Many will spend weeks, even months, anticipating and planning their annual spring break excursion. Others will arrive at the Friday before and simply be thankful for a week without classes and the chance to relax.

Regardless, it’s five days, from March 18 to 22, to unwind and break away from the rigidity of the college schedule. For those staying in town, it’s a chance to explore parts of campus or the city that there isn’t usually time to enjoy.

Providing educational discounts at places such as Zoo Atlanta, the Woodruff Arts Center, most movie theaters, and, of course, Tech athletics, the BuzzCard can facilitate some of that exploration. And for those on a limited budget, there are plenty of additional entertainment options nearby.

All Week:

• CRC on Spring Break Contest (Free): This Campus Recreation Center (CRC) contest is for students who photograph themselves wearing a CRC shirt during spring break and send it to marketing@crc.gatech.edu. The winner will be determined through “likes” on the CRC’s Facebook page and receive a prize pack that includes an iPod Nano.
• Phoenix Flies (Free): This annual series, hosted by the Atlanta Preservation Center, offers free tours and events at historic places throughout the city.
• Turner Field Tours ($5): During March, tours of the ballpark and Braves Museum and Hall of Fame are conducted every hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

Friday, March 15:

• Start of Atlanta Film Festival ($10): This annual festival runs through March 24 and gives attendees their fill of independent film. Most films will be shown at the Plaza Theatre on Ponce de Leon Avenue, while a few will be shown at other nearby locations.

Saturday, March 16:

• Baseball v. Boston College (Free): The Yellow Jackets face the Eagles at home.
• Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Free): The parade runs down Peachtree Street south of campus.
• Women’s Tennis v. Notre Dame (Free): The Jackets host the Fighting Irish at the new Ken Byers Tennis Complex.
• Walton High School Band Garage Sale (Free, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Marietta’s finest donations will be on sale to support the Walton High School Band.
• ShamRock the Station: ($10 in advance): Neighboring area Atlantic Station will host a concert in its park with an Irish theme, with 90's rock band Tonic headlining.

Sunday, March 17:

• Publix Georgia Marathon (Free): Volunteers are needed to help Tech defend its four-year title of Best Hydration Station.
• Baseball vs. Boston College (Free): The Jackets take on the Eagles again.

Tuesday, March 19:

• Baseball vs. Georgia Southern (Free): The Jackets take on a second set of Eagles at Russ Chandler Stadium.
• Historic Academy of Medicine Tour (Free): The Living History Program’s Marilyn Somers will lead the tour through this building that was designed by a Tech grad and recently renovated as an event space.

Wednesday, March 20:

• Celebrate the First Day of Spring (Free): Ritas's gives out free italian ice to all patrons on this day each year. Hope for a nice day and walk to the location near Piedmont Park.

Thursday, March 21:

• Improv Revolution at Dad’s Garage ($6): This night of adult humor takes place in the Inman Park neighborhood. Tickets are $12 but sold at 50 percent off to students who present their BuzzCard.

Friday, March 22:

• Men’s Tennis v. Wake Forest (Free): Tech hosts the Demon Deacons at home.
• Hackathon for Social Good (Free): SEMA Development, a student-spawned initiative, is partnering with AT&T to bring an overnight event of hacking and coding to the Clough Commons. 

Saturday, March 23:

• Sean Curran ($10 for students): Tech’s artist-in-residence will host his Atlanta premiere at the Ferst Center.

Sunday, March 24:

• Men’s Tennis v. N.C. State (Free): The Jackets take on the Wolf Pack.