20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in May

May is here, and although we’re getting close, we’re not quite into summer yet. That means the outdoor weather has lost its chill but it’s not too hot yet either. It’s the perfect time for festivals, markets, running, biking, live music and so much more across Atlanta and the wider metro. Best of all, some of the month’s best events are free to attend.

Here are our picks for the best free things to do in May:

DTL Con Quest

This long-standing, comic-centric event returns with the theme “Every Adventure Begins with a Spark.” Experience workshops and panels on comic creation, get free comic books, play games, attend creator meetups and more!

Location: Lawrenceville Arts Center; Dates: May 1 and 2; Time: Saturday - 6-10 p.m., Sunday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Website: downtownlawrencevillega.com

Battery ATL Farmers Market

Farmers market season is back! Battery Atlanta’s version meets select Sundays through September, including May 3 and 31. You’ll find vendors offering produce, handmade items, a petting zoo and even a Bark Market for canine items. And while you shop, you can watch the Braves away game on the Georgia Power Pavilion screen.

Location: The Battery Atlanta; Dates: May 1 and 31; Times: 1-4 p.m.; Website: batteryatl.com

Tigger’s Beltline Bikefest

V-103 morning show host Big Tigger brings together his celebrity friends and the community in partnership with the Atlanta Beltline for a day of fun. Roll in for a group bike ride, helmet and bike giveaways, and a festival with free health checks and live music.

Location: Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail at Lee + White; Date: May 2; Times: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Website: beltline.org

Tucker Day

It’s a day for the whole family in downtown Tucker! A foot-powered parade kicks things off at 10 a.m., followed by bands and other live entertainment, along with fully stocked food trucks, a kids activities area, and arts and crafts. Catch Atlanta Vice and Neon Queen on the First Avenue Main Stage and the Spike Mulligan Band and Alice Cuthberth on The Tucker Green Stage. Or see Wrongway Twitty and The Brian Dewey Combo on the Food Truck Nom Zome Stage.

Location: Downtown Tucker; Date: May 2; Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: tuckerday.com

C10s in the City

This car show features classic GM and Chevy trucks, and it’s a fundraiser for breast cancer patients. Check out the trucks and grab some food from the great local restaurants nearby.

Location: the former Turner Field Blue Lot; Dates: May 2; Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.; Website: c10sinthecity.com

Northside Derby

The Fulton County Library Northside branch will celebrate the Kentucky Derby, where participants will race pool noodle horses. Prepare for a whole lot of silly fun, and get your steps in while you’re at it!

Location: Fulton County Library Northside branch; Date: May 2; Time: 10:30 a.m.; Website: fulcolibrary.bibliocommons.com

Johns Creek International Festival

Johns Creek celebrates its diversity at this annual festival, which combines traditional food, art and music from around the world in one outdoor venue. Come eat, drink and celebrate with offerings from around the world!

Location: field across from Atlanta Athletic Club; Date: May 2; Time: noon to 6 p.m.; Website: johnscreekga.gov

Chastain Park Arts Festival

This 17th annual event will see around 175 artisans lining Park Drive in Chastain Park. Come out and enjoy fine arts and crafts, gourmet food trucks, a kids’ area, and live music.

Location: Chastain Park; Dates: May 9 and 10; Time: Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: chastainparkartsfestival.com

Sweet Auburn Springfest

Music stages, a market with handmade goods and food, history tours, and a parade mark this annual celebration of Sweet Auburn, one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods.

Location: John Wesley Dobbs Avenue; Dates: May 9 and 10; Time: Saturday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday - 1-8 p.m.; Website: sweetauburn.com

A Toast to Mom

New Realm Brewing and Distillery will host Brews + Blooms: A Toast to Mom on Mother’s Day this year. Moms will get free flowers and a photo op with loved ones, who will have the chance to create something special at the card making station.

Location: New Realm Brewing and Distillery; Date: May 10; Time: 10 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

BINGO at the Library

BINGO at the library — what a perfect way to while away a spring afternoon! This game session takes place the second Thursday of the month at the Peachtree branch.

Location: Peachtree Library; Date: May 14; Time: 2 p.m.; Website: fulcolibrary.bibliocommons.com

Taste of Alpharetta

Stroll the streets of downtown Alpharetta and taste the offerings from the city’s best restaurants. Participating locations include everything from Mexican food and barbecue to seafood and pizza. And don’t forget the ice cream! Admission is free, but there is a $1-$8 charge for most samples from restaurants.

Location: Downtown Alpharetta; Date: May 14; Time: 5-10 p.m.; Website: awesomealpharetta.com

Interstellar Echoes

This Pink Floyd tribute band will crank out the classics the evening of May 15 at Lou Sobh Amphitheater in Cumming. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on, but leave coolers and outside food and alcoholic beverages at home. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

Location: Lou Sobh Amphitheater; Date: May 15; Time: 8-10 p.m.; Website: cummingcitycenter.com

Woodlands Garden Wednesday Walk & Talk

Turn your Wednesday morning into a learning experience! From 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you’ll stroll the grounds of Woodlands Garden in Decatur. Bring your coffee and take in information about the Woodlands environment, including flora and fauna.

Location: Woodlands Garden; Date: May 20; Time: 11:15 a.m.; Website: woodlandsgarden.org

Alive in Roswell

This monthly festival takes place the third Thursday of each month through October. Situated along Canton Street, it features music — a DJ at the Heart of Roswell Park and a stage at the Roswell Antique and Interiors lot. May’s featured band is Hello My Name Is. You’ll also find food trucks and walking-distance restaurants.

Location: Canton Street; Date: May 21; Time: 5-9 p.m.; Website: roswell365.com

Atlanta Jazz Festival

The 49th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival kicks off May 23 at Piedmont Park! It’s a free extravaganza featuring artists from near and far. See Aja Monet, Nate Smith, Cleveland P. Jones, The Roots, Cody Matlock, Butcher Brown and many more!

Location: Piedmont Park; Dates: May 23-25; Time: lineup starts at 1 p.m. each day; Website: atljazzfest.com

Madonna: the Iconic Collection

Sing along with all of Madonna’s classics on the Lawrenceville Lawn, and enjoy food and drink for purchase beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Lawrenceville Lawn; Date: May 29; Time: 8 p.m.; Website: downtownlawrencevillega.com

Mableton Day Festival

Music, food and a community spirit characterize this action-packed celebration full of vendors, food trucks, entertainment and games. Come out and celebrate Mableton!

Location: Mableton Town Square County Park; Date: May 30; Times: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Punchbowl Social Karaoke Night

Get ready to belt some hits at Punchbowl Social Friday nights in May. It’s a great time grab your friends, cut loose, and enjoy delicious food and beverages.

Location: Punchbowl Social; Dates: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 19; Time: 9 p.m. to midnight; Website: eventbrite.com

Red Light Running Society

The Red Light Running Society will meet Saturday, May 30, as it does every Saturday, at the Red Light Cafe for a 9 a.m. coffee and stretch, followed by a walk, jog or run at 10 a.m. and a post-run cooldown. All participants are welcome with snacks and drinks available for purchase afterward at the cafe.

Location: Red Light Cafe; Dates: May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Time: 9 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com