Why let an empty wallet keep you inside all summer? Get to know the city of Atlanta, and check out these free events to keep your summer alive.

1. Browse the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

The ACAC sits adjacent to the Georgia Tech main campus and is only minutes away from Centennial Olympic Park. Admission is free for the general public every Thursday through 8 pm, and beginning in September, the ACAC will have open admission. Parking is free and the center is easily accessible by MARTA.

For hours and information, visit the ACAC website.

2. BYOT and Shoot the Hooch

Avoid the tube rental fee, and "bring-your-own-tube" to laze down the Chattahoochee river. The river is open through several public access points along the riverside. Don't have a tube? Rent one for as low as $5 through the Cool River Tubing Co.

3. Talk art at the 2015 Marietta Art Walk

Meet local artists, and enjoy live music at the Marietta Art Walk. Open every first Friday of the month, April - November from 5-9 pm. For directions and dates, visit artwalkmarietta.com.

3. Celebrate America at the Stone Mountain Laser Show

Park access and nightly laser shows are free. Shows play every night at 9:30 pm through August 2nd. Bring a blanket and picnic snacks to enjoy the summer show with friends! The park is accessible via MARTA and/or bus. If you're travelling by car, parking is $15.

For dates and directions, visit stonemountainpark.com.

4. Tour the state capitol

Free guided and self-guided tours are available every weekday morning throughout summer. Call ahead to reserve a tour slot, or visit their tourism page at Georgia Capitol Museum Online.

5. Leave your mark at the Krog Street Tunnel

Take pictures of the ever-evolving Krog Street canvas, or leave an image of your own. Enjoy live music, events, and the Krog Street Market which is open everyday throughout the summer. Find the tunnel at the intersection of Dekalb Avenue and Krog Street after exiting the Inman Park MARTA station.

6. Discover a new favorite at the Woodruff Reading Room

Re-read an old favorite or discover a new series at Woodruff Park’s open-air reading room. The “room” features books, periodicals, and newspapers with occasional programs and events during lunch. For hours and donation information, visit their Atlanta Initiative page.

7. Catch a free movie in (or out of) town

Multiple parks and community greens in and out of the perimeter are holding weekly summer movie showings. Bring a blanket and some friends to enjoy new and old favorites all summer long. For a full listing of movies and locations, visit the AJC Master Movie List.

8. Celebrate the 4th of July all across Georgia

Go out with a bang with July with celebrations all over the state. Festivities begin July 1. Click here for a full list.

9. Cool down with Atlanta's 5th Annual Ice Cream Festival

Join the city of Atlanta during the 5th Annual Ice Cream Festival. Ice cream, shaved ice, and slurpee vendors from across the state will line Piedmont Park alongside live music, health and wellness events, and an ice cream-eating competition.

For dates and times, visit the festival website.