20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in June

As June gets underway, summer will be in full swing in Atlanta. Whether you prefer a nature experience with the family or you want to catch a concert with friends, there are a plethora of free opportunities throughout the city and its busy metro area. Check out our picks!

Virginia-Highland Summerfest

This is one of the can’t-miss events of the Atlanta summer. With the iconic Virginia Highland neighborhood as a backdrop, you can shop art, listen to live music, enjoy delicious food, run a 5K (registration fee required) and more! This 40th annual event will, as always, benefit the Virginia-Highland Civic Association.

Location: Virginia-Highland; Dates: June 6-8; Time: Friday - 6-9 p.m., Saturday - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: vahi.org/summerfest

Build a Baseball Game

This free activity at all Home Depot locations will send kids home with their own hand-made baseball stadium replica — and lots of fun memories. Included are a wooden kit, certificate of completion, apron and apron kit. Kids get the opportunity to use a hammer and make something they can enjoy for a long time!

Location: Home Depot stores (see website to find your location); Date: June 7; Time: 9 a.m. to noon; Website: homedepot.com

High Museum Second Sunday

Family friendly programming like art making and performances are a draw for this free event at the High Museum the second Sunday of each month. And you can enjoy the facility’s special exhibitions and permanent collections, too!

Location: High Museum of Art; Dates: June 8; Time: noon to 5 p.m.; Website: high.org

Park Tavern June Sunset Session

Park Tavern calls itself the “heart and soul of Atlanta’s music scene,” and it delivers with its Sunset Sessions with free live music on Sundays from April to September. On June 8, catch DJ Mike Webster & DJ Xzact while you kick back with frozen or handcrafted drinks and delicious po boys, fresh salads and more on the patio!

Location: Park Tavern; Date: June 8; Time: 6-9 p.m.; Website: parktavern.com

Suwanee Summer Porch Jam

Stoll around Old Town Suwanee as you take in great live music at multiple venues (the mayor’s front porch is one). Or settle in one spot with a chair or blanket. There will be a free shuttle departing from behind Ippolito’s Italian restaurant in Suwanee Town Center, and once you reach the music, there will be food and beverages available from food trucks.

Location: Old Town Suwanee; Date: June 13; Time: 6-9 p.m.; Website: suwanee.com

British in the Blue Ridge Rally

Stroll the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and feel the ground shake as vintage and new British motorcycles fire up. And take in all the colors and chrome during the weekend bike show on Saturday. Never seen a Norton, Triumph or BSA? This event, put on by the Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association, is your chance to familiarize yourself with eclectic British bikes.

Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds; Dates: June 13-14; Time: Friday and Saturday - 10 a.m.; Website: georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Dunwoody Nature Center Butterfly Bonanza

Bring the family out to learn all about these beautiful pollinators and their life cycles and ecosystem roles. This program is geared toward kids ages 5 to 11 and is led by a master naturalist. The event is free, but registration encouraged.

Location: Dunwoody Nature Center; Dates: June 14; Time: 10 a.m.; Website: dunwoodynature.org

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame June Car Show

Get ready to take in the gleaming paint and chrome of the cars and trucks on display outside the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville. which some recognize as stock car racing’s birthplace. This unique venue is worth the hour-and-a-half trip north from Atlanta, and it makes a for a great outing with family.

Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame; Date: June 14; Time: 4-8 p.m.; Website: georgiaracinghof.com

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival

For the 13th year, Juneteenth will overtake Piedmont Park with live music, a Black history parade, vendors, pageants and a 5K run (registration fee required). Bring the family out for a time of reflection and display on this Federal holiday. The televised parade steps off at noon June 14 on Boulevard and proceeds to Piedmont Park.

Location: Piedmont Park; Dates: June 14-15; Times: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Website: juneteenthatl.com

Juneteenth at the Atlanta History Center

Black craftsmanship and artistry will be at the forefront this Juneteenth at the Atlanta History Center. See artistry in person as makers demonstrate their crafts, and enjoy talks with authors Tiffany Momon and Robell Awake. DJ Bad will be on hand with specialty tracks, and there will be drinks for purchase alongside a number of food trucks.

