If you love the movies, adore a bargain, and enjoy surprises, this is a deal for you!

Lots of movie fans are thrilled by a good plot twist at the end of a suspenseful thriller. Now, you can enjoy that twist before the movie even begins, thanks to Regal Cinemas’ Mystery Movie Monday promotion.

For just $5, you can see a new release movie in a special advance screening, before it goes into wide release.
Yep, that’s just five bucks to see a new movie!

But there’s a catch — Regal can’t tell you which movie will be showing, due to contractual agreements with the studios. You have to go to the theater, buy a ticket, and then wait to see what comes up on the screen.

Yeah, it’s a little weird.
But it’s a bargain, and we’re just the messenger here.

More good news:
If you’re a Regal Crown Club member, you can enjoy a small popcorn and soda combo for just $9 on Mystery Movie Monday.

The special screenings take place at select theaters in metro Atlanta.

This is a permanent page and we’ll update it as new Mystery Movie events are announced.
The list of participating theaters is just below.

Upcoming Mystery Movies

Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. — FAMILY edition 
The film is rated PG and is 2 hours long. 
Get more info + tickets

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7 p.m. 
The film is rated R and is 2 hours long.
Get more info + tickets

Monday, June 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. 
The film is rated R and is 1 hour and 55 minutes long. 
Get more info + tickets

Participating theaters in metro Atlanta

NOTE that not every theater participates in every Mystery Movie Event. When you click thru the ticket link, you’ll see a list of theaters for that specific date.
Get tickets for your preferred theater 

This list was current at the time of writing, but it changes often, so definitely check for a theater near you. 

Regal Perimeter Pointe
1155 Mt Vernon Hwy
Dunwoody

Regal Atlantic Station
261 19th St
Midtown Atlanta

Regal Medlock Crossing
9700 Medlock Bridge Rd.
Duluth

Regal Avalon
3950 1st Street
Alpharetta

Regal Arbor Place
6600 Douglas Blvd.
Douglasville

Regal Mall of Georgia
3333 Buford Dr.
Buford

Regal Cherokee
355 Cinema View
Woodstock

Regal McDonough
115 Foster Dr.
McDonough

Regal Hamilton Mill
2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway
Dacula

Browse these free events:

The post Regal Cinemas hosts a $5 advance screening of a new film on Mystery Movie Monday, June 1st appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

FREE & CHEAP things to do this week

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The post Free & cheap things to do this week in Atlanta and suburbs appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Deposit Photos

National Geographic is helping to support pollinators by giving away FREE flowers seeds to plant in your own garden.

The seeds available are Black-Eyed Susan here in the East, or Rocky Mountain Beeplant for those living in the West. 
(You don’t get a choice. The seeds are allocated based on your zip code.)

The seed packets are subject to availability and provided on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals who complete the Pollinator Pledge.

The giveaway is available while supplies last.

How to Get FREE Flower Seeds
Sign the Pollinator Pledge and receive a FREE pollinator seed packet from National Geographic.
Sign the Pollinator Pledge here

The seed packet will be shipped within 4 to 6 weeks.
Only U.S. mailing addresses are eligible. 

Check out our complete guide to spring festivals & fairs

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

More spring events:

The post Celebrate spring with a FREE flower seed packet from National Geographic appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Image: Wendy’s

With this deal, you enjoy a super-cheap burger at Wendy’s for one day.

Wendy’s is celebrating its NASCAR’s Trackhouse Racing partnership by offering fans a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger for just 1 cent with a $5 minimum purchase at participating locations on May 12, 2026.

The burger is made with a fresh, never-frozen square beef patty, topped with two strips of bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and creamy mayo on a toasted bun.

Limit one per person.
The offer is only available for Wendy’s Rewards via the restaurant’s app.
Join Wendy’s Rewards here

Browse our complete guide to spring festivals & fairs

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

More spring events:

The post Wendy’s offers the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for 1-cent, today only appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The City of Johns Creek presents its annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The event is FREE to attend.

It takes place at the Johns Creek City Hall between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Kids and families can come out to view and get close to big rigs, backhoes, and other construction equipment owned by Johns Creek Public Works Department.

There will be food trucks on site.

City Hall is located at:
11360 Lakefield Drive
Johns Creek, GA 30097

Parking will be available at:
– 11330 and 11340 Lakefield Drive
– 11315 Johns Creek Parkway
– 11465 Johns Creek Parkway

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

Event details

WHAT:
Touch-A-Truck event

WHEN:
Saturday, May 16, 2026
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE:
Johns Creek City Hall
11360 Lakefield Dr.
Johns Creek, GA 30097

HOW MUCH:
It’s all FREE!

MORE INFO:
Visit the event page

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More upcoming FREE events:

The post Johns Creek hosts its annual FREE Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The Duluth Arts Festival returns in 2026 for two days of spring fun!
It’s taking place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, on the Duluth Town Green (use 3167 Main St for GPS directions).

The emphasis is on both the arts and family fun. The festival features 125 artists working in areas that include painting, photography, sculpture, metalwork, glass, jewelry, and more.

The festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, a children’s play area, and festival foods.

Food trucks at the event were chosen to be healthier alternatives to the usual festival fare.

Festival hours:

• Saturday — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  This is a rain-or-shine event.

Check out our complete guide to all the spring festivals this year in Atlanta & suburbs!

Know before you go…

Free parking is available around the Duluth Town Center. Parking on the residential streets around the park is not permitted.

Due to city ordinance, you may not bring your own alcohol to the festival, but beer and wine will be available for sale.

Coolers, grills, and tents are not allowed.

No bicycles, skate boards, roller blades, scooters, etc., are allowed into the festival area.

Visit the Facebook event page
Visit the festival website

More free and cheap fun around Atlanta:

The post The Duluth Arts Festival features an art market and plenty of family fun appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Photo courtesy of Midtown Garden Stroll

Come out and celebrate spring at the 12th Annual Midtown Garden Stroll! The event takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from noon to 5 p.m. It is completely FREE and open to the public.

This outdoor, self-guided tour is a rare opportunity to experience some of Midtown’s most beautiful private gardens. There will also be an outdoor Garden Stroll Market where you can purchase plants and garden-related merchandise, as well as food and drink.

The tour takes place throughout the historic Midtown Garden District — an area that is bounded by 10th Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Piedmont Avenue, and Lakeview Avenue.

The Garden District is characterized by early twentieth-century historic homes, mid-century apartment buildings, a compact street grid,  and an extensive mature tree canopy. In 1999, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

At the Midtown Garden Stroll, you can expect to see both formal gardens and casual gardens, as well as fountains, espaliered plants, intricate brickwork, backyard beekeeping, cozy patios, and more. The tour organizers hope the public can walk away with inspiration and ideas for their own outdoor living spaces.

At some of the gardens, the homeowners may be on hand to share their gardening secrets and answer questions about their yard. 

There are more details just below the flyer.

The Garden Stroll Market

At the Midtown Garden Stroll, you’ll also find an expanded Garden Stroll Market — featuring a variety of local plant and garden-related vendors, plus food and drink.

The Garden Stroll Market will be centrally located in front of homes on Penn Ave, between 6th Street and 7th Street. This area will also be the headquarters for the Midtown Garden Stroll on the day of the event.

Stock image: Deposit Photos

How to attend

You don’t need a ticket or reservation!
On the day of the event, starting at noon, you can stop by the Garden Stroll market to pick up a FREE printed copy of the stroll map at the tent at 6th Street & Penn Avenue. 
You’ll also find that the participating homes are clearly marked.

One week before the event, you’ll be able to find a downloadable PDF map in a variety of places — via MidtownAtlanta.org, or on the Midtown Neighbors’ Association social media pages (Facebook and Instagram).

Getting There & Parking
If you don’t have to drive to this event, then don’t!
You’ll be competing with Piedmont Park and the BeltLine for paid parking spots AND for on-street parking. Consider walking, biking, riding a scooter, or using a rideshare service.

And of course, there’s MARTA.
Google Maps tells us it’s a mere 13-minute walk from the Midtown Station (and 7 minutes on a scooter from the station!) Midtown Station is on the Red and Gold Lines. When you exit the train, just head to street level and set your GPS walking directions for 835 Penn Ave., which is an address in the middle of the block between 6th and 7th Streets.

You can also use the North Avenue Station.
It will be about at 17-minute walk to the corner of Penn Ave. and 6th Street, where you’ll pick up your map.

We always recommend downloading the MARTA app for your mobile phone to find train schedules.

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More upcoming spring events:

The post FREE: Tour gorgeous private gardens at the Midtown Garden Stroll on Sunday, May 17th appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

May in Atlanta: top things to do this month

Below the spotlighted events, you’ll find a rolling day-to-day calendar listing of May events.

Free museum days in May

• The Georgia Aquarium offers you FREE admission on your birthday — so all of you May babies are in luck!
Details on the Aquarium offer

•  The High Museum Art hosts its Second Sundays FREE day on Sunday, May 10, 2026 — which just happens to be Mother’s Day!
Details on Second Sundays at the High

• The High Museum also hosts its FREE Access For All program on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 — you need to register in advance for this one.

•  The Museums On Us program offers FREE admission to Bank of America cardholders at two metro-area museums on May 2nd and 3rd.  This includes 7 venues this year, so check it out!
Details on Museums On Us

•  The Carlos Museum offers FREE admission thru its Sunday FUNday program on May 3, 2026.

• The Marietta History Center hosts its FREE monthly Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

• The Chattahoochee Nature Center is offering FREE admission to moms on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026. Details here.

FREE outdoor summer concerts & movies in May

The summer concert series and outdoor movie series is in full swing in May, with something going on every weekend.
Browse our special calendars for:
◊ FREE outdoor summer concerts
◊ FREE outdoor movies on the lawn
These events cover the extended metro area, including the suburbs.

Mother’s Day brunch, events, and deals

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Atlanta by taking Mom to brunch — on the cheap, of course!
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th, 2026.

We’ve put together a list of restaurants in the Atlanta metro area where you can get a cheap Mother’s Day brunch — which we define as $20 or less per person, or $40 or less for an entree and cocktail. (That doesn’t mean you can’t spend more at these restaurants!)
And this year, we’re including a handful of hidden gems that you may not have known about before.
Browse our brunch list

We also have a list of places where you can order a prepared meal to-go, so mom doesn’t have to cook.
Order a Mother’s Day meal for pickup

And we have a list of Mother’s Day deals and events for you to browse.

