20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in March

As the saying goes, March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb - even in the South. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors and take refuge with indoor activities as spring warmth waxes and wanes. Here are some of the most unique ways to enjoy March across Atlanta and its metro areas.

Stargazing with the Atlanta Astronomy Club

Spend an evening under the stars - and learn about them too! Dress warmly and bring all your constellation-related questions to this stargazing session with the Atlanta Astronomy Club at the Fulton County Library Northside Branch.

Location: Fulton County Library Northside Branch; Dates: March 2; Times: 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Website: fulcolibrary.bibliocommons.com

Phoenix Flies

The Atlanta Preservation Center will once more host Phoenix Flies, a month-long celebration of the city’s historic sites with free events across Atlanta. From a walking tour of Inman Park (the city’s first planned suburb) to an exploration of historic Crestlawn Cemetery to a look at the architecture and history of the Fox Theatre, there’s so much to experience. See the program to plan your month of learning.

Location: Locations vary - see website; Dates: March 2-29; Times: Times vary - see website; Website: issuu.com

West Main Arts Festival

This fine arts festival in downtown Canton takes place on West Main Street, a connection point between the Mill on Etowah and the historic downtown area. You’ll find art, food and lots of entertainment.

Location: West Main Street - Canton; Date: March 7; Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Website: menagerieonmain.com

Heist on Edgewood

This is a showcase of some of the city’s most skilled underground hip-hop artists. Featured artists include Cash on Able, T.R.3 and NEANDERTHALZ. Come on out for a night of great music you won’t find elsewhere!

Location: Ernie’s in the Cut; Date: March 7; Time: 7-11 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Atlanta Science Festival

See bats and backyard critters, explore kitchen chemistry, tour cemeteries, learn about hydroponics and so much more! This two-week-long event at locations across the city is your opportunity to do everything science. Presented by Science ATL and community partners, there will be around 150 events across more than 80 venues. Check out the programming and see what interests you most!

Location: Locations vary - check website; Dates: March 7-21; Time: Times vary - check website; Website: atlantasciencefestival.org

How Birds Work lecture

The Woodlands Garden lets you nerd out over birds with its avian-themed lecture series. This installation, “How Birds Work, From Bones to Beak,” lasts 60 minutes and walks attendees through the evolution of birds and the basics of their physicality.

Location: Woodlands Garden; Date: March 12; Time: 10:30 a.m.; Website: woodlandsgarden.org

Luck of Avalon

Come out and celebrate the Irish way with traditional dance and pipe & drum performances at Avalon in Alpharetta. There will be live music from The Big Beyond, photo ops and holiday swag.

Location: Avalon; Date: March 13; Time: 6-9 p.m.; Website: experienceavalon.com

‘Blue Springs’ screening

All the Laughs presents a screening of romantic comedy “Blue Springs” at Wild Heaven Brewery. Kick back with great drinks and Mexican food, and enjoy the free entertainment.

Location: Wild Heaven Beer; Date: March 13; Time: 7-11 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

ARC runs

Run it out with a group of like-minded folks who love fitness! These weekly runs are actually open to walkers and runners of all levels and start from the Atlanta Run Club pod at Ponce City Market.

Location: Ponce City Market - ARC Pod; Date: March 14; Time: 8 a.m.; Website: atlantarunclub.com

Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade

This is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. You’ll see a sea of performers and community members on floats and on foot, from clowns to Irish dancers to scouts. Arrive by 11 a.m. to find a spot on Peachtree street in Midtown.

Location: Peachtree Street; Date: March 14; Time: noon-1:30 p.m.; Website: atlantastpats.com

Afro-STEAM

This “career play day” honors Black change makers in STEAM fields. The event, in partnership with the Atlanta Science Festival, includes interactive presentations, hands-on activities and demos led by STEAM professionals.

Location: Outdoor Activity Center; Date: March 14; Time: noon-2 p.m.; Website: wawa-online.org

Shake Your Shamrock

Bring the whole family out to The Village at the Mall of Georgia for a day of St. Patrick’s Day fun. The event will feature live music and Irish dancers, with plenty of family-friendly activities sprinkled in.

Location: Village Amphitheater - Mall of Georgia; Date: March 14; Time: 4-7 p.m.; Website: simon.com

Pi Day cleanup

In recognition of Pi Day, the Piedmont Heights Alliance is holding a beautification day. Help beautify the streets around Ansley Mall and the Northeast Beltline Trail. Breakfast and refreshments provided. Volunteers will meet in the courtyard beside Bantam & Biddy at Ansley Mall.

Location: Ansley Mall; Dates: March 15; Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon; Website: piedmontheightsallianceinc.wildapricot.org

Northside St. Patrick’s Day

Put on some green and come out to enjoy live music, great food and drinks at this Irish-themed bash. It’s an afternoon of fun you won’t want to miss!

Location: Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Sandy Springs Park; Date: March 15; Time: noon-5 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Francophone Short Film Night

As part of this year’s Atlanta Francophonie Festival, enjoy a free movie night celebrating French film. Featured films are: “Partir un Jour,” ”Le Temps des Orages," and “Les Silencieux”

Location: Alliance Française of Atlanta; Date: March 18; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: francophonieatlanta.com

Music bingo

Hot food, cold cocktails and bingo make for the perfect night out at Punch Bowl Social. Dirty South Trivia hosts this weekly event, and there’s an opportunity for great prizes!

Location: Punch Bowl Social; Date: March 19; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Prom dress giveaway

Each year, lots of youth need a little help getting to prom. The Enchanted Closet is here to help with its 22nd annual prom dress giveaway. Beautiful dresses, shoes and jewelry looking for a home are available for middle and high school girls attending schools in Atlanta’s metro counties. Registration is required; although dresses are free, there’s a $10 processing fee for checkout.

Location: The Enchanted Closet; Date: March 21; Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: enchantedcloset.org

Butterfly Lantern Parade

This fifth annual festival includes a parade through downtown Hapeville, local food and beverages, art and live music. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the early spring weather. The parade, featuring a sea of flower- and butterfly-themed lanterns, begins just after 8 p.m. For a charge, you can participate beforehand in a lantern-making workshop.

Location: Samuel Hape Plaza; Date: March 21; Time: 5-10 p.m.; Website: hapeville.org

High Fae Court Atlanta Market Day

From handmade artisanal items to books, you’ll find a market brimming with great finds. Costumes are encouraged at this Fae-themed event, and when you get hungry, find food at Blue Collar Roasters or Ally’s Bites and Delights.

Location: School House Brewing; Date: March 28; Time: noon to 5 p.m.; Website: schoolhousebeer.com

Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

This two-day festival in Brookhaven includes an artist market, food vendors, family fun and lots of great live music. Music includes Shawn Mullins and Angie Aparo, The Head and the Heart, Max McNown, Natasha Bedingfield, and Penelope Road.

Location: Blackburn Park; Dates: March 28-29; Times: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Website: brookhavenga.gov