July is here! The year 2020 is half over, and let’s all hope that wasn’t the best half.
July will be quite a bit different this year, 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 is becoming 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 July 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 July 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
July in Atlanta: top events and things to do this month
Below the spotlighted events, you’ll find a day-by-day listing of June events.
Stream Hamilton, with the original Broadway cast
July 3 to 31 (and beyond)
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.
Also, if you have tickets to the postponed live show at the Fox Theatre, find details here on how to get a refund.
Details on streaming Hamilton
Have a butterfly encounter
You can get up close to hundreds of flying butterflies at local nature centers and gardens. If you’re lucky, you may have a butterfly land on your hand or arm. It’s a magical experience for kids and grownups alike.
Local nature centers raise native butterflies each summer, inside special mesh structures. The butterflies emerge from their cocoons in July. If you visit, bring a camera!
Where to see butterflies up close
Participate in the Summer Scramble Scavenger Hunt
July 1 – 31
Oakland Cemetery
Buy your packet of clues online, then head to Oakland to work out the riddles. Make it a family activity, a cheap date, or a group outing.
Details on the Summer Scramble
Take the Fakecation Challenge
July 1 to 31, 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
Download J.K. Rowling’s new book for FREE online
Through July 10th
Bestselling author J.K. Rowling, who earned her fame from the Harry Potter series, is giving the world a gift this summer.
Every weekday, you can download a new chapter of her new children’s book, The Ickabog. And if you haven’t started yet, you can download everything that’s currently available and catch up quickly!
Details on The Ickabog
Participate in Free Comic Book Month
July 15 to 31, 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 movie
Select evenings in July
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 the pop-up theaters
Complete list of outdoor summer movies
Visit a summer farmers market
July 1 to 31, 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
July 4th and 18th
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, July 2nd
Saturday, July 18th
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
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day
July 19, 2020
There are usually deals and freebies to be had on this day, which falls on the third Sunday in July each year. Check back to find out where you can get a free scoop, or a half-price milkshake. Or, sign up for our newsletter, and never miss a free sundae! We will update as soon as we have some details.
See Alice’s Wonderland Re-imagined, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
July 1 to 31, 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
Visit Zoo Atlanta
July 1 to 31, 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
Walk the nature trail at Murphey Candler Park
July 1 to 31, and beyond
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 the woods today?
Details on the nature trail
Find a FREE yoga class in a park near you
Select dates in July
There are fewer outdoor yoga classes this summer than ever before. But we’re seeking them out and listing them as we find them.
Find a yoga class near you
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
Celebrate the 4th of July
July 3rd to 5th
The holiday weekend will be different this year, no doubt. Find some entertainment ideas in our list, whether you’d prefer to grill at home or head out to a park.
Browse our 4th of July listing
The day-by-day July 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!
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Friday, July 3, 2020
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Monday, July 6, 2020
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Friday, July 10, 2020
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Monday, July 13, 2020
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Friday, July 17, 2020
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Monday, July 20, 2020
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Friday, July 24, 2020
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Monday, July 27, 2020
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Friday, July 31, 2020
