
Marietta, GA, is a lively city where history and culture come together. There are many free things to do and see there. Marietta is a free place to have fun. You can read about the city’s history, walk through its pretty neighborhoods, or spend the day at a fair. This town has a strong sense of who it is and a Southern warmth that makes every trip feel special and welcome. Some of the best free things to do are listed in this book. For example, you can see historic sites and relax in parks that show off the natural beauty of the area. Marietta has lots of fun things to do that won’t cost a lot of money.
Brief Overview
There are a lot of free activities to do in Marietta, GA, that mix history, culture, and natural beauty in ways that make it seem real and easy to go there. People can take self-guided tours of historic buildings in Marietta Square, attend free concerts and movie nights at Glover Park, and hike on lovely trails all around Cobb County. The area’s beauty comes from its arts and culture, which includes galleries, public art, and community events that celebrate creativity. The Battery Atlanta, which is close by, features public performances and a lively atmosphere that blends well with the beauty of Marietta. There is something for everyone, from quiet places with hidden gems to busy places where people want to hang out. If you plan your trip wisely, you can have a great time without going over your budget.
Key Highlights
- Find out more about Marietta’s friendly community and the free activities that are open to everyone, including locals and visitors. These classes will help you learn about history and culture in a meaningful way.
- Go on self-guided tours and do things in local parks to learn about the city’s rich history while having fun with your family.
- There are a lot of galleries, murals, and community Art Walk activities in Marietta that show off the city’s creative flair.
- You can enjoy free public concerts and exciting gatherings at The Battery Atlanta, which adds to the area’s cultural life.
- Get a listing of things to do in Marietta to learn about the finest attractions and some lesser-known ones that will keep you busy all day without spending any money.

Go to Marietta’s old buildings
There is a lot of history in Marietta, and its old buildings make you feel like you’re in the past. It feels a lot like reading a favorite fairytale when you go around the city. From historic buildings to well-prepared displays, each venue shows something different about the people and events that make up the community. A stroll to Marietta Square is the perfect place to start. Old brick buildings, quiet side streets, and big structures all combine to produce an area that feels both busy and nostalgic.
The Marietta History Center is a great place for history buffs to spend time. There are displays about everything from local businesses to life during the war. We can learn more about what life was like in the past by looking at old cemeteries and well-kept homes nearby. These places reflect how complicated Marietta’s past is and how proud the inhabitants are of keeping it alive.
Self-Guided Walking Tours of Marietta Square
If you like to proceed at your own pace, a self-guided walking tour of Marietta Square is a terrific way to explore what the city is like. Begin at the middle of the square, where the mix of old buildings and new businesses shows what Marietta is all about. As you go, you’ll note how nicely the building fronts, decorative details, and signage that look like they belong in a different time have been maintained.
The Marietta History Center makes your walk more fascinating. It features exhibits that show how the town changed from a small railroad hub to the big city it is presently. Then, keep walking past shops and gathering places owned by residents, where people greet each other by name. It genuinely seems like you’re a part of this place.
You should go see the historic cemetery next door. The weathered headstones and shaded walks tell quiet stories about the people who lived there a long time ago. The experience is more reflective than sad, which offers people an opportunity to ponder the people who helped shape the town into what it is now.
You might want to add a few more things to your day to make it whole. Along the Mountain to River Trail, you can enjoy breathtaking views, watch artists work at a community art workshop, or travel to the William Root House Museum to learn about life in the 1800s. Many seasonal festivals and farmers’ markets around the plaza give the area a unique flavor and provide people with an opportunity to mingle. You can see how closely the past and present are interwoven as you walk across Marietta Square.
Attend an event in the Marietta Parks

Parks in Marietta are more than just green areas; they are locations where people from the area meet up. There are free events in these parks all year long, from lively festivals to quiet nights under the stars. The ambiance is cozy and not too flashy, so families, couples, and people who are alone will all feel at home.
You don’t have to pay to go to concerts or movies
Glover Park is a popular place for free outdoor concerts and movie nights on nice days. Families put down blankets on the grass, kids play nearby, and the sound of music fills the air as local musicians play. There’s something for everyone, whether you favor country, jazz, or old rock music.
Movie nights turn the park into an outdoor theater when the sun goes down. There is nothing like watching a movie outside in Georgia. A lot of individuals in Marietta like these activities because they are free, enjoyable, and pleasant.
These activities do more than just provide entertainment; they also bring people together. People in the neighborhood catch up, new people feel welcome, and tourists get a sense of how close-knit the town is. It’s not just about the show or the movie; it’s about having fun together.
Walk along the nature paths in Cobb County
There are a lot of excellent routes in Cobb County for folks who like to be outside. These paths go through forests, open fields, and along rivers, and they are only a few minutes from downtown Marietta. They are a pleasant break from the bustling life in the city.
You should definitely go to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. People can walk on paths here that are both beautiful and essential to history. The gentle slopes and wooded paths make it easy for individuals of all fitness levels to get there. The interpretive markers narrate stories from the past.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is another peaceful location to go. A soothing background for a leisurely walk is the sound of water running and leaves rustling along the riverbanks. You may see animals a lot, and the weather changes with the seasons, so each visit is a little different.
These routes are more than just a method to get some exercise; they also provide you with an opportunity to calm down, ponder, and connect with nature again.
Go to Marietta to explore arts and culture
Marietta’s artistic spirit is on display every single day. Creativity here isn’t confined to galleries—it flows onto sidewalks, transforms building walls into vibrant murals, and fills public spaces with color, energy, and conversation. The city’s commitment to the arts shines through in its organized events as well as in the spontaneous expressions of local talent that appear around every corner.
If you’re looking to sell your house fast in Marietta, highlighting this thriving arts scene can make your property even more appealing to buyers who value culture, community, and creativity.
Look at street art and galleries in your area
Local galleries display a wide spectrum of art, from modern paintings to handcrafted pottery. This shows off the community’s many talents. Artists exhibit their work and talk to people directly during Marietta Square’s weekly Art Walk events.
Murals and street art provide character to unexpected locations, converting ordinary walls into vivid storyboards. A lot of the time, these paintings reflect concepts of legacy, strength, and communal pride. It feels like a treasure hunt to look around because every new find exposes a different perspective of the city.
Other fun facts about Marietta make it even more interesting. The city is home to the historic Marietta Square, which has been a gathering place for the community since the 1800s. Lockheed Martin has a major aircraft manufacturing plant there, giving Marietta the nickname “Aerospace City.” The city also played an important role during the Civil War and features several historic sites and museums that share its story.
There are family-friendly events and seasonal markets where people of all ages can enjoy art, food, and music. A simple afternoon walk could be a cultural encounter that moves you.
Take it easy at Battery Atlanta
Marietta is more lively since The Battery Atlanta is only a short drive away. This entertaining area features a mix of trendy and welcoming entertainment, food, and open-air meeting spaces. People can roam about, listen to live music, or just sit back and watch others.
Take part in and have fun at public events and activities

People come from all across the neighborhood to see free events at The Battery Atlanta all year long. Local musicians, dancing groups, and community groups all do things that encourage creativity and connection. People who come can walk around the open space and stop to see any show that catches their eye.
Seasonal festivals, pop-up exhibits, and community-driven events mean that there is always something going on. You want to stay there, whether you’re listening to live music throughout the day or seeing the lights come on at night.
These events bring people together in a way that goes beyond the city limits and highlight how culturally rich Marietta and the rest of the Atlanta area are. They also showcase one of the region’s biggest advantages: a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other major metropolitan areas. From housing and dining to entertainment and everyday expenses, the greater Atlanta area offers residents the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant cultural scene without the high price tag often found in larger cities.
Look for activities to do in Atlanta that are one of a kind
If you want to see interesting things but still have a slower pace, Marietta is an excellent place to stay. There are a lot of things to do on the weekends, such as going to community parks, secret trails, and festivals that happen every year.
People who like nature can opt for less well-known paths in wooded areas, while families could like city parks with playgrounds and picnic areas. Local festivals show off a lot of different things, like arts and crafts and traditions that happen at certain times of the year. They have exciting things to do that seem quite local.
These nearby sites provide a mix of fun and peace, so there’s always something new to discover:
Plan out your ideal day in Marietta
You don’t need a perfect plan to have an amazing day in Marietta, just a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore. Start your morning with a relaxing stroll around Marietta Square, soak in the local charm, then head out in the afternoon to enjoy one of the area’s scenic trails. Wrap up your day with free live entertainment or music for the perfect finishing touch. Blending history, nature, and culture makes every moment both exciting and memorable.
And if you find yourself falling in love with the area, remember, we buy houses in Georgia and would be happy to help you make Marietta your home.
You can get a free itinerary checklist
A good itinerary checklist can help you make the most of your vacation. Start with the most essential places, then add time for parks and trails, and finally leave some time for surprises. Look at community calendars to see what free things are going on while you’re there. Also, make time to visit Kennesaw Mountain and local galleries.
This way, you can take your time and experience all of Marietta’s history, creativity, and natural beauty. If you have a simple guide, you can relax and have fun instead of stressing about the little things, whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or by yourself.
In Marietta, GA, there are a lot of free activities to do that let you get to know the area, learn new things, and meet new people. There are a lot of things to do in the city for people with all kinds of interests. These include old streets, cultural events, quiet river hikes, and colorful public acts. You can have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime without going over your budget by taking advantage of its welcoming atmosphere and many activities. If you’re thinking about making a move, Atlanta Home Buyers buys houses cash, contact us today to learn how we can help!
FAQs:
What are some free activities to do in Marietta, Georgia?
In Cobb County, you may go on free self-guided history tours, listen to music and watch movies at Glover Park, go on art walks and gallery visits, and take lovely hikes.
How can I see the historical sites in Marietta?
To find out more about the city’s past, you can join a self-guided walking tour of Marietta Square, visit the Marietta History Center, and wander around ancient homes and cemeteries in the area.
What free art and cultural events are available in Marietta?
You can go to monthly Art Walk events, visit local galleries, see street murals, and go to seasonal markets and community art displays.
Are there any free family events in Marietta parks?
Yes, Glover Park provides free concerts and movie nights all the time, plus there are festivals and other events for people of all ages in nearby parks.
How do I plan a free day out in Marietta?
Make a simple plan for your day that includes Marietta Square, nearby nature trails, local art stops, and community events to make sure you have a good time without spending too much money.