Free Comic Book Day

May 2, 2026
Multiple locations

Grab up to 6 FREE titles at this comic book giveaway event. Most of the shops participating have other special programming as well.
Details for Free Comic Book Day

National Hamburger Day

National Hamburger Day is on May 28th every year.
Both national and local burger joints offer freebies and special deals each year. 
Find a burger deal

Georgia State Fair

April 24th thru May 3, 2026
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, GA

Welcome back to the fair! Enjoy the usual midway rides, classic carnival food favorites, live entertainment, and more. Check out our detailed post about this fair, which includes info on all the available discounts and FREE admission days!
Details for the Georgia State Fair

National Kids to Parks Day events

Saturday, May 16, 2026
Multiple locations

Get the kids outside and exploring nature, with these events that celebrate Kids to Parks Day, which is observed annually on the third Saturday of May.

The goal is to connect kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands.
Many counties and cities in metro Atlanta host events for kids and families on this day. We have a list of planned events, plus some easy nature walks to do with kids.
Find an event or nature walk here

Atlanta Streets Alive

Sunday, May 31, 2026
FREE

During Streets Alive, for four glorious hours, three miles of roads are closed to cars — and open for people to stroll, roll, bike, and play!

In May, Streets Alive will use the Southwest Route, which stretches from Grant Park to West End, following Georgia Ave. and Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
More info on Streets Alive

 

Cool off at a splash pad or sprayground

The splash pads and spraygrounds in Atlanta are a fun way for kids to cool off and play in the water, without going to a pool. No matter where you live in metro Atlanta, there is most likely a park with a water feature near you — and most of them are FREE.

The splash pad season starts in early May and goes through September at most locations. We’ve put together a handy list of splash pads, spraygrounds, and interactive fountains. The list is organized by county.
Find a splash pad

Stone Mountain Park: May deals & discounts

For a limited time, a Groupon deal lets you purchase the Attractions Pass for HALF PRICE — that’s just $19.99.
PLUS, Groupon is offering 25% OFF tickets to the new Zip Line adventure at Stone Mountain.

And the Pre-K Pass is back for the summer of 2026! 
With this program, your little tykes age 3 to 5 get free admission to attractions at Stone Mountain Park, all summer long.
To redeem the offer, just register your kids online, and then activate your FREE pass in person at the Park by May 15, 2026.

Strawberry picking

Fresh, local strawberries are a sign of spring in Georgia!  It’s the perfect time to plan a pick-your-own outing or enjoy a strawberry festival at a Georgia farm.
We’ve put together a list of strawberry festivals and you-pick farms that are within an hour drive from downtown Atlanta.
Find a strawberry farm

Georgia Renaissance Festival

Weekends thru May 31, 2026 PLUS Memorial Day Monday
Fairburn, GA

Well worth the drive! Travel back in time to days of yesteryear and yore, with this popular themed festival. There are multiple discounts and ways to save on the price of admission, including a BOGO deal for opening weekend.
Get the details and view the discounts

Upcoming events in May:

This is a rolling list, so events fall off as the dates pass. It includes events for the next 14 days.

The post May in Atlanta: All the best things to do this month! appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

 

The splash pads and spraygrounds in Atlanta are a fun way for kids to cool off and play in the water, without going to a pool. No matter where you live in metro Atlanta, there is most likely a park with a water feature near you — and most of them are FREE. (Some have a small admission fee for kids.)

The splash pad season starts in early May and goes through September at most locations.
Hours vary by location, but a typical schedule is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here’s a handy of list — organized by county — of the best water features for free and cheap fun. They include splash pads, spraygrounds, fountains, and wading pools.

TIP: Don’t forget a towel and a change for the kiddos, and a cool drink for yourself!

Before you visit, PLEASE click  through the links to the park’s official website to verify operating hours and status.

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

Splash pads, spraygrounds, & fountains in metro Atlanta

Remember a few basic safety rules when you have fun in splash pads and spraygrounds this summer — no glass containers, have swim diapers on the little ones, and consider keeping waterproof sandals on your kids.

Splash Pads in the City of Atlanta

The City of Atlanta maintains 7 official splash pads, located throughout the city.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the season is typically May 1 to October 1.

Legacy Fountain at Piedmont Park

10th & Monroe
Midtown Atlanta
FREE
The fountain features more than 70 jets, reaching up to 30 feet in the air,with LED lighting.  There are nearby restrooms, and seating for parents.

Splash Pad at Historic Fourth Ward Park

664 Angier Ave.
FREE
With water raining down from above and shooting up from the ground, the kids will be drenched in no time at Historic Fourth Ward Park’s splash pad. Bonus: The park is also home to a skate park. You’ll have to find street parking if you don’t live close enough to walk.

Sprayground at Center Hill Park 

2305 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW
FREE
Featuring a water tunnel and water jets.

Splash Pad at Rev. James Orange Park

1305 Oakland Drive SW
FREE
Located in the Oakland City neighborhood, this is a small neighborhood splash pad, in a park named for a civil rights activist.
More info here

Splash Pad at Perkerson Park

770 Deckner Ave SW
FREE
Perkerson Park is a 50-acre greenspace nestled between the Capitol View and Sylvan Hills neighborhoods. It’s just a few blocks from the Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside and Westside Trails.  There are plenty of amenities besides the Splash Pad.

Splash Pad at Cook Park

616 Joseph Boone Blvd.
FREE
Rodney Cook Sr. Park is a 16-acre green space located in the Vine City neighborhood on Atlanta’s west side. This is a simple fountain-style splash pad, with water jets coming up from below. You’ll also find a large playground with rock climbing wall.
See a photo

Splash ‘N Play at D.H. Stanton Park

213 Haygood Ave. SE
FREE
Located in the Peoplestown neighborhood of Atlanta, this colorful splashpad features interactive water play.

Stanton Park. Photo courtesy of City of Atlanta

Splash Island at Adams Park Pool

1581 Logan Lane. SW
Atlanta, GA
Pool fees may apply
This splash pad is officially part of Adams Park Pool, and NOT one of city’s 7 free splash pads.
Splash Island has everything from fountains to water cannons to keep the kids soaked this summer. In the past, there has been a $5 fee, although there were free swim hours at designated times. The fee was waived last year when the pools reopened after the pandemic hiatus. We have no current info for 2023. 

Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park

285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW
Downtown Atlanta
FREE
Play in the fountain at Centennial Park! As one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Georgia, the Fountain of Rings is familiar to everyone.

Centennial Olympic Park is currently open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The fountain runs most of the year, and we’ve seen tourists playing in it late in the fall. It’s probably the largest de facto sprayground in the Southeast, laid out as the five rings of the Olympic logo in a sunken brick plaza.

Children play at Centennial Olympic Park August 25, 2013 in Atlanta, GA. The park commemorates the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Splash pads in Dekalb County

Two Bridges Park

50 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA
FREE

Two Bridges is the first Dunwoody Park to have a splash pad. It’s a 28-ft diameter area, with an ADA-compliant playground near by.

Kelley Cofer Park

4259 N. Park Drive
Tucker, GA 30084
FREE
Besides the splash pad, you’ll find a playground, picnic pavilions, a pollinator garden, Cofer Lake, swimming pool, and walking trails. The park is just off Chamblee Tucker Rd, not far from Downtown Tucker and Tucker High School.

Ashford Park Splash Pad

2980 Redding Rd.
Brookhaven, GA 30319
FREE
This new splash pad features a colorful soft surface (no concrete!), and kids can use buttons to activate the spray features. There is also a wading pool.
The water play area is surrounded by seating for parents, and a green space for relaxing. There’s also a new pavilion nearby, with ceiling fans and picnic tables.

Lynwood Park Splash Pad & Pool

3360 Osborne Rd.
Brookhaven, GA 30319
Pool admission is $3 per child and $5 per adult.
This brand new splash pad just opened in 2023!  It features a zero-depth area with multiple spray features, plus a one-foot-deep wading pool with a slide. There is also a pool house, including a changing area with showers.
Season memberships are available.

Splash pads in North Fulton County

Wills Park Splash Pad

1815 Old Milton Pkwy
Alpharetta
It’s not clear if pool fees apply to the splash pad here, or if the splash pad is free.

Riverside Park Sprayground

575 Riverside Road
Roswell, GA 30075
Children need a $2 wristband to play in the water. Accompanying adults who don’t go into the water and infants under one year old are FREE.

East Roswell Spraygound

9000 Fouts Rd
Roswell, GA 30076
Children need a $2 wristband to play all in the water. Accompanying adults who don’t go into the water and infants under one year old are FREE.

Town Green Fountain at Alpharetta City Center

4o South Main St.
Alpharetta, GA
FREE
The fountain is next to the green space in the City Center. While the city calls it a “fountain,” it is very much a splash pad.
Bonus: There are plenty of places nearby to grab a drink or sweet treat.

Splash pads in Gwinnett County

Lilburn Splash Pad

76 Main St.
Lilburn, GA 30047
FREE
Located within Lilburn City Park.
Check the days and hours, because in past years the Pad has been closed for maintenance two weekdays each week.
The season is generally mid-May through late September.

Interactive Fountain at Mall of Georgia

3333 Buford Dr.
Buford, GA
FREE
The interactive fountain is located just outside the main entrance.

Image courtesy of Mall of Georgia

Interactive Fountain at Duluth Town Green

FREE
Bring a change of clothes for the little ones when you head to Downtown Duluth for a concert, movie night, or other event. They’re bound to get drenched while playing in the fountain on the Town Green. Note that the fountain is turned off early on event nights.

Splash Pad at Lillian Webb Park

5 College Street
Norcross, GA
FREE
With everything from a waterfall to interactive water features, kids can cool off on the cheap at Lillian Webb Park in historic downtown Norcross.

Interactive Fountain at Graves Park

1540 Graves Rd.
Norcross, GA
FREE
Cool off in the fountain after a day at the playground or a walk on the trail loop.

Big Splash Interactive Fountain in Suwanee

Town Center Park
330 Town Center Ave.
Suwanee, GA
FREE
The interactive fountain features 43 jets and pumps 1400 gallons of water per minute!

Splash Park at Sugar Hill

Community Plaza
(behind Sugar Hill City Hall)
5039 W Broad St NE
Sugar Hill, GA 30518
FREE
The splash park is 60 feet in diameter. It has 21 water zones, accompanied by over 90 programmed colored lights.

Interactive Fountain at E. E. Robinson Park

650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Sugar Hill, GA 30518
FREE
Note that the park has several different entrances, on different roads.

Splash pads in Forsyth County

Splash Pad at Old Atlanta Park

810 Nichols Road
Suwanee, GA
$2 for kids. Adults admitted for free, but must remain in the dry area. Infants under one year are FREE.
With water coming from all directions, the Splash Pad at Old Atlanta Park is a fun (& cheap) way to beat the heat.

Splash pads in Cobb County

Splash Pad at Swift-Cantrell Park

3333 Buford Drive
Kennesaw, GA
Admission is $3 per person. Kids age two and under are FREE.
With a fountain spray, ground geyser, jet stream, magic mist, and multiple sea silhouettes, there’s tons of water fun in store for kids of all ages at Swift-Cantrell Park’s splash pad.

