18 Free Things to Do This Summer in Atlanta
Published May 5, 2025
Last Updated May 22, 2025
Ready for some summer fun activities in Atlanta? From music festivals and movie nights to chilling in the park, there are plenty of cool things to do that don’t cost a thing. Here are 18 free things to do in Atlanta this summer for all ages.
1. Atlanta Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets are a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon out and about in Atlanta. Pick up fresh fruits, veggies and other goods in addition to a meal or artisan goods for yourself or as gifts. Check out our list of Atlanta Farmers Markets.
2. Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
The city’s sweetest summer festival is the annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival at Piedmont Park. It’s completely free to walk the grounds and enjoy the entertainment. Spend a little money to support local vendors and try delicious ice cream and other treats. Kids will love the KIDS Zone. Check out more summer festivals in Atlanta.
Where: Piedmont Park at 10th Street and Charles Allen Drive
3. AJC Peachtree Road Race
Even if you’re not running in Atlanta’s most popular race (for 50+ years), there are still ways to get involved. Sign up to volunteer or join the crowd at Piedmont Park to cheer on runners from around the globe on Independence Day.
4. Atlanta Monetary Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Ever wonder about how money is made, distributed and regulated? Learn all about money at the Atlanta Monetary Museum, which features exhibits of historical artifacts as well as interactive, multimedia exhibits explaining the Federal Reserve’s role in the economy.
Where: 1000 Peachtree St. NE
5. David J. Sencer CDC Museum
In association with Smithsonian Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Museum offers award-winning displays and exhibits about diseases and how doctors and scientists work to identify and contain them. The museum, open on weekdays, features permanent and changing exhibitions that focus on a variety of public health topics, as well as the history of the CDC.
Where: 1600 Clifton Rd. NE
6. Explore the Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline stretches over 22 miles as it works to become a closed loop of multi-use trails for walking, biking and skating. Use our ultimate guide to the Atlanta Beltline and enjoy public art, parks, public markets and so much more as you meander through Atlanta’s quaint and diverse neighborhoods.
7. Fernbank Science Center
Fernbank Science Center features both permanent and visiting displays and exhibits on space, wild animals and more, including an observatory. Admission is free. For a fee, you can visit the planetarium for entertaining and informative shows.
Where: 156 Heaton Park Drive
8. Free Outdoor Movies
One of the most fun rites of summer in Atlanta is free outdoor movies offered at sites throughout the city. Check out spots like Atlantic Station, Colony Square and Newtown Park, north of the city, for schedules.
9. Georgia Capitol Museum
Built to symbolize Georgia’s reemergence after the Civil War, the Georgia State Capitol continues to be one of the most impressive buildings in the state. Visitors may tour this beautiful building and see exhibitions on Georgia’s early populations, natural resources, regions and history for no cost.
Where: 206 Washington St. SW
10. Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
Grant Park’s goodbye to summer culminates with the Summer Shade Festival offering two days of art and music. Great for a day out with friends or family, this free festival offers a variety of events and activities including a 5K Fun Run, Kids Zone, food trucks, craft beer and more. The festival is free to attend; bring money to spend.
Where: 840 Cherokee Ave. SE
11. Library ParkPass for the Georgia State Park System
The Georgia Public Library System has partnered with Georgia State Parks to offer the Library Loan Program enabling Georgia residents the opportunity to check out a ParkPass – good for free parking at 48 state parks, plus admission for up to two people at 16 state historic sites.
12. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
History buffs and those passionate about the Civil Rights Movement won’t want to miss an opportunity to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. Visit his birth home and hear recordings of his famous speeches. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is a national park with several buildings and sites to visit.
Where: 450 Auburn Ave. NE
13. Miami Circle Gallery Stroll
The galleries located in Miami Circle represent some of the Southeast’s top artists, making Miami Circle a fun and informative spot to tour while enjoying a glass of wine and nibbles. Join the bi-monthly gallery strolls for a fun date night in Buckhead. The events are free but online RSVP is requested.
14. Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival
The annual Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival puts an emphasis on family fun and visual arts with more than 250 vendors showcasing photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, glass, paintings, crafts and more. In addition, visitors can enjoy artist demonstrations, live music, children’s play area, festival food and drink.
Where: 1071 Piedmont Ave.
15. Tiny Doors and Public Street Art Tour
Tiny Doors ATL has become an art institution in Atlanta. Visitors of all ages love seeking out and visiting these tiny works of art located throughout the city. Download a map and set out on a photo safari or walking adventure while seeking out these colorful doors. Thanks to public art initiatives like Living Walls, you can visit hundreds of murals and other public street art around Atlanta.
16. UPS Second Sundays at The High
A great way to expose your family to art is by visiting the High Museum of Art during UPS Second Sunday events, which offer free admission from 12 to 5 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. The High is full of a wide selection of art from around the world.
17. Woodruff Park Game Cart
Visit the Game Cart at Woodruff Park for a fun and quiet way to spend a weekend afternoon in Midtown. Located at Woodruff’s south end, near the gazebo, the game cart offers a variety of technology-free games to check out for play with a date, your kids or friends. It’s the perfect way to unplug for a few hours. Kids can climb on the ATL playground or a read a book under the trees.
Where: 91 Peachtree St.
18. Independence Day Fireworks
Celebrate Independence Day with an epic display. Here’s where to see fireworks on the Fourth of July in Atlanta.
For more fun ideas, check out our ultimate guide to summer in Atlanta.
Joleen Pete is a storyteller and dream-weaver, inspired by the magic in everyday moments and the untold stories waiting to be shared.
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