August is here, along with its characteristic sizzling days and sultry nights.
It’s been an odd summer, and that’s not going to change this month. The 2020 Summer Shade Festival in Grant Park is officially canceled (along with many other annual events), thanks to you-know-what. We’re not seeing concerts on the lawn and movies under the stars. We’re told it’s safer to socialize outdoors, but the heat and humidity feels oppressive. What to do?
We’re highlighting a few activities and events this month, hoping to give you some entertainment ideas. The list will continue to grow after August 1st, so please check back!
Our readers have asked us for content like this, that allows them to see events farther in advance so they can save the date. We’re listening, and trying to give you what you need!
After that, you can scroll down for a day-by-day listing of August events that are FREE, cheap, or substantially discounted.
Please remember to verify every event before you head out! That’s why we provide so many links. We try to keep up with cancellations, but there are a whole lot of them right now.
And remember, just because something is happening doesn’t mean you have to go.
As always, stay home if you feel unwell, or if you’ve been exposed to someone who was (or became) sick. Use your best judgment and weigh the risks. Take a face mask and hand sanitizer with you.
You may also be interested in:
- Scenic Drives: Explore the South Fulton Scenic Byway
- Green Spaces: Explore the nature trail at Murphey Candler Park
- Guide to 2020 summer farmers markets
- 12+ FREE streaming services for movies and TV shows
- 105 activities for families and kids stuck at home — with no screen time!
August in Atlanta: top events and things to do this month
Below the spotlighted events, you’ll find a day-by-day listing of August events, in chronological order.
Take advantage of a FREE museum day
Select dates in August
Two popular FREE admission programs are back this month! The major difference is that you now must reserve a timed ticket in advance, instead of just showing up. In some cases, just selecting the date and time gets the fee waived, while others require a promo code at checkout.
Take advantage of the following, by reserving a spot now:
- August 1 & 2 — Free admission for Bank of America cardholders at Atlanta History Center, High Museum, and Tellus Science Museum (through the Museums on Us program)
- August 9th — Free Second Sundays admission at the High Museum of Art
Explore the Murmuration interactive art installation
August 1 to 30, and beyond
A new, interactive art installation is now open on the grounds of the Woodruff Arts Campus, on the plaza outside the High Museum. As with all outdoor exhibits, it is FREE for the public to explore.
Murmuration consists of a 2,350-square-foot mesh canopy that evokes the environment of neighboring trees. This sculptural pavilion, complete with feeding stations and perches, also reflects upon the loss of billions of birds in recent decades. Visitors are invited to “perch and nest” alongside the birds in this outdoor mesh canopy. The photo below depicts the installation process!
More details on Murmuration
Enjoy free coffee and donuts at Dunkin’
Select Mondays and Fridays in August
You can get a FREE medium coffee on the first three Mondays in August — and a FREE donut on the first three Fridays. You’ll need a loyalty program membership to redeem the offers.
Get the details here
Plan ahead and reserve your Halloween tour spot
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland is a popular Halloween storytelling event at Oakland Cemetery — and it sells out in advance every summer. Tickets go on sale to members of the Historic Oakland Foundation on August 1st — and to the general public on August 15th. Mark your calendar and don’t miss out!
Enjoy a virtual puppet show
Select dates in August
Atlanta’s own Center for Puppetry Arts has gone virtual! You can now buy tickets online to watch an original performance live via Zoom. There are three shows in August:
Billy Goat’s Gruff and Other Stuff
July 29 – August 9
The Reluctant Dragon
August 12 – 23
The Pied Picker
August 26 – September 6
Details on the Center for Puppetry Arts
See Alice’s Wonderland Re-imagined, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
August 1 to 30, and beyond
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is open again, with safety measures in place, and a new system of ticketing with specific entry times. Check out the special exhibit, complete with topiary-like statues of Alice, the White Rabbit, a giant chess board, and more. You can also take advantage of Cocktails in the Garden, an evening event that features specialty cocktails available for purchase.