Splash Pad at Sewell Park Pool

2051 Lower Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA
Admission $3.50 for kids age 3-17, and $4.50 for adults.
Though it’s technically part of the Sewell Park Pool, the zero-entry splash pad is a perfect spot for low-key water fun in the fountain.

Interactive Fountain at The Battery

800 Battery Ave.
Atlanta, GA
FREE
The Plaza Fountain features colored lights & programmed jets for hours of family fun.

Sprayground at Elizabeth Porter Park

370 Montgomery St.
Marietta, GA
Daily admission is $2 for Marietta city residents and $3 for nonresidents.
You can purchase your ticket online.

Splash pads in Rockdale County

Splash pad at Milstead Park

1665 Main St.
Conyers, GA 30012
FREE
The park also includes a fitness trail, picnic pavilion, and playground.

Splash pads in Clayton County

Spivey Splash Water Park

This is not a free or cheap option — a day pass to the water park will run you $20.

Splash pads in Henry County

Avalon Park Splash Pad

1068 Industrial Pkwy
McDonough, GA 30253
FREE
This interactive water feature opened is usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Check the hours online, or thru the city’s Facebook page.

Interactive Fountain at Village Park

750 Fairview Road
Ellenwood, Georgia 30294
FREE
In addition to the fun water feature, this park also includes a playground, pavilion, and a paved multi-use trail.

The post Cool off in these FREE Splash Pads, Spraygrounds, & Interactive Fountains appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Panera Bread is celebrating its popular MyPanera Days week of deals, from May 11 to 17, 2026 at participating locations. 
The deals are open to members of the MyPanera Loyalty program. 
Join MyPanera here.

MyPanera Days includes the following daily deals:

• May 11 – $3 off a whole entrée
• May 12 – $3 off a whole salad
• May 13 – $3 off a You Pick Two
• May 14 – $3 off an espresso or smoothie
• May 15 – $3 off a whole sandwich
• May 16 – $3 off a whole entrée
• May 17 – $3 off a You Pick Two 

Limit one offer per member, per day.
You must apply the reward to your account before ordering. 

Panera Bread is also offering a $10 Bonus Card with the purchase of a $50 gift card — through May 31, 2026.
Find more springtime gift card bonuses here

Browse our complete guide to spring festivals & fairs

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

More spring events:

The post Panera Bread announces MyPanera Days, with week of daily deals & discounts appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Outdoor spring and summer concerts are back in 2026! No matter where you are in metro Atlanta, you can find FREE music around town.

This is a rolling, day-by-day list of upcoming summer concerts.

It’s organized in chronological order, starting with today’s date — so you can scroll through to find an outdoor concert this week, next week, or next month.

Upcoming FREE concerts in metro ATL

• This is a rolling list, starting with today’s date and including the next 60 days.

• You can click thru the links for more info — including the complete 2026 line-up for that concert series.

• Most of these are outdoor concerts, but there are a few exceptions.

•We’re still adding 2026 concert dates, so check back again soon!

The post Our guide to free outdoor concerts in 2026 — enjoy a musical interlude this spring appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Sundays in the Park is a FREE outdoor concert series happening in Roswell on select Sundays, May through September.

The concerts take place either at Riverside Park, Roswell City Hall, or the Roswell Town Square.
All concerts start at 5:30 p.m.

These concerts feature the Roswell New Horizons Pops Band, a 40-member ensemble dedicated to providing free entertainment to the community. Sometimes they’ll be joined by special guests.

Free and open to the public.
You’re invited to bring your chairs, picnic blankets, and friends.
Feel free to bring along your favorite food and beverages to enhance the experience.
More event info

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

2026 Sundays in the Park concert schedule

May 17, 2026
Roswell City Hall
Sounds of Spring
More info

June 21, 2026
Roswell Town Square
Big Band Music 
More info

July 19, 2026
Roswell Town Square
Dixieland Music 
More info

August 23, 2026
Roswell Town Square
Brass with Class 
More info

Saturday, September 20, 2026
Roswell City Hall
Great Songs 
More info

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More upcoming FREE events:

The post FREE Sundays in the Park concert series in Roswell this Summer appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Avondale Estates will once again host its Weekend Wind Down concerts on the Town Green. These FREE concert events take place on select dates this year, and the schedule is below.

The dates are mostly 2nd Sundays — except for May and June. 
NOTE that there are no concerts in July and August. 

Bring your own chairs or blanket.
There will be food trucks on site.

The Avondale Estates Town Green is located at 64 N. Avondale Rd.
More info on the concerts

Check out our huge list of FREE outdoor concerts!

2026 Weekend Wind Down Concert Schedule

Music starts one hour after event start time.

Sunday, April 12
6 to 8 p.m.
Trina Meade & Co. 

Sunday, May 17
6 to 8 p.m.
Run Katie Run 

Sunday, June 7
7 to 9 p.m.
Blue Talk 

Sunday, September 13
6 to 8 p.m.
The COT Band is a local favorite, playing Latin and Caribbean rhythms with elements of funk, pop, and Brazilian beats — to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month.

Sunday, October 11
6 to 8 p.m.
Buddy Red 

Sunday, November 8
5 to 7 p.m.
Andrew Holley Band 

Read performer bios here

More free concerts:

The post Avondale Estates hosts its FREE Weekend Wind Down concert this Sunday – Run Katie Run takes the stage appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Visit the Atlanta Burger Week website
Visit the Atlanta Burger Week Facebook page

Browse our complete guide to spring festivals & fairs

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

2026 Atlanta Burger Week participants

You can also see a list of participating venues and the burger they are offering online. 
This list is in no particular order. 

• Pressto Burgers (2 locations)
• Neighbor’s Pub
• Bad Daddy’s (4 locations)
• Ormsby’s
• Dr Smash Burger Popup at Outrun Brewing
• The Albert
• Frazie’s Meat & Market
• Sugar Loaf Bakery & Cafe
• Mister Burger
• Lost Druid Brewery
• Neighborhood Burger
• Sweet Auburn BBQ
• Pit Boss BBQ
• Sceptre Brewing
• Smoke Friendly BBQ (McDonough)
• Wild Heaven Beer at Toco Hills
• Moxie Burger (Candler Park)
• Smiley’s Burger Club
• Smith’s Olde Bar (Midtown0
• Sad Boys Burger Shop (Smyrna)
• Emmy Squared Pizza (2 locations)
• Fox Bros Bar-B-Q (Westside location)
• BOSK ATL
• Black Bear Tavern
• Hopdoddy Burger Bar (3 locations)
• Firepit Pizza Tavern 
• Marcus Bar & Grille
• Birdcage
• WNB Factory (5 locations)
• LOL Burger Bar
• Candler Park Market
• Sinful Slidrz 
• Dakota Blue
• The Pub at EAV (East Atlanta)
• Grant Park Market
• FNF Hot Burger
• Mix’d Up Burgers (Grant Park)
• Delilah’s Everyday Soul (Midtown)
• Thinking Man Tavern (Decatur)
• KirbyG’s Diner
• Bantam Pub (Old 4th Ward)
• HOBNOB Tavern (6 locations)
• El Super Pa Latino Kitchen (The Battery)
• Cicheria Mexican Kitchen

More spring events:

The post Atlanta Burger Week starts on Monday, May 11th– get all the details and find a venue near you! appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

La Fiesta in Hapeville returns to Jess Lucas Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event brings live music, food and family fun to downtown Hapeville.

Savor authentic Latin cuisine from local vendors, ride the mechanical bull, learn Salsa dancing, and enjoy activities for all ages, including face painting.

There will be inflatables for the kids to play on. 

With FREE admission and parking, this lively celebration of Latin culture is the perfect way to spend a Saturday with family and friends in the heart of Hapeville.

Jess Lucas Park is located at:
680 S Central Avenue
Hapeville, GA 30354

Image courtesy of city of Hapeville

More FREE events:

The post La Fiesta in Hapeville is a family-friendly celebration on Saturday appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The months of May and June bring all kinds of occasions to give gift cards — Mother’s Day, weddings, graduations, Father’s Day, birthdays, and more. 

It’s the perfect opportunity to stretch your budget by buying gift cards that come with a bonus card offer. 
You can buy a retail or restaurant gift card to give away, and then use the bonus card for yourself. 

Most bonus offers are only available to purchase online, not in-store. 

Plus, many (if not, all) bonus cards come with restrictions and/or requirements upon redeeming.
Always review the fine print before buying. 

2026 Spring bonus card offers

This list will continue to grow, so check back!

Applebee’s
Buy a $50 gift card and Applebee’s will throw in a $10 Bonus Card — from April 13 to June 28, 2026. The bonus card expires Aug. 2, 2026. 

Bonefish Grill
Buy a $50 gift card at Bonefish Grill and get a $10 Bonus Card — from April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card can be redeemed from June 22 to Aug. 23, 2026. 

Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Gather the family and enjoy a meal at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. For every $50 spent in gift cards, receive a $10 Bonus Card — from April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card can be redeemed from June 22 to Aug. 23, 2026.

Chili’s
Celebrate any occasion with lunch or dinner at Chili’s. Buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 eBonus Card — from April 23 to May 9, 2026. The bonus is only available online. The bonus card is valid May 11 to June 15, 2026. 

Denny’s
Celebrate any occasion with the family at Denny’s. Buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 Bonus Coupon — from April 13 to June 21, 2026. See Bonus Coupon for redemption details. 

Dunkin’
Make spring even sweeter at Dunkin’! Buy a $25 e-gift card and receive a $5 eBonus Card — from April 27 to JJune 21, 2026. The bonus card is valid June 22 to July 31, 2026. Limit 4 per person.

Einstein Bros. Bagels
Need bargain bagels for a celebratory brunch? All Einstein Bros. Bagels gift cards purchased online are 20% off — from April 22 to June 23, 2026. 

Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão can make springtime sizzle. For every $200 in gift cards purchased online, get a $50 Bonus eCard — from April 21 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card is valid June 22 to Aug. 31, 2026. 

IHOP
Hop over to IHOP for breakfast for any holiday or celebration. From March 30 to June 28, 2026, buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 Bonus Card. The bonus card expires Aug. 28, 2026. 

McAlister’s Deli
Slather on the savings at McAlister’s Deli. Receive a $5 Reward Card with the purchase of a $25 gift card — from April 28 to June 21, 2026. The reward is valid April 28 to July 31, 2026. 

Outback Steakhouse
Take a spring break “down under”. Buy a $50 gift card at Outback Steakhouse and enjoy a $10 Bonus Card — from April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus card is valid June 22 to Aug. 23, 2026. 

