20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in August

Summer is waning, and school is starting, but there are still plenty of chances to get out and enjoy Atlanta and its surrounding metro. Catch the best back-to-school, fitness, shopping and entertainment opportunities for August here!

Party in the Park

Come on out for bounce houses, live music and games at this family-friendly event series, which occurs every first Friday of the month through September in Grayson.

Location: Chamblee City Hall; Date: Aug. 1; Time: 6 p.m.; Website: chambleerocks.net

Latin Festival at the City Center

Live music, fun for the whole family, culture and of course, community are at the heart of this vibrant event in Cumming. Experience cultural exhibits, inflatables, backpack giveaways and community resources.

Location: Lou Sobh Amphitheater; Date: Aug. 2; Time: noon to 5 p.m.; Website: cityofcumming.net

National Night Out

Come on out to Douglasville and meet your local law enforcement officers. Geared toward school-age children, this is a chance to ask questions and dialogue. Enjoy kids’ activities, giveaways, a touch-a-truck opportunity, music, great food and more.

Location: Jessie Davis Park; Date: Aug. 5; Time: 5-8 p.m.; Website: douglasvillepolice.com

Movies on the Square

Midtown Atlanta’s living room beckons you to free cinematic family entertainment. In August, catch “Legally Blonde” at Colony Square. Attendees should bring blankets and chairs for the first-come, first-served seating. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except takeout from nearby restaurants.

Location: The Plaza; Date: Aug. 7; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: colonysquare.com

Kidstuf Back to School Bash

Did someone say “back to school?” The Kidstuf Back to School Bash is an interactive show that beckons the whole family in with a spiritual message. Attendees will leave with Dinner Roll, a mealtime game they can turn to for conversation during the school year.

Location: Buckhead Church; Date: Aug. 10; Time: 10:15 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Pages to Popcorn: ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’

Watch the movie based on the 1920s-set novel by Zora Neale Hurston, and stay for the discussion afterward on this Pages to Popcorn series presentation at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History.

Location: Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History; Date: Aug. 11; Time: 5-7 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Silent Book Club

Come on out for some reading and socializing at the Silent Book Club at Pontoon Brewing in Sandy Springs. Enjoy cozy spaces set up for this reading hour and a dedicated discussion space afterward. Food vendors will be on site, too.

Location: Pontoon Brewing; Date: Aug. 12; Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Website: facebook.com

Facts Only Trivia: Down-south Hip-hop edition

How much do you know about hip-hop? Come out to the Westside Motor Lounge in Atlanta for Facts Only Trivia and find out. A $100 prize goes to the winning team!

Location: Westside Motor Lounge; Date: Aug. 13; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Live in the DTL: Heart Breaker

Heart tribute band Heart Breaker brings you the greatest hits like “Alone,” “These Dreams,” and “Barracuda.” Classic rock fans will appreciate this full concert experience. Plan on trying delicious food and drink from the on-site food.

Location: Lawrenceville Lawn; Date: Aug. 15; Time: 5:30 p.m. (food vendors), 8 p.m. (band); Website: downtownlawrencevillega.com

Pan African Festival

Experience great food, music, speakers and cultural presentations showcasing the African world at this fifth annual event. See Maimouna Youssef, a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and activist. Stake out your spot with a picnic, lawn chairs and blanket!

Location: Decatur Square; Date: Aug. 16; Time: 2-10 p.m.; Website: beaconhillblackalliance.org

Piedmont Park Arts Festival

This two-day, outdoor festival emphasizes family fun and all kinds of art, appealing to a wide range of audiences. See 250 painters, sculptors, photographers, metalworkers, glassblowers and others who showcase their hand-produced wares.

Location: Piedmont Park; Date: Aug. 16-17; Times: Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: piedmontparkartsfestival.com

Run Club at Pontoon

Get moving with the Run Club at Pontoon in Sandy Springs. The route starts at the taproom and ends with a cold beer for each participant. Walkers, beginners and experienced runners are welcome on this 3-mile route, and feel free to bring your dog.

Location: Pontoon Brewing; Date: Aug. 20; Time: 6 p.m.; Website: facebook.com/events

Lunchtime Live Music

Catch some great live music as you enjoy your lunch break at Atlanta’s Broad Street Boardwalk! It’s a great way to unwind in the middle of the day and the workweek.

Location: Broad Street Boardwalk; Date: Aug. 20; Time: noon-1:30 p.m.; Website: thevillageretail.com

Count with Chattahoochee Nature Center

Participate in the pollinator census at the Chattahoochee Nature Center butterfly garden in Roswell by counting pollinators for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. This 15-minute experience allows participants to observe and count pollinators interacting with the wildflowers.

Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center; Date: Aug. 23; Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon, 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Website: chattnaturecenter.org

Ponce City Market Saturday Maker’s Market

Peruse carefully curated and unique goods from area makers. Plan to bring a card payment as most vendors accept this exclusively. Spend the afternoon strolling through this Atlanta outdoor market. Enjoy the live DJ, interactive games and line dancing, and go home with some truly unforgettable finds!

Location: Ponce City Market; Dates: Aug. 23; Time: noon to 6 p.m.; Website: thevillageretail.com

River Rock Concert Series: Mark Chestnutt

Local food trucks and beverages and a children’s area accompany this Mark Chestnutt concert. Come hear the country star’s greatest hits at the Etowah River Park in Canton.

Location: Etowah River Park; Date: Aug. 23; Time: 6-10 p.m.; Website: explorecantonga.com

Speed networking

Start your day with speed networking and a delicious breakfast! This monthly event at Perimeter Center caters to professionals looking to meet other businesspeople and promote their brands.

Location: Serendipity Labs Perimeter; Date: Aug. 28; Time: 9 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Braselton Farmers Market

Find a true farm-to-table experience at this real local farmers market. Peruse fresh food like eggs, meats and produce, and pick up baked and canned goods to stock your pantry. This market is open every Friday through September.

Location: Braselton Town Green; Date: Fridays; Time: 4-7 p.m.; Website: explorebraselton.com

Georgia Aquarium: free birthday admission

Get into the Aquarium free on your birthday! Present a valid Georgia ID or a copy of your birth certificate as proof of your birthday. Come on in to experience all the underwater magic one of the world’s biggest aquariums has to offer.

Location: Georgia Aquarium; Date: ongoing; Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (check website as hours are subject to change); Website: georgiaaquarium.org