Though the first day of spring is not until March 20, Georgia Tech’s spring break won’t wait that long. Classes will not meet the week of March 17-21, and students will have a much-needed break from their usual schedules to unwind and recharge.

After a particularly cold winter, fleeing somewhere warm for spring break is more enticing than ever. But for students who are staying close to home during their week off from classes, there’s plenty to do without going broke.

As always, a BuzzCard can yield educational discounts at Zoo Atlanta, the Woodruff Arts Center, most movie theaters, and, of course, Tech sporting events. There are also free events, such as the Atlanta Preservation Center’s Phoenix Flies (March 8 – 23), which gives you an opportunity to learn about Atlanta’s history through a whopping 237 tours, exhibits, and activities, a few of which are highlighted below.

As you enjoy time away from classes, remain vigilant in personal safety: Lock doors and windows when you’re away from home, avoid walking alone at night, and remove valuables from your car anytime you leave it.

Here are a few ideas to keep you busy during the next week.

Friday, March 14

• Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Tour: Learn about the horticulture along a two-mile stretch of the BeltLine, part of Tech alumnus Ryan Gravel’s master’s thesis. (Free. Also on March 15, 21, and 22.)

• Opening of Atlanta Francophonie Festival: The festival celebrates the French language and various cultures of its speakers. (Free)

• Baseball vs. Miami: Cheer on the Yellow Jackets in the first of a three-game series at home. (Free with BuzzCard)

Saturday, March 15

• Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Claiming to be Atlanta’s longest-running event, the parade goes through Midtown beginning at noon. (Free)

• Guided Midtown Tour: After the parade, you can learn more about the Midtown neighborhood. (Free)  

• National Register of Historic Places and Atlanta: If you’ve seen the plaques, you may have wondered about the register’s impact on the City of Atlanta. Now you can learn more. (Free)
• Baseball vs. Miami: Game two – Go Jackets!  (Free with BuzzCard)
• Shamrock the Station: Not to be left out of the Irish celebration, Atlantic Station will have its own daylong event, including a concert in the evening. (Free)

Sunday, March 16

• Baseball vs. Miami: At this point we’ll be hoping for a sweep. (Free with BuzzCard)

Monday, March 17

• Westview Cemetery Tour: Take a guided tour of this Westside cemetery where many iconic Atlantans have been laid to rest, including Asa Candler, Ivan Allen Jr., and Joel Chandler Harris. (Free)

Tuesday, March 18

• Piedmont Park History Tour: This 90-minute tour will give an overview of the 150-year-old park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places (and you’ve learned what that means now). (Free. Also on March 15 and 22.)
• Baseball at Kennesaw State: The perfect opportunity to see the Jackets play an away game, without going too far away. ($10)

Wednesday, March 19

• Untangled: Getting to the Roots of a Hair Movement: Visit neighboring Spelman College for this documentary on natural hair. (Free)
• Baseball at Georgia State: If Kennesaw was too far, you can watch the Jackets face the Panthers downtown. ($5)

Thursday, March 20

• Historic City Hall Tour: Another National Register of Historic Places site in Atlanta, this one downtown. (Free)  
• Red Bull Illume: This traveling sports photography exhibit takes place in Piedmont Park at night, showcasing art displayed in lightboxes. (Free)   

Friday, March 21

• Tour of Historic Downtown: A guided walking tour will teach you about the history of Tech’s neighbor to the south. (Free)
• Men’s Tennis vs. Boston College: Student athletes don’t necessarily get spring break – and the men’s tennis team will face an ACC opponent at home.  (Free with BuzzCard)

Saturday, March 22

• Wren’s Nest House Tour: Take a self-guided tour of the home of Joel Chandler Harris, journalist and author of the Brer Rabbit stories, and enjoy the Ramblers Storytelling while you’re there. (Free)
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market Tour: Learn about this historic market along the new Atlanta Streetcar route, and then stay for a snack or lunch. (Free)
• Howell Station Tour: Explore an area just to the northwest of campus that was established along Atlanta’s railroads. (Free)

Sunday, March 23

• Men’s Tennis vs. Notre Dame: One last chance to cheer on the Jackets during your time off. (Free)