Panda Express
Get bowled over at Panda Express! Enjoy an $8 Bonus Card with the purchase of $30 or more gift card online. The bonus is available April 20 to May 11, 2026. The bonus valid from April 20 to July 31, 2026. 
There are also bonus offers for graduation time (May 12 to June 7) and Father’s Day (June 8 to 21).

Panera Bread
Enjoy a sandwich and soup at Panera Bread! Get a $10 Bonus Card with the purchase of a $50 gift card — from April 8 to May 31, 2026. The bonus is valid June 1 to 30, 2026. 

P.F. Chang’s
Enjoy lots of delicious Chinese dishes at P.F. Chang’s! Get a $10 Bonus Card with the purchase of a $50 gift card — from see P.F. Chang’s for promo dates. The bonus is valid June 24 to Sept. 1, 2026. 

QDOBA
Enjoy a frugal fiesta at QDOBA! Buy a $50 gift card and get $10 Bonus Card. The bonus offer is available April 1 to June 30, 2026. The bonus is valid July 1 to Aug. 31, 2026.

Red Robin
Get a juicy deal at Red Robin. Buy a $50 gift card and get $10 Bonus Buck Reward. The bonus offer is available April 20 to June 21, 2026. The bonus is valid June 22 to Aug. 9, 2026.

Subway
Stop at Subway for a great deal! Get a FREE 6-inch sub with the purchase of a $25 gift card — from April 30 to June 30, 2026. The bonus is valid through July 31, 2026.

The Cheesecake Factory
Celebrate any occasion with an extravagant lunch or dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. From April 27 to May 10, 2026, purchase a $50 gift card online and receive a $10 Bonus eCard. The bonus card is valid May 11 to June 3, 2026. 1

The post 15+ gift cards that come with bonus offers — buy them for yourself or for gifts appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Deposit Photos

For a limited time, Applebee’s is serving up an all-you-can-eat special for just $15.99 at participating locations — dine in only. 

Even better, you don’t need to pick just one item, unless that’s all you want. Mix-and-match from three tasty options for a frugal feast of your own design. 

Plus, the deal comes with endless fries. 

Note that participation in the deal may vary by location — so call ahead if you want to be sure your favorite shop is running the deal.

Since this is a limited time deal, we don’t know when it will end.
You can check the Applebee’s promotion page to see if it’s still running — and we encourage you to do so!

Here’s what you can get with your endless feast

Boneless Wings
Crispy breaded pieces of tender boneless chicken tossed in your choice of sauce: Classic Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Asian Chile, Garlic Parmesan, Extra Hot Buffalo or Honey Pepper.

Riblets
Expertly cut from the most tender pork for delicious bone-in flavor, the Riblets are slow cooked and dripping in either Honey BBQ or Sweet Asian Chile sauce.

Double Crunch Shrimp
Crispy battered Double Crunch Shrimp, fried until golden brown and served with cocktail sauce and signature coleslaw.

How does it work?

When you order more chicken, ribs, and shrimp, your refill won’t be a full plate — but rather a smaller portion. This is to eliminate waste, but it’s all you can eat, so you’re not being shortchanged. If you’re still hungry, you can order more!

No sharing allowed.
If everyone in your party wants to feast, everyone has to pay for the deal.   

The offer is dine-in only — no to-go orders are allowed on the unlimited feast.
View the deal online

Browse these FREE events:

The post Applebee’s offers an All-You-Can-Eat special for just $15.99, for a limited time appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Deposit Photos

Get the kids outside and exploring nature, with these events that celebrate Kids to Parks Day — which lands on Saturday, May 16, 2026 this year.

Kids to Parks Day is national day of outdoor play that is observed annually on the third Saturday of May.

The goal is to connect kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands. Through thousands of park events nationwide, Kids to Parks Day promotes discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.

Whether you live within the Atlanta city limits or one of the far-flung suburbs, there is a park or green space near you. 

So why not mark your calendar for May 16th, Kids to Parks Day, and have a fun outing with your family? You can plan your own excursion, or take advantage of one of the local events below.

Stroll the nature trail at Murphey Candler Park for water views and wildlife. Photo: H. Brucker

 

Three great nature walks with kids

These are just a few of our favorite nature trails at Atlanta-area parks — but we’re sure there’s a green space near you! Don’t forget to pack water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Mary Scott Nature Park

The kids will love walking along this easy looped trail through the woods — with a chance to explore the ruins of an old homestead as well.

Murphey Candler Park

Watch the ducks on the lake and walk on the nature trail, then enjoy a picnic meal at the pavilion and playground.

Peachtree Creek Greenway

This paved trail is perfect for strollers and for family bike rides.

You may also be interested in:

• Free guided walks at Mason Mill Park
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• The best state parks that are close to Atlanta
• Complete guide to free outdoor summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies

Kids to Parks Day events in metro Atlanta

Note: The National Park Trust has an event finder to help you locate an event near you, if you stumble on this page from somewhere outside metro Atlanta.

Kids to Parks Day in Peachtree Corners

Saturday, May 16, 2026 
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Pinckneyville Park
4758 South Old Peachtree Rd.
Peachtree Corners, GA 30071
Enjoy games, crafts, and outdoor activities at the Pavilion. 
More info

Kids to Parks Day at Bogan Park in Buford 

Saturday, May 16, 2026
10 a.m. to noon 
Bogan Park Community Recreation Center
2723 N. Bogan Rd.
Buford, GA 30519
This is an indoor event, billed as Games with Grandparents, as part of Older Americans Month.
More info

Lilburn Kids to Parks Day

Saturday, May 16, 2026
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
JB Williams Park
4935 Five Forks Trickum Rd.
Lilburn, GA 30047
Games, crafts, and outdoor activities will take place at the Levengood Pavilion, the meadow, and the ballfields. 
More info

Kids to Parks Day in Suwanee

Saturday, May 16, 2026
1 to 4 p.m. 
George Pierce Park Community Rec Center
(outdoors in the meadow)
55 Buford Hwy
Suwanee, GA 30024
Spend some time outside; enjoy free Popsicles and fun game stations.
More info

Kids to Parks Day in Lawrenceville

Saturday, May 16, 2026
9 a.m. to noon 
Rhodes Jordan Park
100 E. Crogan St. 
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Connect with nature through games, crafts, and outdoor activities. 
This event takes place at Pavilion #3. 
More info

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More spring events:

The post National Kids to Parks Day is this Saturday: plan an outing or go to one of these local events appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

 Be Greek for a day!
The 35th annual Marietta Greek Festival happens from May 15 to 17, 2026.

The festival takes place at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, located at 3431 Trickum Rd. in Marietta.

NOTE: the festival is cashless. You can pay with credit cards, debit cards, or a digital wallet.

Festival hours

• Friday, May 15th: 4 to 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 16th: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Sunday, May 17th: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The food prices are affordable and the food menu is extensive, including Greek favorites like:

• souvlaki
• grilled leg of lamb
• gyros
• chicken platters
• spanikopita
• dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)
• Greek salad
• baklava and other pastries

Festival details

Courtesy of Marietta Greek Festival

You’ll have the opportunity to shop the Agora Marketplace for items created in the Greek tradition, including imported jewelry, handmade linens, scarves, Greek cookbooks and travel guides, blown glass items, and decorative art pieces.

Kids’ activities include arts and crafts, games, face painting, a playground, and more.

At Niko’s Pub, you can enjoy Greek wine, beer, and liqueur. A Greek street food tent allows you to sample portable food options, while the main dining tent serves up full meals.

The Byzantine style sanctuary of the church will be open during guided tours.

Entertainment
For a complete schedule of live music and dance performances, see the Greek Festival website. The entertainment is nearly non-stop during the 3-day festival.

More info:
Visit the Facebook event page
Go the festival website for more info

Tickets

Regular price admission is $5.
Children 12 and under get in FREE.
On Friday, May 15th, there is FREE ADMISSION from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. 

You can skip the ticket line by ordering in advance online through Evnentbrite but you’ll pay for the convenience with added fees.

Parking and shuttle info

There is NO parking on site.
Free parking is available near by, with a shuttle running continuously to the festival site.
Park at one of these sites:

• Simpson Middle School – 3340 Trickum Rd.
• Church of Latter-Day Saints – 3195 Trickum Rd. (Friday and Saturday ONLY — no Sunday parking)
• Mountain View Elementary School – 3151 Sandy Plains Rd (Friday after 6pm, weekends all day)

Photo courtesy of Marietta Greek Festival

Courtesy of Marietta Greek Festival

More spring fun:

The post Don’t miss the Marietta Greek Festival, opening this Friday with food, culture, shopping, more appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The Suwanee Asian Festival takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from noon  to 8 p.m.
Come out to Town Center Park to enjoy various Asian cultural performances, costumes, music, and food!

This is a family-friendly event that allows you to experience Asian culture through local artists, restaurants, and food trucks.

Festival Highlights

• Multicultural performances featuring Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, Malaysian, Filipino, South Asian, Indonesian, and more
• Engagement opportunities with local governments and nonprofit organizations
• Vendor booths
• Food vendors showcasing authentic Asian cuisines
• Retail vendors celebrating cultural heritage

Town Center Park is located in downtown Suwanee at:
330 Town Center Ave
Suwanee, GA 30024

More info:
Visit the website
Go to the Facebook Page

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More summer fun:

The post The Suwanee Asian Festival is coming on June 6th appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Taste of Alpharetta takes place on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 5 to 10 p.m.  This annual event is FREE to attend, but you’ll need to purchase tasting tickets at the event.

This is your chance to dine in downtown Alpharetta at over 60 restaurants, in one fun event. You’ll be able to sample delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts, prepared by top Alpharetta chefs. There is something for every palate.

Besides plenty of food tastes, you’ll find culinary demonstrations, activities, and entertainment.

You find a list of participating restaurants online.

Food tickets cost $1.00 each, and each taste cost between 1 and 6 tickets. 
Note that none of the vendors will accept cash — tickets only, which are digital this year, so you’ll need a mobile device. 

NEW: This year, you can purchase food tickets in advance on the website, so you don’t have to stand in line at the event.

There will also be a Kids Zone with activities and inflatables.
An all-day wristband is $15 for one, or $25 for two.
Get more info on Taste of Alpharetta

2026 music schedule

See the schedule with exact times

Town Green Stage
School of Rock Alpharetta
Stone Mountain Quartet
Edgwood Heavy
B4Y2K

North Main Stage 
Mailey & Derek
Eric Jennings
Joe Garner 

Beverage Garden Stage
Mack & Michael
Shakerag
Jeremy Wayne Dean

Roswell Stage
5:30-6:30PM Ryan Boss 
7:00-8:00PM Caleb Little
8:30-9:30PM Moonlighting 

Getting there, parking, and shuttle service

 The Taste of Alpharetta is located in downtown  Alpharetta across from City Hall, at 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

There is FREE parking with shuttle service. Shuttles will run approximately every 20 minutes between 5 and 10 p.m.

