20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in March

People talking in front of Barcelona Wine Bar at Inman Park on September 19, 2022
Brandon McKeown

As the last hints of winter bring the promise of warmer days, get ready to explore all that metro Atlanta has to offer without breaking the bank this March. From cultural events to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. Discover hidden gems, participate in community celebrations, and embrace the spirit of the city for free. Whether you’re a local seeking new experiences or a visitor eager to delve into the city’s rich offerings, we’ve compiled a list of 20 budget-friendly events below, perfect for all ages.

Madness on the Square - Colony Square

Experience the ultimate March Madness excitement at Colony Square, where select games will be showcased on the big screen in The Plaza.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Dates: Throughout March (Details TBD)

2024 Phoenix Flies: A Celebration of Atlanta’s Historic Sites

Since 2003, Phoenix Flies by the Atlanta Preservation Center has celebrated Atlanta’s historic sites annually, offering a free opportunity to explore and honor the city’s cultural heritage. Be sure to check out all of their events.

Website: eventbrite.com; Dates: Saturday, March 2 - Tuesday, March 26

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

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

Locations: Atlanta Locations; Website: homedepot.com/kids; Date: Saturday, March 2; Time: 9 a.m.

West Main Arts Festival - Downtown Canton

Experience a day of live music, art and food at the West Main Arts Festival in downtown Canton, where artists transform West Main Street into a vibrant celebration.

Location: Downtown Canton - 351 W Main St.; Website: menagerieonmain.com; Date: Saturday, March 2; Time: Noon - 6 p.m.

Cultural Spotlight Series with Author and Poet Sandra B. Taylor - Roswell Cultural Arts Center

Celebrate the conclusion of Roswell Roots and the commencement of Women’s History Month at the closing event featuring Author and Poet Sandra B. Taylor, where she will delve into her autobiography “All of Me,” sharing her upbringing in Roswell during the Jim Crow era, reading a collection of her slam-winning published poetry, and engaging in an insightful Q&A session.

Location: Roswell - 950 Forrest St.; Website: roswell365.com; Date: Saturday, March 2; Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Trent Patten Quartet - Gallery 992 (West End)

Witness an enchanting evening of original music and jazz standards performed by Trent Patten and the quartet at Gallery 992.

Location: West End - 992 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.; Website: trentpatten.com; Date: Sunday, March 3; Time: 9 p.m.

Touch-A-Truck - East Lake Marta Station (Decatur)

Join Decatur Parks and Recreation for Touch-a-Truck, where children can explore an array of vehicles, including dump trucks, fire trucks, tractors and police cars.

Location: Decatur - 2260 College Ave.; Website: facebook.com; Date: Saturday, March 9; Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Atlanta United Home Opener Game Viewing Party - Atlantic Station

Gear up for the ultimate Atlanta United home opener game watch party at Atlantic Green, where fans can rally together, and catch the adrenaline-pumping action on big screens. Bring your A-game and cheer on Atlanta United in style!

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com; Date: Saturday, March 9; Time: 7:30 - 10 p.m.

Luck of the Avalon - Avalon (Alpharetta)

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the whole family at Luck of Avalon with live music, Irish dancing, green beer, face painting, a photo booth, and special performances.

Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com; Date: Friday, March 15; Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

Brews and Belly Laughs - Schoolhouse Brewing (Marietta)

Check out some of Atlanta’s hottest up-and-coming comedians at Schoolhouse Brewing promising an evening of non-stop laughter.

Location: Marietta - 840 Franklin Ct., Suite 100; Website: schoolhousebeer.com; Date: Friday, March 15; Time: 7 - 10 p.m.

Luck of the Square - Colony Square

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade and an after-party at The Plaza in Colony Square, featuring live music, drinks, festive swag and other fun shenanigans.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Saturday, March 16; Time: Noon - 3 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, March 19; Time: 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Party with the Past - Margaret Mitchell House (Midtown)

Join Party With the Past at Margaret Mitchell House to explore the exciting history of Midtown, featuring games, drinks, and an opportunity to connect with fellow young adults in the neighborhood.

Location: Midtown - 979 Crescent Ave. NE; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com; Date: Wednesday, March 20; Time: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

2024 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

As springtime brings in beautiful weather, the much-anticipated Brookhaven’s Cherry Blossom Festival returns. There will be live music, a kid’s zone, a classic car show, local food and drinks, and an artist market.

Location: Brookhaven - 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Rd.; Website: brookhavenga.gov; Dates: Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24

Butterfly Lantern Parade - Jess Lucas Park (Hapeville)

Join the enchanting Butterfly Lantern Parade at Jess-Lucas Park in Hapeville. Dress in butterfly or flower-themed attire, and enjoy food vendors, live music, and local art.

Location: Hapeville - 680 S Central Ave.; Website: hapeville.org; Date: Saturday, March 23; Time: 5 - 10 p.m.

Exhibition: Life in Miniature - The Reeves House Visual Arts Center (Woodstock)

Enjoy an exhibit spotlighting the captivating world of miniature art, featuring works that occupy mere inches of space, encouraging visitors to marvel at artists’ precision and attention to detail.

Location: Woodstock - 734 Reeves St.; Website: woodstockarts.org; Date: Thursday, March 28; Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

Screen on the Green - Atlantic Station

Girl power! Join the celebration of National Women’s Month at the Screen on the Green event, where empowering movies, starting with Legally Blonde, will showcase the resilience, strength, and stories of remarkable women

Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; Website: atlanticstation.com; Dates: Thursday, March 28; Time: 7 p.m.

Hop-A-Long Easter Egg Hunt - Avalon (Alpharetta)

Embark on an eggcellent Easter adventure at Avalon, where kids can join the hunt for ten eggs and trade them in for a bag of treats, with two separate hunts. Easter Bunny photos are also available.

Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com; Date: Saturday, March 30; Time: 8:30 a.m.

Eggcellent Adventure - Honeysuckle Park (Doraville)

Get ready for the annual Eggcellent Adventure featuring two egg hunts, games, prizes, art with DArt: Doraville Art, and complimentary photos with Mr. Bunny.

Location: Doraville - 3037 Pleasant Valley Dr.; Website: facebook.com/CityofDoraville; Date: Saturday, March 30; Time: 9:30 a.m. - Noon

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Festival

Celebrate Easter weekend at the Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Festival featuring 150 artist booths, live music, food trucks, and art demonstrations all day long.

Location: Sandy Springs - 6100 Lake Forrest Dr. NE; Website: sandyspringsartsapalooza.com; Dates: Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, March 31

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