Free events in Atlanta, GA

This preschool storytime takes place on the first and third Monday afternoons each month and features stories, songs, and activities. It is designed for children ages 2 to 5 attending with an adult caregiver. Admission is free and the program is open to the public.

Readers gather with the Friends of the East Atlanta Library for a monthly adults-only book club in the library meeting room. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month and welcomes both newcomers and returning participants. There is no childcare. Attendance is free, with water and snacks available. The September discussion focuses on The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak. Earlier selections this year included Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore, The Cutting Season by Attica Locke, Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson, The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, The Letter Carrier by Francesca Giannone, and The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver.

Meet at the East Atlanta Library for stories, songs, and activities. Offered on most Wednesday mornings, this program is designed for children from birth to age five who attend with an adult caregiver. It is free and open to the public, and inviting a friend is encouraged.

A charity-focused drag bingo night fills the venue's entertainment level at Atlanta Eagle. There is no cover charge, dinner is available, and the emphasis is on fun that supports a cause.

This monthly meeting of the Georgia State Board of Education offers a chance to interact directly with the board. It takes place at the Georgia Department of Education and typically lasts about one to two hours, depending on the agenda. For in-person access, MARTA’s Georgia State Station connects directly to the State Towers, and parking is available at the Pete Hackney Parking Deck on Jesse Hill. A virtual viewing option is available on the GADOE YouTube channel.

This pre-party kicks off the Southern Surf StompFest weekend at Trader Vic's Atlanta. The Flying Saucers perform two sets, with DJ GalactEye, also known as Jamie Galatas of The Mystery Men? and El Capitan & the Reluctant Sadists, providing additional music. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

The Surf King Surfwear presents a celebration of surf music at the new location, The Garden Club at Wild Heaven West End. The bill includes The Surge! from Atlanta, Monster Wave from Asheville, The Get Down from Louisville, Agent Octopus from Orlando, Black Valley Moon from Tampa, The Boss Jaguars from Austin, King Pelican from San Antonio, and The Mystery Men? from Atlanta. DJ Matthew Clark of Colorado Instrumental Fanzine will keep the music flowing between bands, and Jet Powers will host as MC. This gathering is family friendly and free to attend. A pre-party takes place the night before at Trader Vic’s Atlanta featuring The Flying Saucers and DJ GalactEye, which is also family friendly and free.

The Thrifting Atlanta Fashion Market brings fashion and beauty pop-up boutiques to Vintage West End on the West End Beltline. Browse wallet-friendly finds, trade pieces in a fashion swap, enjoy brunch, and sip from a cash bar while a DJ sets the mood. Featured pop-up boutiques include Keren's Closet and Fashion Swap Boutique. Admission is free.

Playing With Our Words brings multiple generations together at the ArtsXchange in the Riley Memorial Library for a lively exploration of language and creativity. Participants can take part in group writing, storytelling, and playful activities inspired by letter-tile word games, all focused on connection through words. Admission is free, donations are welcome, and snacks will be available. Capacity is limited, and minors must attend with an adult. This program is part of the ArtsXchange literary programming in partnership with South Fulton Arts and in partnership with Fulton Institute.