View a full list of options for park & walk lots and shuttle stops.

Check out our complete guide to Atlanta spring festivals — from downtown to the suburbs, from March thru May.

More upcoming events:

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Atlanta Festivals in March

The cooler days of spring are perfect for outdoor festivals — just bring a sweater or jacket, for when the sun goes down!

Jump to April Festivals
Jump to May Festivals

Atlanta Fair

March 6 to April 12, 2026
Georgia State Stadium (formerly Turner Field)

This is Georgia’s only urban fair, taking place in downtown Atlanta.
The Atlanta Fair typically opens the first Friday in March and runs for 5 weeks.
It features plenty of exciting rides and your favorite carnival cuisine — from cotton candy and funnel cakes to Polish Sausage with peppers and onions. There’s also nightly entertainment, like concerts and dance troupes.

The fair has an admission fee, but there are daily discounts and free admission days.
Details and discounts for Atlanta Fair

Cumming Wine Festival

March 7, 2026
Cumming City Center

Take advantage of early-bird pricing and buy your ticket in advance! The festival features tastings for those 21 and over, plus a FREE concert that anyone can enjoy.
Details for Cumming Wine Festival

Georgia Beer Day

March 7, 2026
Multiple locations

We’re including this annual celebration even though it’s not a true festival. Each year, 50-70 craft breweries statewide mark Georgia Beer Day with food and drink specials, live entertainment, a limited-edition beer glass, and more.
Details on Georgia Beer Day

Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade

March 14, 2026
Midtown Atlanta

This annual event has been an Atlanta tradition for well over 100 years! Get there early to find your spot along Peachtree Street in midtown.
Details for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Butterfly Lantern Parade & Festival

March 21, 2026
Samuel Hape Plaza
(formerly Dearborn Plaza)
Hapeville

Music, food trucks, vendors, and an illuminated parade! To march in the procession, you just need an illuminated, butterfly-themed object.
You can also sign up for a lantern-making workshop; get registration info at the link below.
Details for the Lantern Parade

Wing & Rock Fest

March 21 – 22, 2026
Etowah River Park
Canton, GA

Great-tasting wings from 25+ restaurants and food trucks, plus a rockin’ musical festival in a beautiful venue — what’s not to love? FREE and family-friendly, with activities for the little ones in the Kids Zone. There’s also a nice selection of craft beer and cocktails for the adults.
Details for Wing & Rock Fest

Atlanta Streets Alive

March 22, 2026
New route: MLK/Beltline to Vine City

On these Sundays, streets are are temporarily closed to traffic for four hours — so you can come out to walk, run, stroll, bike, scoot, roll, and just have fun. It’s the ultimate “open streets” event in metro Atlanta, and it’s a heckuva good time.
Details for Streets Alive

Atlanta Dragon Festival

March 28, 2026
Lawrenceville Lawn
FREE

This is a vibrant celebration of Asian culture, community, and creativity, put on by the Georgia Asian Community. 

It will feature cultural performances, Asian cuisine, and a Dragon Egg Hunt for the kids. The Dragon Egg Hunt is a fun spin on the classic Easter egg hunt for kids. 

More info on the Dragon Festival + Egg Hunt

Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

March 28 – 29, 2026
Blackburn Park

This new-ish festival is fast becoming a local favorite! The event includes an incredible music line-up, an art market, food vendors galore, family-friendly activities in the Kidz Zone, a classic car show, and more. Festival admission is FREE.
Details for Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

Atlanta Festivals in April

April is PRIME TIME for spring festivals — this is when the biggest and best ones happen, so get out there and have some fun!

Jump Ahead to May Festivals
Jump Back to March Festivals

Atlanta Fair

Through April 12, 2026
Georgia State Stadium (formerly Turner Field)

Okay, maybe this isn’t technically a festival. But it’s Georgia’s only urban fair, taking place downtown.

The Atlanta Fair typically opens the first Friday in March and runs for 5 weeks.
It features plenty of exciting rides and your favorite carnival cuisine — from cotton candy and funnel cakes to Polish Sausage with peppers and onions. There’s also nightly entertainment, like concerts and dance troupes.

The fair has an admission fee, but there are daily discounts and free admission days.
Details and discounts for Atlanta Fair

404 Day Festival

April 4, 2026
Piedmont Park

On 4/04, celebrate all things Atlanta with live music, food, local vendors, live art, and more. The date was chosen to reflect Atlanta’s original area code, 404.
Details for 404 Day

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

April 10 – 12, 2026
Piedmont Park, midtown Atlanta

The Dogwood Festival is the queen of all Atlanta festivals, now in its 90th year!  This iconic spring event is the third oldest fine arts festival in the country and the longest running festival in Atlanta. There is so much to do — music, live performances, food, a fine art market, midway rides, and more. 

Unfortunately, the festival is no longer free, and there will be an entry fee in 2026.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival details

Georgia Renaissance Festival

April 11 to May 31, 2026
Weekends only, plus Memorial Day Monday
Fairburn, GA

Well worth the drive! Travel back in time to days of yesteryear and yore, with this popular themed festival. There are multiple discounts and ways to save on the price of admission, including a BOGO deal for opening weekend.
Get the details and view the discounts

Conyers Book Festival

April 11 – 12, 2026
Conyers International Horse Park

Books for sale, author talks, live music, food trucks, and more!
This is a paid event in 2026; it is no longer free.
Visit the festival website

Atlanta Streets Alive

April 19, 2026
Peachtree Street
Downtown & midtown Atlanta

On these Sundays, streets are are temporarily closed to traffic for four hours — so you can come out to walk, run, stroll, bike, scoot, roll, and just have fun. It’s the ultimate “open streets” event in metro Atlanta, and it’s a heckuva good time.

The April event will use the Peachtree Street route — which stretches from Alabama Street to 15th Street.
Details for Streets Alive

Georgia State Fair

April 24 to May 3, 2026
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, GA

Welcome back to the fair! Enjoy the usual midway rides, classic carnival food favorites, live entertainment, and more. Check out detailed post about this fair, which includes info on all the available discounts and FREE admission days!
Details for the Georgia State Fair

Canton Garden in the Park

April 25, 2026
Cannon Park
Downtown Canton, GA

This one-day festival features handmade art, plants for sale, flower arrangements, and more.
More info on Garden in the Park

Atlanta Festivals in May

Warm weather is here to stay, so pack the sunscreen and stay hydrated during May’s prelude to summer.

Jump back to April Festivals
Jump back to March Festivals

Georgia Renaissance Festival

Weekends in May, plus Memorial Day Monday
Fairburn, GA

Well worth the drive! Travel back in time to days of yesteryear and yore, with this popular themed festival. There are multiple discounts and ways to save on the price of admission.
Details on the GARenFest

Duluth Chalk Art Festival

May 1 – 2, 2026
Downtown Duluth

You’ll be dazzled by the work of professional chalk artists who will transform the pavement into mind-bending 3D illusions and stunning masterpieces. Work on a chalk mural with others, stroll the art walk in Parsons Alley, enjoy yummy food and drink, and shop with local vendors.
Details for Chalk Festival

Georgia State Fair

Through May 3, 2026
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, GA

Welcome back to the fair! Enjoy the usual midway rides, classic carnival food favorites, live entertainment, and more. Check out detailed post about this fair, which includes info on all the available discounts and FREE admission days!
Details for the Georgia State Fair

Johns Creek International Festival

May 2, 2026
Heisman Field

This one day event celebrates multi-culturalism with traditional food, music, and art. A selection of restaurants and food trucks will serve traditional foods from around the world. The Global Wine and Beer Garden gives you a chance to sip spirits from around the globe (if you’re 21 or over!)
Details for the International Festival

Tucker Day

May 2, 2026
Downtown Tucker

This one-day street festival includes food, vendors, live music by local artists, and a parade — all along Main Street in downtown Tucker. It’s a family-friendly event and a great cheap date.
Details on Tucker Day

Gwinnett Multi-Cultural Festival

May 2, 2026
Sugarloaf Mills Mall parking lot

This family-friendly event is just a few hours long, but it features cultural performances from around the globe, bounce houses for the kids, carnival rides, touch-a-truck activities with public safety vehicles, and more. There is also a lantern parade.
More info on Gwinnett Multi-Cultural Festival

Taste of East Cobb

May 2, 2026
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church
Marietta

This one-day food festival highlights local restaurants every year on the first Saturday in May. Admission is FREE and tasting tickets are $1 each. Food items require anywhere from 1 to 5 tickets. You’ll also find local vendors, live entertainment, and a Kids’ Zone (pay for activities there with taste tickets).
More info about Taste of East Cobb

Acworth Dragon Boat Festival

May 2, 2026
Dallas Landing Park

This annual festival features teams of people racing in 46-foot long ornamental dragon boats. The races are a spectator sport, and there will be various cultural activities and plenty of food on site as well.
Details on the Dragon Boat Festival

Yaarab Shrine Circus & Fair

May 8 – 17, 2026
Jim Miller Park
Marietta

This is a fun-packed event, including 35+ carnival rides for all ages, classic fair food, and daily circus performances (included in admission price). The discounts and special offers also make it a relatively affordable event.
Discounts and deals for Yaarab Shrine Circus

Woodstock Art on the Green

May 9 – 10, 2026
Downtown Woodstock

Local artists from North Georgia will gather on the Event Green to display their art, which includes: paintings, mixed media, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, eccentric gifts…and MUCH more.
Details for Art on the Green

Marietta Greek Festival

May 15 – 17, 2026
Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta

Be Greek for a day! In typical years, this annual event takes place on the weekend following Mother’s Day each May. It features cultural experiences including authentic food, crafts, music, and dance.

There are special activities for children as well.
The Byzantine style sanctuary of the church is often open for guided tours.
Click through the link for info on admission and food deals.
More details for the Greek Festival

Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes

May 16, 2026
Bessie Branham Park

This popular street festival takes place in Atlanta’s historic Kirkwood neighborhood each spring, along with the tour of homes.
Details on Kirkwood Spring Fling

 Atlanta Jazz Festival

May 23 – 25, 2026
Piedmont Park

This is one of the country’s largest FREE jazz festivals, typically taking place in Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend. Over the years the Atlanta Jazz Festival has been backdrop to musical legends such as Miles Davis, Dizzie Gillespie and Nina Simone.
Details on Atlanta Jazz Festival

Worth a mention in May

• Midtown Garden Stroll
  View gorgeous private gardens in Midtown — for FREE!

