill St.; Website: roswellartsfestival.com; Dates: Saturday, Sept. 21 - Sunday, Sept. 22; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sweet Auburn Music Fest - Historic Sweet Auburn District

Immerse yourself in the spirit of community and diversity at the Sweet Auburn Music Festival, where a lively mix of musical genres, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment blend to celebrate Atlanta’s communal spirit.

Location: East Atlanta - 320 Irwin St. NE; Website: sweetauburnmusicfest.com; Dates: Saturday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Sept. 29; Time: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.