Free and Low Cost Stuff to do in Atlanta in October

Here’s a list of things you can do this month on the cheap. With the cooler weather approaching, October marks the end of several summer events such as the Green Market at Piedmont Park and several “movies and music in the park” events. Take a look at my previous Entertainment postings to check out what I’ve written about over the summer months so you can enjoy the activities before they close for the season.

Go to the Theatre

If you missed my posting about free theatre tickets, there are some still available. Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the not-for-profit American theatre, is offering a free night of theatre this month to audiences in 120 cities. Free tickets are limited to 2 per person on a first-come first-serve basis. The original free night was for October 16, but it appears that they have extended it to other dates also. To find out more about the shows and locations, click here.

Catch Up on Your Reading

The Gwinnett Reading Festival is on October 18th. I posted about this here.

Go to a Fall Festival

You could pretty much fill up every weekend with fall festivals - there are so many! Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we’re having right now along with the changing colors. Click here to find the one closest to you.

For the kids…

October 11 10-4pm. 5th Annual Atlanta Parent Block Party, Mercer University Atlanta Campus. This could potentially be inexpensive if you can pack your lunch and stick to the non-revenue activities. The more than 50 kid-friendly activities include puppet shows, music, storytelling and informational booths. $4 per child, $5 per adult.

October 19, 11 am-5 pm. Woodruff Performing Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4713. Live music, exhibitions, storytelling, crafts and a petting zoo. Free (sponsored by Target)

Enjoy Nature

Autumn Photography Walk, Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Oct 18 10am-2pm. Walk trails with forestry experts, learn about the plants and trees and take pictures of the beautiful fall foliage. Pre-register and it’s free.

Yellow River Game Ranch, 4525 Highway 78, Lilburn. Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during October entitles one toddler (2 or 3 year old) free with each paid admission. 9:30-6:30pm (last ticket sold at 5pm) all year round (except Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day) Usual prices: $8 for 12 and up, $7 for 2-11, one child under 2 admitted free with adult admission. Use Entertainment book for Buy-one-get-one-free coupon.

Walk for the Cause

October 25. The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Honor someone you know or simply go raise money for the cause and have some fun and get some exercise in the process. Sign up here. Registration begins at 8am and the walk begins at 9am. The walk is approx. 3 miles.