Day-by-day list of spring events:

This is a rolling list, so events fall off the beginning of the list once they’ve passed. You’ll only see the events listed from today and onward, for the next 21 days.

The post 75+ of the best spring festivals in metro Atlanta: things to do in May appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The Flying Biscuit’s Toco Hills location announced a special deal. 
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, you can get the famous Flying Biscuit Breakfast for just $7, all day long. 

The special is limited to one per person.
So you can’t eat one on-site and take another one home with you.

It’s valid for dine-in only, not for take-out. 

The Flying Biscuit Breakfast is typically $13 to $14, depending on location and any requested customizations, so this is a great deal. 

The deal was announced in a Facebook post. 

Remember, this is the Toco Hills location only! 
Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on these dates, according to the website. 
You may want to avoid peak hours.
There was a similar offer recently in Sandy Springs, and the pace was mobbed at lunch time. 

The Flying Biscuit Breakfast is similar to the High Flyer Breakfast, but does not include the buttermilk pancake. 

Flying Biscuit Breakfast includes:
* Two eggs, served your way
* Your choice of either 2 sausage patties or 3 strips of bacon
* Creamy, Dreamy Grits
* Fluffy flying biscuit

Flying Biscuit TOCO HILLS is located at: 
2935-A North Druid Hills Road
Atlanta, GA 30329

Check out our guide to 2026 spring festivals & fairs: including March, April, and May

Upcoming spring events:

The post Flying Biscuit’s Toco Hills location offers $7 Flying Biscuit Breakfast on Tuesday only appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville holds a FREE Family Thursday event each month. 
The museum stays open late on those days, and the free admission hours are 4 to 8 p.m. 

The museum claims to be the world’s largest permanent exhibition space for Western Art. 
It is an affiliate to the Smithsonian institution. 

The Booth’s permanent collection of Western art lets you see America’s story in paintings, sculpture, photography and artifacts. For kids, Sagebrush Ranch is an award-winning, hands-on experience and interactive children’s gallery.

Mark your calendar for these second Thursdays in 2026:

• January 8
• February 12
• March 12
• April 9
• May 14
• June 11
• July 9
• August 13
• September 10
• October 8
• November 12
• December 10

The Booth Western Art Museum is located at:
501 Museum Drive
Cartersville, GA 30120

More info:
Visit the Facebook page
Go to the museum website

More upcoming FREE events:

The post The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville hosts FREE Family Thursdays this week appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Enjoy live music in downtown Atlanta with the Downtown Sounds outdoor concert series at Centennial Olympic Park.

These FREE, family-friendly concerts will run monthly from April to October in 2026. 

Each event features a diverse line-up of artists and food trucks.

Bring your blankets or chairs. 
No tents allowed. 

The best way to get there is MARTA. 
Ride to Peachtree Center Station on the Red/Gold Line OR the GWCC/CNN Station on the Green/Blue Line. 

Otherwise, you can park at one of the Georgia World Congress parking decks, which are pricey. 
The Green Deck is just across the street from Centennial Park.

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

2026 Downtown Sounds concert schedule 

We’ll add more info as it becomes available, but dates and artists had not been announced for the whole year at the time of writing.

Sunday April 19
2 to 5 p.m. 

Sunday, May 17
2 to 5 p.m. 
Upgrade Band ATL
Regina Troupe
Erica Dawson
More info
RSVP on Eventbrite

August
Date TBA

September
Date TBA

October 
Date TBA

Upcoming FREE events:

The post FREE Downtown Sounds concert at Centennial Olympic Park on Sunday, May 17th appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Deposit Photos

Loganville built its Town Green to bring people together — so bring your lawn chair and dancing shoes to this community space for the 2026 summer concert series.

Groovin’ on the Green takes place at 7:30 on the third Friday of each month from May through September.
The current concert schedule is just below.

There will be food vendors on hand, or you can bring your own picnic.
Beer and wine is permitted.

Loganville Town Green is located at:
235 Main Street
Loganville, GA

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

2026 Loganville Concert Schedule

More info here OR see the schedule below.

Friday, May 15
G Clef & The Playlist

Friday, June 12 (2nd Friday this month, not 3rd)
Bumpin’ The Mango

Friday, July 17
After School Special

Friday, August 21
Departure (Journey tribute)

Friday, September 18
R&B, Inc. 

More upcoming FREE fun:

The post Loganville’s Groovin’ on the Green concert series opens on Friday with G Clef & The Playlist appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The Outdoor Movie Series in Kennesaw is back for the 2026 spring and summer season! Movies take place on select Saturdays in the months of May and June. 

The movies are shown on a giant screen at Swift-Cantrell Park, after sundown.

You’re welcome to bring chairs or blankets.
Please, no umbrellas or tents.

There will be food vendors on site, or you can bring a picnic meal.

Arrive early (around 6 pm) for concessions, games, activities, and family fun. 
Note that some activities have a fee. 

The movie starts at sundown.
More info here OR visit the Facebook page.

You can park in the Swift-Cantrell lot, or at neighboring Kennesaw Elementary School (3155 Jiles Rd.)

Swift-Cantrell Park is located at:
3140 Old US Highway 41
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Browse our big list of FREE summer movies and our complete guide to FREE summer concerts in 2026.

2026 Outdoor Movies Series schedule

Saturday, May 16
Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Saturday, June 6 
Madagascar 

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More summer fun around metro Atlanta:

The post FREE outdoor movie series at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw — “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” is up next appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Cumming City Center announced the FREE concert line-up from March thru October in 2026

Image: 123RF

The city of Cumming will host a series of outdoor summer concerts in 2026.
They are FREE to attend.

Concerts begin at either 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. and last roughly two hours.
They take place at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater, located within Cumming City Center.
The concert schedule is just below — covering March through October.

Parking is FREE.
Coolers and outside food are not allowed.

The Lou Sobh Amphitheater is located at:
450 Vision Dr.
Cumming, GA 30040

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

Photo: Atlanta on the Cheap

Cumming City Center 2026 summer concerts

Visit the Cumming events calendar page to see all events.
The concerts have different start times — some are 7 pm and some are 8 pm.
There is also conflicting information between the city website and the city Facebook page.

Please click thru the links below to double-check dates and times before you head out!

Friday March 27 at 7 pm
Primal Crue
(Motley Crue tribute)

Saturday, March 28 at 7 pm
Talk Dirty
(Poison tribute)

Friday, April 3 at 7 pm
Letterbomb
(Green Day tribute)

Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
Purple Madness
(Prince tribute)

Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m 
Brooklyn Boys
(tribute act)

Saturday, April 11 at 7 pm
The Gold Standard Band

Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m. 
Human Clay

Saturday, April 18 at 7 pm
Smokey Jones and the 3 Dollar Pistols
(Country)

Friday, April 24 at 7 pm
90s Kids

Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
Heart Breaker 
(Heart tribute)

Friday, May 1 at 8 pm
Ashley Brooks
(Country)

Saturday, May 2 at 8 pm
The Spirit of Rush
(Rush tribute)

Friday, May 8 at 8 p.m.
Mic Check One-Two

Friday, May 15 at 8 pm
Interstellar Echoes (Pink Floyd tribute)

Saturday, May 16 at 8 pm
JT: A Tribute to Justin Timberlake

Saturday, May 23 at 8 p.m.
The Stranger 
(Billy Joel tribute)

Friday, May 29 at 8 p.m. 
Brother Jason & The Red Dirt Saints

Saturday, May 30 at 8 p.m.
Blank 281

Saturday, June 6 at 8 pm
Sunset Strip

Friday, June 12 at 8 pm
Greggie and the Jets 
(Elton John tribute)

Saturday, June 13 at 8 pm
Love Story 
(Taylor Swift tribute)

Friday, June 19 at 8 p.m. 
Stereo FM

Saturday, June 20 at 8 p.m.
Slippery When Wet 
(Bon Jovi tribute)

Saturday, June 27 at 8 pm
Guardians of the Jukebox
(80s nostalgia)

Friday, July 3 at 8 pm
Totally Toby & The Red Solo Band
(Toby Keith tribute)

Saturday, July 4 at 8 pm
Dukes of Country

Friday, July 10 at 8 pm
Rock the 90s

Saturday, July 11 at 8 pm
The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute

Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m.
AudioVault

Saturday, July 18 at 8 pm
Dock Rock Radio

Friday, July 24 at 8 pm
Brotherhood
(Doobie Brothers tribute)

Saturday, July 25 at 8 pm
Double Take

Friday, July 31 at 8 pm
84: A Van Halen Tribute

Saturday, August 1 at 8 pm
Jackson Chase

Friday, August 7 at 8 pm
Nick & The Knacks
(Rock)

Saturday, August 8 at 8 pm
Nashville Nation 
(Country)

Friday, August 14 at 8 pm
Back N Black 
(AC/DC tribute)

Saturday, August 15 at 8 pm
Jimmy Cav Project 
(classic rock)

Saturday, August 22 at 8 pm
Hardwired 
(Metallica tribute)

Saturday, August 29 at 8 pm
R&B, Inc. 

Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 pm
The Fixins

Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m.
The Troubadour Project
(classic rock)

Friday, Sept. 11 at 8 pm
Boogilicious

Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8 pm
Elevation 
(U2 tribute)

Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 pm
Excitable 
(Def Leppard tribute)

Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 pm
Departure 
(Journey tribute)

Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.
Radio 80s Band

Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 pm
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band 

Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 pm
Murder of Crowes 
(Black Crowes tribute)

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More FREE outdoor concerts:

The post Cumming City Center: Free concert on Friday features Interstellar Echoes (Pink Floyd tribute) appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Deposit Photos

McDonough will once again host its annual Geranium Festival on the historic McDonough Square. It takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE

The festival is spread out over the Square and the streets of Downtown McDonough.

There are over 400 booths where artists and craftspeople will be selling their items.
You can see a list of sellers and a festival map on the website.

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More free events:

The post The annual Geranium Festival happens in downtown McDonough on Saturday, May 16 appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

This year, the River Rock Music Festival has been re-organized as a series of four separate concerts, happening on select weekends from May to August.

You can head to Etowah River Park for Canton’s River Rock Concert Series.
All concerts are FREE to attend, on third Saturdays. 
Events are from 6 to 9 p.m.

River Rock 2026 takes place over four epic weekends this summer with an incredible lineup, listed below.

The event features local food trucks, beverage vendors, a children’s area, and so much more!
Best of all, River Rock is a free event, so bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and get ready to rock!

Etowah River Park is located at:
500 Brown Industrial Pkwy
Canton, GA 30114

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

2025 River Rock Concert Series

Headline acts are listed first, with the warm-up act listed just below the headliners.

