March Madness: Free, cheap things to do in Atlanta the week of the playoffs

Why Is It Called March Madness? In 1939, an official with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) wrote an article called "March Madness" for the organization’s in-house magazine. "A little March madness may complement and contribute to sanity and help keep society on an even keel," Henry V. Porter wrote. He also wrote a poem using a version of the term three years later in which he wrote in part, "A sharp-shooting mite is king tonight/ The Madness of March is running." The phrase was uttered during N

March Madness will be here soon, and there are a slew of free events to attend throughout the metro Atlanta area.

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From concerts to festivals to family events, the city is offering a little something for everyone.

Take a look at the happenings below.

NCAA March Madness Music Festival

Three free music events are scheduled April 3-5: AT&T Block Party, March Madness Music Festival presented by Coca-Cola and Capital One JamFest. Taylor Swift headlines the latter event on April 5.

AT&T Block Party: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, April 3. Coca-Cola: 2 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4. Capital One JamFest: 2 p.m. -10 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Centennial Olympic Park: 265 Park Avenue West, NW Atlanta. www.ncaa.com.

Final Four Fan Fest

Described as a “sports wonderland,” the Final Four Fan Fest includes interactive games, special appearances by athletes and celebrities and autograph signings. Activities include a free cheer clinic and a rock climbing wall and the event is open all weekend.

Noon- 8 p.m Friday-Monday. Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. April 3-6. Georgia World Congress Center: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW Atlanta. Children 12 and under are free, adults are $8. www.ncaa.com.

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Resse Final Four Friday

Watch the Final Four teams practice for the last time before the national semifinal games Saturday and catch the Reese's College All-Star Game in the afternoon. It’s all free of charge.

10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday, April 3. Mercedes-Benz Stadium: 1 AMB Dr NW Atlanta. www.ncaa.com.

Ready, Set, Dribble!

This free Final Four event is for those 18 and under who will put their skills to the test as they dribble basketballs through downtown in a parade. The first 3,000 participants get an NCAA Dribble T-shirt, Wilson basketball and free entry into the Final Four Fan Fest accompanied by an adult.

3 p.m., required check-in begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 5. International Plaza at the Georgia World Congress Center: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta. www.ncaa.com.

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