20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in July

A band performing at SweetWater Brewing's 25th Anniversary Party last year.
Courtesy of SweetWater Brewing

Looking for exciting activities to enjoy around metro Atlanta this July without breaking the bank? From outdoor concerts and comedy nights to Fourth of July festivities and more, there is something for everyone to explore and savor without spending a dime. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, these budget-friendly options offer an opportunity to discover the diverse cultural and recreational offerings that make Atlanta an exceptional destination. Check out our list below and get ready to make the most of your July with these fantastic free experiences around the city.

American Summer Super Jam and Hot Dog Eating Contest - SweetWater Brewing Company

Enjoy free admission to the American Summer Super Jam at SweetWater Brewery for a Big Green Egg smoke-out, a hot dog eating contest, live music, an art market, cornhole and comedy.

Location: Northeast - 195 Ottley Dr. NE; Website: sweetwaterbrew.com/american-super-jam; Date: Saturday, July 1; Time: 2 - 6 p.m.

Summer Soul-Stice - Chattahoochee Food Works

Step into the rhythm of summer at the Summer Soul-Stice music series on Saturdays, featuring live music and a vibrant atmosphere for all ages.

Location: Northeast - 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW; Website: theworksatl.com/summer-soul-stice; Date: Saturdays (July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29); Time: 2 p.m.

Little Five Points Energy and Arts Festival Summer Series - Findley Plaza

Immerse yourself in a celebration of creativity, consciousness and positive vibes at the 4th annual Energy and Arts Festival in Little 5 Points featuring an amazing lineup of music, interactive art installations and sustainable practices.

Location: East Atlanta - Findley Plaza; Website: eventbrite.com/little-five-points-energy-arts-festival-summer-series; Date: Saturday, July 1 - Sunday, July 2 and Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23; Time: Noon to 6 p.m.

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: facebook.com; Date: Sunday, July 2; Time: 9 a.m. to noon.

Stars and Stripes July 4th Fireworks Celebration - City Springs (Sandy Springs)

Experience the Sandy Springs Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration at City Springs featuring live music, food trucks and a spectacular fireworks display starting at 9:30 p.m.

Location: Sandy Springs - 1 Galambos Wy.; Website: sandyspringsga.gov/starsandstripes; Date: Tuesday, July 4; Time: 6 p.m.

Open Mic Night in EAV - Buteco at Southern Feed Store

On Tuesdays, Buteco at EAV’s Southern Feed Store hosts an entertaining Open Mic night with comedy, music, poetry and more!

Location: East Atlanta - 1245 Glenwood Ave. SE, Suite 6; Website: eventbrite.com/open-mic; Dates: Every Tuesday (July 4, 11, 18 and 25); Time: 7:15 p.m.

Alpharetta’s Fourth of July Fireworks - Wills Park (Alpharetta)

Celebrate America’s birthday with family and friends under the stars at Wills Park in Alpharetta as you watch a magnificent fireworks display at dusk.

Location: Alpharetta (Wills Park) - 11925 Wills Rd.; Website: awesomealpharetta.com/4th-of-july-fireworks; Date: Tuesday, July 4; Time: 8 - 10 p.m.

Wind Down Wednesdays - Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center (Dunwoody)

Relax after work and indulge in the delightful ambiance of Wind Down Wednesdays at the Marriott Perimeter Center in Dunwoody, where live music on the terrace sets the perfect tone every Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Dunwoody - 246 Perimeter Center Pkwy. NE; Website: discoverdunwoody.com/wind-down-wednesdays; Contact: 404-325-0000; Date: Every Wednesday (July 5, 12, 19 and 26); Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

Fetch Trivia - Chattahoochee Food Works

Embrace the fun-filled atmosphere at Fetch Park every Wednesday for an entertaining trivia night, where you can enjoy petting pups, participate in trivia games and have a chance to win prizes, all without the need for your own furry companion.

Location: Northeast - 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW; Website: theworksatl.com/fetch-trivia; Date: Wednesdays (July 5, 12, 19 and 26); Time: 7 p.m.