Saturday, May 16
Departure 
(Journey tribute band)
Opening act TBA 

Saturday, June 20
Pandora’s Box
Opening act TBA 

Saturday, July 18
Mark Wills 
Opening act TBA 

August 15
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Opening act TBA 

More info:
Go to the Facebook event page
Visit the website

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More upcoming FREE concerts:

The post Canton’s FREE River Rock Concert Series opens the season this Saturday with Departure (Journey tribute band) appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The 21st annual Kirkwood Spring Fling takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The tour of homes takes place the same day.

The festival and art market will be located in Bessie Branham Park (2051 Delano Drive, Atlanta 30317).

Festival hours are noon to 8 p.m.

You can expect live entertainment, kids activities, an artists market, and a barbecue cook-off.
Check out the full schedule of events and details below.
Visit the event website

Market

The artists market features 100 booths where you can view and purchase items that include:

• pottery
• soaps and lotions
• candles
• clothing
• sculpture
• jewelry and accessories
• gourmet jams/jellies
• paintings
• blown glass
• leather goods
• photography
• textile arts
• woodworking

Food & Drink

Food trucks and tents include the usual festival fare.

Adult beverages include beer and sangria.

Kids Area

The kids area will be open in Bessie Branham park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You’ll need tickets for the inflatables. Each entry requires one ticket, which costs $1. The better deal may be the $20 wristband that gets you unlimited jumps/slides/turns.

Tour of Homes

The tour takes place over Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. Get a glimpse of life in this leafy neighborhood!

Tickets are $35 for anyone 12 and older (kids younger than 12 can tag along for free).
You can buy tickets online.

Know before you go…

This is pretty much a rain-or-shine event, unless extreme weather conditions emerge. If you have any doubts, check the Kirkwood Spring Fling feeds on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for updates on schedule changes.

No dogs are allowed at the festival, due to an Atlanta city ordinance.

You may not bring alcohol into the festival.

Getting there and parking

This is a neighborhood festival, and you won’t be able to park on residential streets nearby.

Your best bets are to walk, bike, take MARTA, or use a ride-share service.

Taking MARTA

The MARTA East Lake Station is only a mile away from the park — about a 20-minute walk.

Remember that trains run every 20 minutes on the weekends. We recommend downloading the MARTA On The Go app to your smartphone to avoid a longer wait than you’d like at the train station.

East Lake Station is on the Blue Line (east-west). There is an excellent MARTA Guide with step-by-step walking directions to the festival.

You could also get to the Spring Fling by bus. Catch the number 24 bus at the Edgewood/Candler Park station, then get off at the Kirkwood Rd / Hosea Williams Dr stop.

The post The Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes is happening on Saturday, May 16th appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

The Yaarab Shrine Circus and Fair is back!
The show runs from Friday May 8 to Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Jim Miller Park in Marietta.

The Fair includes more than 40 midway rides, plus all your favorite carnival foods: funnel cakes, ice cream, corn dogs, candy apples, burgers, fries, elephant ears, sausage sandwiches, fried Oreos, sno-cones, and more.

We don’t have discount codes this year, but prices for ride wristbands and parking are lower this year than in 2025. 

The carnival midway is open the following hours:
*Monday thru Friday — 5 to 10 p.m.
*Saturday — 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
*Sunday — noon to 10 p.m.

Circus performance times:
Admission to circus shows is included with general admission to the fair.
*Monday through Friday: 7:00pm
*Tuesday — additional show at 11 a.m. 
*Saturdays: 1:30pm, 4:00pm and 7:00pm
*Sundays: 1:30pm, 4:00pm and 7:00pm
Check circus showtimes here

Jim Miller Park is located at:
2245 Callaway Rd
Marietta, GA 30008

Image courtesy of Shrine Circus

Regular prices

Gate Admission — Includes unlimited performances to the circus and access to the Carnival Midway:
*Adults – $10
*Kids 10 and under are FREE

Parking:
$5 per vehicle

Unlimited ride wristbands:
*Monday–Wednesday is $20
*Thursday–Sunday is $25

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

The post The Yaarab Shrine Circus & Fair is open and running thru Sunday appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Nurse Appreciation Week is May 6 to 12, 2026. 
Of course, nurses deserve our appreciation all year long, but this observance is a time when retailers and restaurants show their gratitude with free meals, discounts, and other freebies.

We’ll be updating this page throughout the week, adding more offers as we find them. 

Click through the links for details — and check the dates for each deal because the dates vary widely, and many of the deals start on May 4th. 

2026 Nurse Appreciation Week offers

Remember to click thru the links for full details and fine print on each offer. 
And remember that with chains, not every location participates in every offer. 

Applebee’s

From May 4 to 8, 2026, Applebee’s is offering teachers and nurses a FREE appetizer OR dessert (up to $12) with the purchase of an entrée. 
Qualifying customers must mention the offer upon ordering. 

McAlister’s Deli

Image: McAlister’s DeliNurses AND teachers can receive FREE tea at participating McAlister’s locations from May 4 to 8, 2026. 
You must order in person for dine-in or takeout. 
Have your healthcare ID with you at checkout. 
More info

Chipotle 

Chipotle invites teachers and healthcare professionals to enter for a chance to win a free Burrito e-card from April 28 through May 12, 2026, on the respective microsites:
Teachers: teacherthanks.chipotle.com
Healthcare professionals: healthcarethanks.chipotle.com

At the end of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurse Appreciation Week, 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.me, and receive a free Burrito e-card.

Gift card bonus offers

Nurse Appreciation Week falls during spring bonus card season, when many retailers and restaurants offer bonus cards with gift card purchases.
See our big list gift card bonus offers

Insomnia Cookies

Teachers and nurses can get one cookie FREE when they buy one, in-store, May 5 to 12, 2026. (Free classic cookie with classic cookie purchase, or free deluxe cookie with deluxe cookie purchase.) Must show valid teacher/nurse identification and must be an Insomnia Rewards member to redeem. Participation may vary by location. 
This info was received in an email.

MOD Pizza

Nurses and teachers have a BOGO offer from MOD — from May 4 to 7, 2026.
Buy any regular-size pizza or salad and get one for free. 
Just show your work ID at the register when you order in-restaurant. 
The info was received in an email.

Tiff’s Treats

Tiff’s Treats is saying thank you to teachers and nurses with an offer of 15% OFF site-wide, through May 9, 2026. 
Use code SITE15 at checkout. 
This info was received in an email.

The Parking Spot 

The Parking Spot is a great option for no-stress parking at Hartsfield.
Nurses get a 10% discount every day of the year — BUT, in the month of May, 2026, they can make a reservation for travel through the end of 2026, and get 25% off.
Nurses, use this link to make your reservation.

P.F. Chang’s

On May 4 and 5, 2026, the restaurant is offering a buy-one-get-one FREE entree to all customers, for dine-in or takeout at participating locations. 

Use the code HEROPICKUP25 at checkout when ordering online via the P.F. Chang’s website or mobile app. 
In restaurant, be sure to clarify participation before ordering.
Find the offer on the restaurant’s homepage at the top of the screen. 
Limit one offer redemption per guest check.

Samsung

Nurses and other first responders – including medical professionals, police, firefighters and paramedics – can save up to 30% on eligible mobile products such as phones, tablets, PCs, smartwatches, accessories and more. Details can be found through Samsung’s First Responder Offers Program on Samsung.com. This deal is valid all year long, not just on specific dates.

Sonny’s BBQ

Nurses can get a free BBQ Sandwich at participating Sonny’s BBQ from May 4 to 6, 2026.
Nurses, you’ll need to go to verify your employment online and join the Rewards program.
Then you’ll receive an emailed coupon good for a free pulled pork, sliced pork, pulled chicken or smoked turkey sandwich.
Show your coupon to your server or in the drive-thru, or use your promo code when ordering online.
Good for one free meal from May 4 to 6, 2026. 
More info

Einstein Bros. Bagels

On May 6, 2026, Einstein Bros. Bagels is giving nurses and teachers a FREE Bagel & Shmear of their choice with any purchase. 

The post Nurse Appreciation Week: Enjoy these freebies & special offers appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Deposit Photos

Shredding your sensitive documents is one way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. It’s particularly important to shred financial documents that might contain banking, tax, or credit card info.

This spring, Office Max and Office Depot are offering FREE shredding services for up to 5 pounds of paper. You’ll just pay the tax on the shredding order.

To redeem the deal, you’ll need the coupon — which you can find here, by scrolling way down the page.
This free shredding promotion continues through May 23, 2026.

Please read the fine print on the deal!
And please verify with your preferred store that they are participating in this offer.

The Fine Print:
Valid in store only. Must present this original coupon (reproductions not valid) to cashier at time of purchase. Not combinable with Store Purchasing or Store Discount Cards; Rewards Member or Business Select Member pricing; or other offers and promotions. Not valid for purchases made in Office Depot or OfficeMax clearance/closing stores. Coupon is good for one-time use only, is not transferable, and is not for resale or auction. No cash back. Excludes taxes. Void where prohibited. We reserve the right to limit quantities sold to each customer. Limit 1 coupon per household/business.

More shredding events!

We maintain a list of free paper shredding events around metro Atlanta. Many of them take place in April, to coincide with Tax Day and Earth Day recycling events — but there’s often free shredding events again in the fall, and the individual counties often include shredding in their hazardous waste collection events.

Browse these FREE events:

The post Get FREE document shredding at Office Depot and Office Max stores this month appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Tucker Parks & Recreation Department has launched a new series of group hikes, known as Wild Walks. 

The walks are FREE to join in and do not require advance registration.
They take place on select Wednesdays.
Some are in the morning, and others are in the evening, after work.
Each one lasts about an hour. 
See the schedule below.

Explore local Tucker trails and parks, immerse yourself in nature, and discover hidden gems along the way, as you connect with other walkers and nature enthusiasts.

The walks are designed to be easy and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities.

For each walk, just meet in the parking lot of the designated location and look for the group. We suggest arriving several minutes before the walk is set to begin.

Wear appropriate footwear, dress in layers, and bring your own water bottle (or walking stick, if you use one).

You can check the Tucker Parks & Rec Facebook page for updates.
And you can find upcoming walks on the Programs calendar on the Tucker Parks web page.
We also have a list of upcoming walks just below.

Upcoming walks in 2026

NOTE that the 2026 info has changed several times, so PLEASE check the webpage before you go!

March 11, 2026
Henderson Community Garden (9:00 AM)
Plant Education Walk
2801 Henderson Rd.

April 8, 2026
Kelley Cofer Park (9:00 AM)
Bird Observation Walk
4259 North Park Dr.

April 22, 2026
Henderson Community Garden (5:00 PM)
Plant Education Walk: Spring wildflowers
2801 Henderson Rd. 

May 13, 2026
Probst Park (9:00 AM)
Bird Observation Walk: Migratory birds
5623 Hugh Howell Rd. 

