Free & Fun: The Best No-Cost Things to Do in DeKalb This Season
Looking for something fun to do without breaking the bank? DeKalb County is filled with vibrant neighborhoods offering free concerts, movies under the stars, artsy adventures, and stroll-worthy shops—all at no cost to you. Whether you're planning a budget-friendly day out or just want to soak in the local culture, here are some must-do (and must-see) experiences around Chamblee, Tucker, and Avondale Estates that are totally free and totally worth it.
Chamblee Rocks Summer Concert Series
Each summer, Chamblee Rocks lights up the greenspace in front of Chamblee City Hall with three FREE concerts—Juneteenth (June 13), 4th of July (July 4), and a finale on August 1. Expect live bands, food trucks, family-friendly vibes, and even fireworks on July 4—all starting around 6:30 p.m.
Why go? It’s a great chance to unite with neighbors, enjoy diverse music (Motown, R&B, Bruno Mars tributes), and take advantage of MARTA access and lawn seating.
From dancing in the streets at Chamblee Rocks, to unwinding with soulful sounds at Avondale Estates’ Weekend Wind Down, or catching a family movie on the lawn in Tucker, there’s no shortage of exciting and free ways to enjoy DeKalb. Add a dash of window shopping, a gallery visit, or a cozy evening picnic—and you’ve got yourself a picture-perfect day. So grab your blanket, rally your crew, and explore all the free fun DeKalb has to offer!
Antique Window Shopping in Chamblee
Chamblee’s Antique Row along Broad Street is perfect for free browsing. Stroll past vintage shops showcasing mid-century furniture, old signage, retro records, and quirky collectibles. Even if you don’t buy, it’s a fun visual journey into bygone eras.
Tucker First Friday Concerts
Tucker’s First Friday Concert Series takes place on the first Friday of each month (May through September), 7 p.m. at Church Street Greenspace (4316 Church St). Expect soulful oldies and rock tributes—May kicked off with The American Flyers, June featured Chairmen of the Board, August will bring Nick & the Knacks, and September ends with Heart Breaker. Bring blankets, chairs, snacks—and enjoy a laid-back summer evening.
Tucker Movies on the Green
Also part of Tucker’s Summer of Fun, Movies on the Green screens family-friendly films on the third Thursday of each month at Church Street Greenspace. Films like Mufasa (June 12), Wild Robot (June 26), IF (July 17), and Shrek (Aug 21) have been scheduled so far. Public is welcome at 5:30 p.m. for set‑up, with the show at 7 p.m
Avondale Estates Weekend Wind Down Concert Series
Head to Avondale Estates’ charming Town Green (64 N Avondale Rd) on select Sundays for their Weekend Wind Down Concerts—April, May, June, plus fall dates in September, October, and November. Shows run 5–8 p.m. (or 6–9 p.m.) and feature eclectic acts from reggae/funk (Bird City Revolutionaries), to bluegrass (Tire Fire), to blues (Jesse Williams Band), and Latin jazz (COT Band). BYO chair/picnic; food & drinks available for purchase.
ABV Gallery & Rail Arts District
If you're into contemporary art, check out ABV Gallery and nearby spaces in Avondale Estates’ Rail Arts District. These small galleries and studios (like Little Tree Art Studios) often host free exhibits, open studios, and artist receptions on weekends. It’s a great complement to a music outing—or antique hunt!
From dancing in the streets at Chamblee Rocks, to unwinding with soulful sounds at Avondale Estates’ Weekend Wind Down, or catching a family movie on the lawn in Tucker, there’s no shortage of exciting and free ways to enjoy DeKalb. Add a dash of window shopping, a gallery visit, or a cozy evening picnic—and you’ve got yourself a picture-perfect day. So grab your blanket, rally your crew, and explore all the free fun DeKalb has to offer!