Location: Atlanta History Center; Dates: June 15; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com

Summer Solstice on the Square

Dancing Dogs Yoga’s Shelley Carroll will lead a sun salutations and meditation yoga session with a sound bath from Sound Embrace. Participants will receive free seed paper and healing stone while supplies last. Bring a yoga mat, bottled water and, optionally, a small gift for Aurora, the Goddess of the Dawn.

Location: The Plaza at Colony Square; Date: June 20; Times: 6-7:30 a.m.; Website: colonysquare.com

Nick & the Knacks in concert

Nick & the Knacks calls itself “Atlanta’s premier rock tribute band,” and you can catch their show live and free at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater at 423 Canton Road in Cumming, June 7! Hear sounds inspired by Ted Nugent, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Van Halen. No coolers, outside food or drink; bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

Location: Lou Sobh Amphitheater; Date: June 21; Time: 8-10 p.m.; Website: cityofcumming.net

National Pollinator Week Festival

It’s going to bee a great time on Downtown Decatur Square when pollinators are the focus! This free festival is Decatur’s nod to National Pollinator Week. The educational activities will promote awareness, and the music and face painting will add to the fun. Purchase refreshments from Monks Meadery and King of Pops.

Location: Downtown Decatur Square; Dates: June 21; Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Website: beecaturga.com

REEL Friday night movie

REEL Friday movie nights at Town at Trilith in Fayetteville lets you get out under the stars for an evening of entertainment. June’s showing will be “Moana 2.” Bring your blankets, chairs, friends and family!

Location: Town at Trilith; Date: June 27; Time: 7 p.m.; Website: trilith.com

Doggie Tales

The “dog days of summer” takes on a new meaning at the Gwinnett Public Library Dacula branch during this Doggie Tales event! Children ages 6 to 11 are invited to meet Katie, the therapy dog, and practice their literacy skills.

Location: Gwinnett Public Library, Dacula branch; Date: June 28; Time: 11 a.m.; Website: gwinnettpl.libnet.info

Fountain of Rings show

As the summer heats up in Georgia, the Centennial Olympic Park centerpiece provides a way to cool down. Let the kids splash in the water that jets up out of this zero-depth play area. And don’t miss the Fountain of Rings show with 15-foot water jets LED lighting in the evenings and fog set to a playlist of Georgia-affiliated artists.

Location: Centennial Olympic Park; Dates: Daily; Times: 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Website: gwcca.org

Kennesaw Mountain

Hike up Kennesaw Mountain and take in the incredible view — the Atlanta skyline is visible from the top. It’s 1.4 miles via the road and 1.2 miles on the trail. And after you come down, you can cool off in the visitor center and enjoy the museum and shop. Although admission to the park is free, plan on a $5 parking fee.

Location: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park; Date: Daily; Time: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (park grounds); Website: kennesaw.com

Little Five Points street art

Atlanta is full of interesting sights, and early summer is a great time to take some of them in. Street art is a particular draw, and Little Five points is full of it. The Atlanta Street Art Map offers a great overview of what you can see there from black-and-white portraiture to vibrantly colored scenes. Stunning murals abound here, and you can get your steps in as you observe them.

Location: Little Five Points; Dates: Daily; Time: nonspecific; Website: streetartmap.org

Fernbank Science Center

This is 9,000 square feet of family friendly exhibits encircling the Science Center planetarium theater, and it’s perfect for those rainy days or afternoons when it’s too hot to be outside. Discover a live honeybee habitat, meteorites, the Apollo 6 space capsule and more!

Location: Fernbank Science Center; Dates: Ongoing; Times: Monday-Wednesday: noon to 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday: noon to 9 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: fsc.fernbank.edu

Modern Mystic Shop Summer Solstice Festival

Come on out for free yoga! Modern Mystic Shop’s Summer Solstice Festival will offer a free session with Core Power Yoga in the courtyard at Ponce City Market beside Pottery Barn. Bring your mat and ground yourself as you connect with your community.

Location Ponce City Market; Date: June 21; Time: noon; Website: modernmysticshop.com