No walks in June and July

August 5, 2026
Tucker Nature Preserve (9:00 AM)
Bird Observation Walk
4408 Lawrenceville Hwy

August 19, 2026
Kelley Cofer Park (5:30 PM)
Trail Walk
4259 North Park Dr.

September 9, 2026
Johns Homestead Park (9:00 AM)
Bird Observation Walk
3071 Lawrenceville Hwy.

October 7, 2026
Probst Park(9:00 AM)
Plant Education Walk
5623 Hugh Howell Rd.

More free events:

The post Wild Walks is a guided group walk event at Tucker Parks on Wednesdays appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Gwinnett County’s monthly food distributions — all dates for 2026

Deposit Photos

Gwinnett County has announced the dates for its monthly food distributions, for all of 2026.
These events rotate among the Gwinnett parks, and are designed as drive-thru events.
The food will be placed in your car for you. 

No identification is required. 
Each event begins at 3 p.m. 

Fresh produce and shelf-stable foods are provided at these events. 

Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. 
Keep in mind that cars may begin lining up early. 
More info here

2026 Gwinnett County Food Distributions

These events are on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in every month except December (which is scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday).

JANUARY 2026

Tuesday, Jan. 13
Rhodes Jordan Park
100 E. Crogan St. 
Lawrenceville

Tuesday, Jan. 27
Best Friend Park
6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd
Norcross

FEBRUARY 2026

Tuesday, Feb. 10
Lenora Park
4515 Lenora Church Road
Snellville

Tuesday, Feb. 24
Bryson Park
5075 Lawrenceville Hwy
Lilburn

MARCH 2026

Tuesday, March 10
Rock Springs Park
550 Rock Springs Road
Lawrenceville

Tuesday, March 24
Shorty Howell Park
2750 Pleasant Hill Road
Duluth

APRIL 2026

Tuesday, April 14
Rhodes Jordan Park
100 E Crogan Street
Lawrenceville

Tuesday, April 28
Best Friend Park
6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard
Norcross

MAY 2026

Tuesday, May 12
Lenora Park
4515 Lenora Church Road
Snellville

Tuesday, May 26
Bryson Park
5075 Lawrenceville Hwy
Lilburn

JUNE 2026

Tuesday, June 9
Rock Springs Park
550 Rock Springs Road
Lawrenceville

Tuesday, June 23 
Shorty Howell Park
2750 Pleasant Hill Road
Duluth

JULY 2026

Tuesday, July 14
Rhodes Jordan Park
100 E Crogan St.
Lawrenceville

Tuesday, July 28
Best Friend Park
6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd
Norcross

AUGUST 2026

Tuesday, Aug. 11
Lenora Park
4515 Lenora Church Rd.
Snellville

Tuesday, Aug. 25
Bryson Park
5075 Lawrenceville Hwy
Lilburn

SEPTEMBER 2026

Tuesday, Sept. 8
Rock Springs Park
550 Rock Springs Rd.
Lawrenceville

Tuesday, Sept. 22
Shorty Howell Park
2750 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Duluth

OCTOBER 2026

Tuesday, Oct. 13
Rhodes Jordan Park
100 E Crogan St.
Lawrenceville

Tuesday, Oct. 27
Best Friend Park
6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd.
Norcross

NOVEMBER 2026

Tuesday, Nov. 10
Lenora Park
4515 Lenora Church Rd.
Snellville

Tuesday, Nov. 24
Bryson Park
5075 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lilburn

DECEMBER 2026

Tuesday, Dec. 8
Rock Springs Park
550 Rock Springs Rd.
Lawrenceville

Tuesday, Dec. 15
Shorty Howell Park
2750 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Duluth
 

The post Gwinnett County hosts a food distribution on Tuesday, May 12th at Lenora Park in Snellville appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Deposit Photos

The East Cobb Library will host Senior Wellness Wednesdays on Wednesday mornings from 11 a.m. to noon. These instructor-led sessions feature exercises that can be done from a seated position, as well as other wellness  activities.

The exercise classes are FREE and open to anyone age 18 or older.

Senior Wellness Wednesdays are currently scheduled through April of 2026. 
We’ll add more dates as they’re announced. This program typically runs all year.

The East Cobb Library is located at:
4880 Lower Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA 30068

Get more info:
More info on Facebook
View the library events page

2026 Senior Wellness Wednesdays schedule

See below for individual dates, so you can mark your calendar.

First Wednesdays: Tai Chi

• Jan. 7
• Feb. 4
• March 4
• April 1

Second Wednesdays: Chair Yoga

• Jan. 14
• Feb. 11
• March 11
• April 8

Third Wednesdays: Fall Prevention

• Jan. 21
• Feb. 18
• March 18
• April 15

Fourth Wednesdays: Qigong

• Jan. 28
• Feb. 25
• March 25
• April 22

Browse these FREE events:

The post FREE: Senior Wellness Wednesdays at the East Cobb Library features Tai Chi, chair yoga, more appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Image: Shake Shack

Shake Shack is observing National Burger Month with a special offer, all month long. 

From May 1 to 31, 2026, Shake Shack is offering a different single burger every week for FREE with a $10 minimum purchase

The offer excludes all paid add-ons, such as avocado or bacon.

Here’s the schedule of freebies: 

• May 1 to 10 – ShackBurger
• May 11 to 17 – SmokeShack 
• May 18 to 24 – Bacon Cheeseburger
• May 25 to 31  – ShackBurger

The offer is only valid at participating locations, for purchases placed at a kiosk in-restaurant or for delivery or pick-up via the Shake Shack app or at shakeshack.com.

It is open to everyone, and you do NOT need a rewards/loyalty account. 

Use promo code FREEBURGER at checkout.
(Note: Promo code must be entered in ALL CAPS.)

Limit one offer per order — with a maximum savings equal to the price of each week’s promotional burger (from $8.29 to $10.49). If you have a large order, consider breaking it up into separate transactions for more FREE burgers.

You must add at least $10 worth of food and/or drinks to your order, excluding the cost of the complimentary burger. (Gift card purchases are also excluded.)
More info — see the offer online

Shake Shack locations in metro Atlanta

• Alpharetta
• Perimeter Mall
• The Battery
• Lenox Square Mall
• Buckhead
• West Midtown
• Midtown
• Old 4th Ward
• Find locations nationwide here

Browse our complete guide to spring festivals & fairs

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

More spring events:

The post Shake Shack celebrates National Burger Month with free burgers all month long in May appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Gwinnett County hosts FREE “Days of Play” in Lawrenceville, Duluth, Lilburn & Norcross!

Deposit Photos

Be Active Gwinnett is hosting a series of pop-up recreational events in county parks during 2026, from March through May. 
In past years, there has also been a fall series, and we’ll update the schedule below if the events return this fall. 

The events are known as Days of Play.
They are FREE and family-friendly. 
These are drop-in events, so you can stop by for as long as you want. 

Events are scheduled in three Gwinnett parks, in Norcross, Lilburn, Duluth, and Lawrenceville.
The schedule is just below.

Days of Play will include lawn games and activities designed to get kids moving — such as:

• obstacle courses
• hula hoops
• jump ropes
• broad jump and hurdles
• giant tunnels
• pop-up soccer
• jumbo stacks
• parachutes
• gaga ball
• flag football
• junior golf
• nine squares
•  and more!

NOTE: Please wear closed-toe shoes to participate!
More info, or see the schedule below. 

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

2026 Norcross Days of Play

Location: Lillian Webb Park 
5 to 6 p.m. 
More info

• Friday, March 13
• Friday, April 17
• Tuesday, May 12

2026 Lawrenceville Days of Play

Location: Lawrenceville Lawn 
5 to 6 p.m.

• Friday, March 27
• Friday, April 24
• Friday, May 22

2026 Lilburn Days of Play

Location: Lilburn City Park
5 to 6 p.m. 

• Thursday, March 12
• Thursday, April 9
• Thursday, May 14

2026 Duluth Days of Play

Location: Duluth Town Green
5 to 6 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 18
• Tuesday, April 14
• Tuesday, May 19

More free events:

The post FREE “Days of Play” this week in downtown Lilburn on Thursday appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Truckin’ Tuesdays returns weekly with a different line up of food trucks — on Tuesdays at Legacy Park in Decatur.

The events take place from 5 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday in May and September.

Truckin’ Tuesdays is FREE to attend. Just bring your wallet for food and drink.

Legacy Park is located at 500 S. Columbia Dr.
It is Decatur’s largest park. There is plenty of space to spread out and let the kids run around.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets, if you’d like.

If the weather seems erratic, you can check the Legacy Park Facebook page for updates on event status.

Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!

2026 Truckin’ Tuesday dates

• May 5
• May 12
• May 19
• May 26
• Sept. 1
• Sept 8
• Sept. 15
• Sept. 22
• Sept. 29

You may also be interested in:

• Enjoy $1 movies with Regal Summer Express
• 15+ summer festivals happening in metro Atlanta
• Have a close-up butterfly encounter this summer
• Complete guide to free summer concerts
• Enjoy a night under the stars: free outdoor movies
• Free outdoor community yoga and fitness classes this summer
• 4th of July fireworks and celebrations

More free fun:

The post Truckin’ Tuesdays food truck rally is back at Legacy Park in Decatur every week in May appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Station.

Yay for the return of Wellness Wednesdays!

These FREE outdoor yoga and Pilates classes take place each Wednesday from April to September, on the Atlantic Green. 

Classes start at 6:30 p.m. and last about an hour.

During Wellness Wednesday, you can reset and recharge in a rejuvenating open-air setting.

These free guided outdoor fitness sessions are designed to build strength, restore balance, and foster connection through movement.

No registration is required, but space is limited and early arrival is encouraged.

Pure Barre will lead the first Wednesday of each month, while Evolation Yoga will guide all remaining weekly sessions. 
Bring your own mat and water bottle!

Parking tips:
Park in the PURPLE section underground, and use Stairwell 7 to reach the Atlantic Green.
View the Atlantic Station events calendar

Image courtesy of Atlantic Station

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Station

More upcoming events:

The post FREE outdoor Wellness Wednesdays fitness events at Atlantic Station appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.

31 Days of Jazz: Enjoy FREE & cheap jazz concerts all month long in May, at local parks and music venues.

31 Days of Jazz is a kickoff event to the Atlanta Jazz Festival, which happens each Memorial Day Weekend in Piedmont Park.

All month long in May, there will be jazz performances in restaurants, bars, parks, concert venues, arts centers, and MARTA stations throughout Atlanta.

We’re highlighting the jazz concerts that are either FREE or cheap ($10 or less), but the 31 Days of Jazz also includes ticketed events that range from $25 to $80 per person.

You may also be interested in: