20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in April

The Festival on Ponce on Sunday, April 3, 2022. (Photo: Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

As the warmth of spring breathes new life into metro Atlanta, the city comes alive with a vibrant array of free activities to spice up your April. From lively outdoor festivals to special celebrations like 404 Day and Earth Day, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting to be discovered without spending a dime. Whether you’re a savvy local seeking new experiences or an adventurous visitor itching to explore the city’s unique vibe, we’ve rounded up 20 free events that’ll keep your April calendar buzzing with fun and flair.

Big Peach Safety Ride - Midtown

Join Big Peach for their inaugural weekly Safety Ride on Mondays, a beginner-friendly, social cycling event covering approximately 10 miles at a leisurely pace, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow riders and share stories, all while prioritizing safety.

Location: Midtown - 800 Peachtree St. NE; Website: midtownatl.com; Dates: Mondays (April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29); Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Tech Talks Business - Scheller College of Business (Georgia Tech)

Tech Talks Business, hosted by Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business, features a conversation with CEO of Inspire Brands, Paul Brown. During this chat, explore the intersection of technology and the restaurant industry, and gain insights into the innovative vision driving Inspire Brands forward as a major player in the national restaurant landscape.

Location: Midtown - 875 W Peachtree St. NW; Website: scheller.gatech.edu; Date: Wednesday, April. 3; Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.

404 Day 2024 Block Party - Monday Night Garage (West End)

404 Day is Atlanta’s day! Join the 404 Day celebration at Monday Night Garage featuring a lively block party with DJs, special guest appearances, food trucks, local vendors, and more. Be sure to RSVP for entry.

Location: West End - 933 Lee St. SW; Website: eventbrite.com/404-day; Date: Thursday, April 4; Time: 2 - 6 p.m.

Movies on the Square - Colony Square

Unwind and immerse yourself in a delightful movie night with friends and family at Colony Square as they screen “A Bug’s Life,” starting at 7 p.m.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Thursday, April 4; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Oakhurst Jazz Nights - The Solarium (Decatur)

Jazz it up with the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association for the 20th season of Oakhurst Jazz Nights, featuring free outdoor jazz concerts every Thursday in April at the Solarium, promising an evening of musical delight.

Location: Decatur - 319 W Hill St.; Website: oakhurstjazznights.com; Dates: Thursdays (April 4, 11, 18 and 25); Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Atlanta Dream HoopFest - Atlantic Station

Support local athletes at the Atlanta Dream Hoop Fest, as standout athletes from Atlanta Metro Schools showcase their talent in an exhilarating 3x3 Tournament offering an unforgettable experience to celebrate 404 Day and kick off the Atlanta Dream basketball season. Be sure to RSVP and enter to win a custom Hoop Fest Xbox!

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com; Date: Friday, April 5; Time: 3 - 8 p.m.

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

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

Locations: Atlanta Locations; Website: homedepot.com/kids; Date: Saturday, April 6; Time: 9 a.m.

1st Annual Cobb Parks Spring Arts Festival - Jim R. Miller Park and Events Center (Marietta)

Discover Marietta’s newest annual tradition, the Cobb Parks Spring Arts Festival, where artistic retailers showcase handmade goods, fine arts, crafts, food trucks and performing arts.

Location: Marietta - 2245 Callaway Rd. SW; Website: marietta.com; Date: Saturday, April 6; Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spring Festival on Ponce - Olmsted Linear Park

Celebrate Spring with the vibrant Spring Festival on Ponce, nestled in the historic Olmsted Linear Park, featuring over 125 displays of fine arts and crafts, folk and outsider art, along with a children’s area and local food and beverage vendors.

Location: East Atlanta - 1788 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE; Website: festivalonponce.com; Dates: Saturday, April 6 - Sunday, April 7

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party - Atlantic Station

Experience the awe-inspiring spectacle of a Solar Eclipse firsthand alongside friends and family at this once-in-a-lifetime event, getting an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of the cosmos, with Solar Eclipse glasses provided to attendees while supplies last.