Groovin’ on the Square - Colony Square

Experience Groovin’ on the Square at Colony Square, featuring live musical performances every Friday from April to October. Check out the full schedule.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com/groovin-on-the-square; Contact: 404-879-2250; Dates: Fridays (July 7, 14, 21 and 28); Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

UPS Second Sunday - High Museum of Art

High Museum of Art offers free admission the second Sunday of each month, making breathtaking art accessible to all. The whole family can enjoy special exhibits, art-making workshops and performances.

Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: high.org/ups-second-sunday-july; Contact: 404-733-4400; Date: Sunday, July 9; Time: Noon - 5 p.m.

Community Art Making - Charis Books and More (Decatur)

Join Community Art Making at Charis Books and More for a free and inclusive event offering a safe space for collective healing through art, with shared art supplies and optional donations supporting the Atlanta Solidarity Fund and Charis Circle.

Location: Decatur - 184 S Candler St.; Website: charisbooksandmore.com/community-art-making; Date: Sunday, July 9; Time: 2 - 4 p.m.

Wellness Series: Yoga - The Battery Atlanta

On non-game days, there’s free yoga at The Battery Atlanta every Monday evening, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and free parking is available. Check out some of their past yoga sessions here.

Location: Cumberland - 800 Battery Ave. SE; Website: batteryatl.com/yoga; Dates: Mondays (July 10, 17 and 24); Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Punchline Comedy Night - Avalon (Alpharetta)

Get ready for a night of laughter and entertainment as Punchline Comedy Night takes place at Palmer Plaza at the Avalon. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs and join in on the fun!

Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com/punchline-comedy-night; Date: Monday, July 10; Time: 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Tot Spot: Mom, Pop and Tot Yoga - Atlantic Station

Enjoy Tot Spot at Atlantic Station, a free event featuring Mom, Pop & Tot Yoga hosted by Athleta, crafts, sing-alongs, snacks, and more for children ages 5 and under.

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com/totspot; Contact: 404-410-4010; Dates: Tuesday, July 11; Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Alive in Roswell - Canton Street (Roswell)

Alive in Roswell is a free, family-friendly monthly festival with music, food trucks, vendors and more held every third Thursday from April to October on Historic Canton Street.

Location: Roswell - Canton St.; Website: roswell365.com/alive-in-roswell; Date: Thursday, July 13; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Movies Under the Stars - Jess Lucas Park (Hapeville)

Check out an enchanting Movie Night Under the Stars at Jess Lucas Park in Hapeville, featuring the exciting adventure of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Location: Hapeville - 680 S Central Ave.; Website: hapeville.org/Movie-Nights-Under-the-Stars; Date: Friday, July 14; Time: 7:30 p.m.

Bird Walk - Morgan Falls Overlook Park (Sandy Springs)

Explore the diverse bird habitats at Morgan Falls Overlook Park during the Bird Walk event, where participants can observe a wide variety of birds and navigate various terrains.

Location: Sandy Springs - 400 Morgan Falls Rd.; Website: sandyspringsga.gov/bird-walk; Contact: 678-358-4916; Dates: Saturday, July 15; Time: 8 - 11 a.m.

Braves on the Square - Colony Square

Join the excitement as the Braves take on the Diamondbacks, with Colony Square offering a free viewing experience on The Plaza big screen, providing first-come, first-served seating.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com/braves-on-the-square; Contact: 404-879-2250; Dates: Thursday, July 20; Time: 11:30 a.m.

Sights, Symbols and Stories Overview Tour - Oakland Cemetery

Embark on a 90-minute guided walking tour of Oakland Cemetery, where you’ll delve into the rich history, beautiful gardens, and captivating funerary art that make Oakland a remarkable outdoor museum of Atlanta’s past and present.

Location: East Atlanta - 248 Oakland Ave. SE; Website: oaklandcemetery.com/sights-symbols-and-stories; Contact: 404-688-2107; Date: Every Saturday - Sunday, select Wednesdays; Time: 10 a.m. (Saturdays and Sundays), 10:30 a.m. (select Wednesdays)

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