20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in April

It’s officially spring in Atlanta, with flowers in bloom, pollinators buzzing and a slew of activities underway. Whether you’re up for a fun evening out or a day in the sun picking up new gardening tips and touring the city, you’ll find so many things to do. Here are our picks.

Author talk with Emily Carpenter

Atlanta-based author Emily Carpenter discusses her latest release, “A Spell for Saints and Sinners.” Pick up your signed copy after you hear Carpenter talk about her Southern Gothic thriller.

Location: Gwinnett Public Library - Duluth Branch; Date: April 1; Time: 7-8 p.m.; Website: gwinnettpl.libnet.info

Movies on the Square: ‘Grease’

Gather the family for an outdoor movie in “Midtown’s living room!” This time, it’s a showing of “Grease” — perfect for a night out! Seating if first come-first served, so plan on bringing chairs and blankets. No outside food or beverages, but you can purchase from nearby restaurants. Events are weather dependent.

Location: The Plaza at Colony Square; Date: April 2; Time: 7 p.m.; Website: colonysquare.com

Sandy Springs Farmers Market

Small businesses, farmers and artisans come together in this outdoor venue to offer produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and more against a backdrop of live music!

Location: City Springs; Date: April 4; Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon; Website: visitsandysprings.org

404 Day Weekend Block Party

There’s no better way to celebrate 404 Day — the celebration unique to Atlanta — than a block party at Underground Atlanta! Find food, vendors, music and a moment dedicated to 404 Day.

Location: Underground Atlanta; Date: April 4; Time: 10 a.m.; Website: posh.vip

Atlanta Plant Fest

Come on out to Pittsburg Yards for a celebration of all things plant-related! You’ll find a market, food and live music, along with the opportunity to learn about plants.

Location: Pittsburg Yards; Dates: April 4; Time: noon; Website: atlantaga.gov

Two-day Easter egg hunt

This “eggs-tended” Easter celebration will have you looking high and low for more than 2,000 hidden eggs. All ages are welcome, and there’s a three-and-under section. Also enjoy complementary Easter Bunny photos from 11 a.m to 1 p.m., a balloon artist and golden eggs with prizes.

Location: Halidom Eatery; Dates: April 4 and 5; Time: 11 a.m. to noon; Website: eventbrite.com

Marietta Cobb Museum First Free Sundays

The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art will be open for free to the public April 5 as part of the First Free Sundays series. Visitors are invited to create their own art piece.

Location: Marietta Cobb Museum of Art; Date: April 5; Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: visitmariettaga.com

Bees, Butterflies & Beyond

Learn all about getting your garden up to snuff for pollinators. All it takes is a little know-how with the right plants and a few tricks for attracting insects and birds that pollinate.

Location: Pike Nurseries Acworth, Buckhead, Cumming, East Cobb, Holcomb Bridge, Johns Creek, Lindbergh, Marietta, Milton, Peachtree City, Roswell, Suwannee, Toco Hills, Towne Lake, West Cobb; Date: April 11; Time: 9 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Atlanta Black Maternal Health Week Block Party

This fourth annual block party centers on Black maternal health. Enjoy music, food trucks, a kids play area, giveaways and family fun — including the Dad Games. You’ll also find pregnancy and parenting resources and, health screenings, and panels and conversations.

Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center and Aquatic Center; Date: April 11; Times: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Acworth Art Fest

See work from 100 artisans from across the country selling paintings, jewelry, pottery, yard art, metal work and more! There will be a kids’ zone, and you can grab food from the local eateries as you stroll downtown.

Location: Historic Downtown Acworth; Date: April 11-12; Times: Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: acworth-ga.gov

Seed packing club

Come help with assembly of free vegetable, flower and herb seeds at the Alpharetta Library. This occurs monthly on the second Monday.

Location: Fulton County Library - Alpharetta Branch; Date: April 13; Times: noon-2 p.m.; Website: fulcolibrary.bibliocommons.com

Oakhurst Jazz Nights: Gwen Hughes

The Oakhurst Neighborhood Association presents its spring concert series for the 22nd time this year. Ready to kick off the weekend early? Enjoy a free performance from Gwen Hughes on Thursday, April 16. Plan on bringing low chairs or blankets. The event moves into the solarium in the event of rain.

Location: Oakhurst Solarium; Date: April 16; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: oakhurstjazznights.com

Cobb Spring Arts Festival

Artists and makers displaying fine arts and crafts, alongside performing arts, vendors, and food trucks will take over Jim R. Miller Park. It’s a great way to while away a morning and afternoon!

Location: Jim R. Miller Park; Date: April 18; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: marietta.com

Earth Day Fest

Shop local makers’ wares, try delicious food, visit the DIY recycled craft zone, trade plants with other enthusiasts and hear music from D.J. Stone and Lori Music. Basically, this pet-friendly event at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market is all things Earth Day!

Location: East Atlanta Village Farmers Market; Date: April 18; Time: noon to 5 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Tree Tour: The Secrets of Chastain Park

Explore the array of tree species in this 260-acre park with guides Kent and Maxine Watkins. You’ll come away from this Trees Atlanta event with an enhanced knowledge of the species that make up the tapestry that is the canopy above Chastain Park and Atlanta.

Location: Chastain Memorial Park; Dates: April 19; Time: 9-10:30 a.m.; Website: treesatlanta.org

Atlanta Laughter Yoga Class

Master trainer Celeste Greene leads participants through yoga and laughs at the Trolley Barn in Inman park the third Thursday of each month. Come as you are, and bring a yoga mat and water if you wish.

Location: Trolley Barn - Inman Park; Date: April 21; Time: 5:30-6:15 p.m.; Website: elestegreenelaughs.com

Luminux sculpture unveiling

See the unveiling of the new Luminux panels Aerial Ceiling Sculptures Collection, and enjoy live music, refreshments and an interactive, build-your-own sculpture Luminux activity.

Location: Little Tree Art Studios; Date: April 23; Times: 4-8 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Home by Dark

Raquel Cole and Jonathan Kingham perform for the “Home by Dark” concert experience at Brooke Street Park. Enjoy a night of great music and early spring air.

Location: Brooke Street Park; Date: April 25; Time: 7:30 p.m.; Website: facebook.com

Soul Train Live

Come catch this celebration of soul music at Buteco Grant Park. You won’t want to miss DJs and performers from all over the world!

Location: Buteco; Date: April 26; Time: 11 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Music bingo

Hot food, cold drinks and prizes! That’s what you’ll find at Punch Bowl each week for Music Bingo. Try your hand at this name-that-tune-bingo hybrid and have a great time with friends while you’re at it.

Location: Punch Bowl Social; Date: April 30; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com