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com; Dates: Monday, April 8; Time: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

ZunziFest - Zunzi’s

Join Zunzi’s restaurant for their quarterly ZunziFest, where members of their text community can enjoy a free sandwich, celebrating community and appreciation in a unique culinary event that showcases their South African-inspired menu. (To join Zunzi’s text community and receive a link for details about ZunziFest, just text ZUNZIFEST to 912-207-7551)

Location: Northeast - 1971 Howell Mill Rd.; Website: zunzis.com/zunzifest; Date: Tuesday, April 9

Atlanta Dogwood Festival - Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival returns for its 88th annual celebration, offering a rich tapestry of art, entertainment, and culinary delights, with hundreds of artists presenting their talents, complemented by a Kids Village for family-friendly activities, sponsor booths featuring interactive games and prizes, and an enticing lineup of musical performances to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Location: Midtown - 1320 Monroe Dr. NE; Website: dogwood.org; Dates: Friday, April 12 - Sunday, April 14

Coffee and Chrome - Jess Lucas Park (Hapeville)

Calling all car and motorcycle enthusiasts! Coffee & Chrome invites attendees for a monthly morning car and motorcycle show, where participants can showcase their antique, classic or customized vehicles every 2nd Saturday from April through September.

Location: Hapeville - 3585 Atlanta Ave.; Website: hapeville.org; Date: Saturday, April 13; Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon

Sandy Springs Lantern Parade

Experience the enchantment of The Sandy Springs Lantern Parade, where families gather with handcrafted lanterns to celebrate amidst fantastical puppets and glowing lights before parading down to Morgan Falls Overlook Park.

Location: Sandy Springs - 200 Morgan Falls Rd.; Website: visitsandysprings.org; Date: Saturday, April 13; Time: 5:30 p.m.

Atlanta Laughter Yoga - Trolley Barn (Inman Park)

Prepare for laughter and relaxation at Atlanta Laughter Yoga Classes, offering free monthly sessions on the third Tuesday of each month inside the Trolley Barn with outdoor sessions in the garden when the weather permits.

Location: Inman Park - 963 Edgewood Ave. NE; Website: celestegreenelaughs.com; Date: Tuesday, April 16; Time: 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Braves on the Square - Colony Square

The Braves are back! Head to Colony Square for an exciting afternoon as they screen the Atlanta Braves vs the Houston Astros game on The Plaza big screen.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Wednesday, April 17; Time: 1:30 p.m.

Alive in Roswell - Canton Street (Roswell)

Alive in Roswell is back! It’s 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: aliveinroswell.com; Date: Thursday, April 18; Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Earth Day Party - Ponce City Market

The Georgia Forestry Foundation is hosting an Earth Day Party at The Trestle in Ponce City Market celebrating the vital role of forestry in Georgia’s environmental landscape through virtual reality experiences, live animal encounters, complete with giveaways and family-friendly activities.

Location: East Atlanta - 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE; Website: georgiaearthday.org; Date: Saturday, April 20; Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Alpharetta Art in the Park - Brooke Street Park (Alpharetta)

Discover Alpharetta Art in the Park at Brooke Street Park in Downtown Alpharetta. This outdoor artist market features local artisans creating handcrafted masterpieces across various mediums.

Location: Alpharetta - 2 Park Plaza; Website: alpharettaaitp.com; Dates: Saturday, April 20 - Sunday, April 21

Colony Kids on the Square - Colony Square

Families are invited to join in on the fun at Colony Kids on the Square’s monthly playdate events (from April to October). This month’s event, “Spring Fling,” offers kids an array of crafts and games provided by Primrose School of Midtown, delicious cotton candy from Sparkle & Fluff and much more!

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Tuesday, April 30; Time: 4 - 6 p.m.

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