Details on visiting ABG
Find a FREE yoga class in a park near you
Select dates in August
There are fewer outdoor yoga classes this summer than ever before, but they still exist! PLEASE remember to verify the event is still on before you head out. This is a summer full of cancellations.
Find a yoga class near you
Participate in Free Comic Book Month
August 1 to 30, and beyond
This annual event usually lasts just one day — but in 2020, it’s been extended to space out the crowds. There are a total of 45 comic titles being given away this year. Don’t miss out!
Get the details on where to find FREE comic books
Enjoy an outdoor or drive-in movie
Select evenings in August
Some communities have replaced their traditional movies-on-the-lawn or movies-under-the-stars series with a new drive-in movie experience. Other establishments, like the Plaza Theatre, are operating pop-up drive-ins around town.
Details on drive-in movie theaters
Complete list of outdoor summer movies
Visit a summer farmers market
August 1 to 30, and beyond
There is a farmers market happening somewhere on every day of the week in July. Check out our full schedule of markets, organized by day of the week and location. We also let you know which markets double EBT dollars.
Find a farmers market near you
Ride the Marietta Beer Bus
August 1 and 15
2 to 8:30 p.m.
Marietta Square
The popular ride service lets you drink without driving! On 1st and 3rd Saturdays, you can hop on the Marietta Beer Bus and enjoy a FREE shuttle ride to 6 craft alcohol establishments.
Details on the Beer Bus
Join in the Atlanta From the Ashes history tour
Thursday, August 6th
Saturday, August 15th
We’ve gone on this tour, which starts at the ATL playground at Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta. Wouldn’t you love to be able to point out a building to your friends and tell them the secret formula for Coca Cola was kept there, in a basement vault, for many decades?
History tour details
Visit Zoo Atlanta
August 1 to 30, and beyond
Zoo Atlanta is once again open for visitors! There are safety measures in place, and certain indoor attractions and rides remain closed.
The good news is, if you’d like to visit, prices have dropped a bit to reflect a slightly more limited experience. And you will likely enjoy a less crowded experience, because Zoo Atlanta is now selling timed tickets — essentially, you make a reservation for the time you enter the zoo.
Details on visiting Zoo Atlanta
Take the Fakecation Challenge
August 1 to 30, and beyond
This clever idea comes from our friends at ATL Cheap Date, who put together several “itineraries” for fake vacations — yes, it’s a thing in 2020! Check out this blog post, which shows you how to stage photos that resemble vacay shots from recognizable cities, without ever leaving metro Atlanta.
Then, if you feel inspired, create and share your own fakecations on social media using the hashtag #FakecationChallenge. They can range from realistic to ridiculous. If you have a family, you could even get the kids involved. According to ATL Cheap Date, “The only rule for fakecations is that they should be fun to document and make things suck a little less.”
View a fakecation itinerary
Walk the shady nature trail at Murphey Candler Park
Murphey Candler Park is a popular neighborhood green space — and a hidden treasure for those who don’t know about it yet. The nature trail and boardwalk over marshland are the highlight of the park. Why not plan a walk in shady woods today?
Details on the nature trail
Take a scenic drive
Too hot to hike? Then get in the car, crank up the AC, and take a scenic drive — without going far from home. The South Fulton Scenic Byway has been called the loneliest road in metro Atlanta — and it is so gorgeous, you won’t believe you’re still in Fulton County. Remember to make a plan for safe and hygienic bathroom breaks!
Get the route details
Stream Hamilton, with the original Broadway cast
If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? The Hamilfilm was set to be released in theaters this fall, but given our need to avoid crowds, it went straight to streaming. This is one of the best bargains ever! Find out how to stream Hamilton at home.
Details on streaming Hamilton
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The day-by-day August calendar:
Please double-check everything! There have been so many canceled and postponed events — and we’re sure some of them are still on the calendar erroneously. We’re working on it!
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Monday, August 3, 2020
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Friday, August 7, 2020
Saturday, August 8, 2020
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Monday, August 10, 2020
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Friday, August 14, 2020
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Monday, August 17, 2020
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Friday, August 21, 2020
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Monday, August 24, 2020
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Friday, August 28, 2020
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Sunday, August 30, 2020
