20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in November

We’re well into fall now, and free fun abounds across Atlanta and the metro. Start your month off with color and creative imagery at Día de Muertos celebrations. End it with holiday shopping and tree lightings.

Here are our picks for free things to do this November:

Rescue Dog Games

Celebrate Halloween one day late with your pooch. See small and large dog costume contests, dog toy hunts, lure chases, dogs up for adoption, and more. It’s a great way to get out, meet other dog lovers and learn new things.

Location: Peachtree Corners Town Center Green; Dates: Nov. 1; Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: rescuedoggames.com

Lawrenceville Harvest Festival

Bring the family out to Lawrenceville Lawn for great food, games, music, crafts and more. The Great Pumpkin Smash is a chance to dispose of your leftover Halloween jack-o-lanterns, and the marketplace allows for holiday shopping for unique gifts.

Location: Lawrenceville Lawn; Date: Nov. 1; Time: noon to 6 p.m.; Website: downtownlawrencevillega.com

Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival

Browse offerings from nearly 200 artisans at this acclaimed festival in Chastain Park. You’ll also find a children’s area, food and drink from local vendors, and live acoustic music.

Location: Chastain Park; Dates: Nov. 1-2; Time: Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: chastainparkartsfestival.com

Indigenous American Heritage Month Reading Challenge

Register online to participate in the Fulton County Library System’s Indigenous American Heritage Month Reading Challenge. Learn about the rich cultures that stretch across the country, and log your reading hours to earn badges that are inspired by indigenous culture.

Location: Online; Date: Nov. 1-30; Time: Ongoing; Website: fulcolibrary.bibliocommons.com

Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute

Jason Morey, the lead singer of Bon Jovi tribute band Slippery When Wet bears an uncanny resemblance to — you guessed it — Jon Bon Jovi. Enjoy the band’s presentation, modeled on live arrangements from a medley of unforgettable Bon Jovi shows at Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Remember: no outside food, beverages or coolers. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs, and friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

Location: Lou Sobh Amphitheater; Date: Nov. 1; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: cummingcitycenter.com

Día de Muertos at Oakland Cemetery

This traditional Day of the Dead celebration takes place in a fitting setting — Oakland Cemetery! Experience folkloric dances, food and crafts, and alters set up to honor family and friends who have passed away. For those who want to dress up, there will be Catrinas and Catrines contests for adults and kids.

Location: Oakland Cemetery; Date: Nov. 2 ; Time: noon to 5 p.m.; Website: oaklandcemetery.com

Irishfest Atlanta

Come to Roswell to experience everything Irish this November 7-9. Enjoy scones and sandwiches at the traditional Irish Tea, experience traditional music at the IrishFest Atlanta Céilí and see traditional Irish sports exhibitions. There will also be face painting, arts and crafts, an Irish bread making contest and workshops on various aspects of Irish culture and history. Please note: Admission is free, but some of the events are ticketed.

Location: Roswell Cultural Arts Center; Dates: Nov. 7-9; Times: Friday - 7:30 p.m., Saturday - 9 a.m., Sunday - 10 a.m.; Website: irishfestatlanta.org

2025 Xfinity Movie Series

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in under the stars for family friendly movies. Plan on rounding things out with a meal from the restaurants surrounding the venue. Movie schedule is as follows: Nov. 7 - “Field of Dreams,” Nov. 14 - “Shrek the Third,” Nov. 21 - “Jumanji (1995),” Nov. 29 - “Rise of the Guardians.”

Location: The Battery Atlanta; Dates: Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 29; Time: 7 p.m.; Website: batteryatl.com

High Falls Folk Fest

Music, community and art are on full display for celebration at this folk festival in High Falls about an hour north of Atlanta. There will be artisans, live music and food vendors — a little something for everyone in attendance.

Location: High Falls Legion Hall; Date: Nov. 8 ; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: visitforsythga.com

Georgia Veterans Day Parade

Pay your respects to those who served by attending this longstanding parade in Midtown along Peachtree Street from 15th to 5th street. See community and military leaders, service, community and veterans organizations, JROTC and ROTC units and reserve and National Guard military units roll by and celebrate military men and women.

Location: Peachtree Street (15th Street); Date: Nov. 8; Time: 11 a.m.; Website: georgiaveteransday.org

Suwanee Classic Car Show

This car show in the heart of Suwannee showcases 180 classic rides from muscle cars to exotic builds and imports to street rods. Enjoy live music, delicious food and drink, car-related vendors, and family friendly activities. The event benefits Happyfeat, a nonprofit that supports young adults with disabilities.

Location: Town Center Park; Dates: Nov. 9; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: suwanee.com

Walk of Heroes Veterans Day ceremony

It’s the time of year to celebrate veterans, and this ceremony is a great way to do it. The event at the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial in Conyers begins on the main stage with an address from Brigadier Gen. Steve Blanton, a Vietnam War veteran. In case of rain, the event will take place at First Baptist Conyers.

Location: Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial; Date: Nov. 11; Time: 11 a.m.; Website: walkofheroes.org

Market in the Park Christmas Market

Get your Christmas shopping started — or wrap it up! This outdoor market in Forsyth promises arts and crafts, food trucks and baked goods. Situated about an hour south of Atlanta, it’s the perfect afternoon jaunt.

Location: Monroe County Recreation Department; Date: Nov. 15; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: visitforsythga.com

Suwannee Chili Cookoff

The 4th Annual Suwanee Chili Cook Off & Music Festival means sampling of some of the area’s finest chili. This ICS World Championships qualifier will also feature live music and food trucks for those who need a little variety. Please note: The festival is free to attend, but chili tasting requires purchase of an armband.

Location: Suwanee Town Center Park; Date: Nov. 15; Time: noon to 5 p.m.; Website: chilimusicfestival.com

City Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Usher in the season with the lighting of the big tree at Cumming City Center, which follows the city’s Winter Market. During the lighting, enjoy treats and warm drinks from on-site vendors, live music from Will & The Exclamation and activities for the family.

Location: Cumming City Center; Dates: Nov. 22; Time: 6-7 p.m.; Website: cityofcumming.net

Holiday Market at Lanier Islands Resort

The Christmas shopping continues at Lanier Islands Resort. This three-day event features entertainment and shopping alongside family friendly attractions like George the Giant Elf. You’ll find gifts like lotions, candles and jewelry, and a Kids Market with gifts for less than $10. Also take advantage of gift wrapping and hear the Flash Drive Band.

Location: Legacy Lodge; Dates: Nov. 28-30; Times: Friday - 1-6 p.m., Saturay - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday - 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: lanierislands.com

Santa on the Square

What’s better than warm cookies and ice-cold milk? A visit with Santa to go with them. Find all these things at Santa on the Square in Decatur. Saint Nick will be on hand to hear wishlists and pose for photos. Also catch stilt walkers and a Santa Mail station.

Location: Decatur Square; Date: Nov. 29; Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Website: facebook.com

Winedown Wednesdays at Utopia

Gather your girlfriends and head out on the town! Ladies drink wine for free from 7-10 p.m. on Wednesdays at Utopia.

Location: Utopia; Dates: Wednesdays; Time: 7-10 p.m.; Website: utopialoungeatl.com

Live Music at Meehan’s

Enjoy free live music every Thursday evening at Meehan’s Public House. See talented local musicians showcase their talent as you enjoy a pint.

Location: Meehan’s Public House; Dates: Thursday nights; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: instagram.com